Stories from Friday, December 18, 2020

Fellowship Church in Poplar Bluff once again is asking its congregation to “Be Rich” in the Christmas spirit of giving with its annual outreach offering. Based on 1 Timothy 6:18, which says, “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share,” Fellowship plans to raise thousands of dollars on Sunday, Dec. 20, for four different charities...

The Christmas season is now fully upon us. Even though we may be celebrating a bit differently, we will be celebrating. Many of our traditions, celebrations and parties will be curtailed; yet, we still have much to celebrate. Yes, I said, we have much to celebrate...

In The Daily Article for Nov. 30, 2020, Dr. Jim Denison, my favorite blogger, told the story of Chris Kennedy, who lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The Kennedys decorate their yard each Christmas. This year,Chris put up a lighted sign with the word “Joy” and a statue of a Black Santa Claus, which he hoped would set a good example for his 4-year-old daughter...

This column is inspired by a 1970 song by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young for parents to “teach your children well.” I’ve been thinking about that song often as I’ve wondered how my relatives who were stuck at home during WW II dealt with restrictions similar to what we’re encountering with COVID-19...

A 31-year-old Doniphan woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash at 9:09 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, on U.S. 160, five miles west of Doniphan. According to the report, Bobbie L. Harber was operating a 2016 Ford Fusion westbound when it ran off the left side of the road and struck an embankment and overturned...

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H’ers have been hard at work making blankets since the State 4-H Fashion Revue in October. Fifty 4-H’ers from 19 counties donated 72 handmade blankets to Project Linus as a result of a philanthropy challenge at the event. Project Linus is a national nonprofit that facilitates the donation of handmade blankets and afghans to children who are ill or in need. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children through hospitals and social service agencies...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL Rickey J. Tropf Jr., 39, of Poplar Bluff was arrested at 11:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, on a Butler County warrant for stealing and suspicion of possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana, resisting arrest and no seat belt. He was booked at the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department and transferred to the Butler County jail...

City firefighters noticed smoke coming from behind Plaza Tire, 1036 W. Pine St., at 6:42 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. According to the report, firefighters found a dumpster fire and used 100 gallons of water to put out the fire. _ City firefighters responded at 11:28 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, to a report of heavy smoke in the 800 block of Henderson St...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Herbert “Bob” Thomas, 72, of Neelyville, Missouri, passed away Dec. 13, 2020. Visitation for Mr. Thomas was Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 starting at 11 a.m. with the funeral starting at noon in the Fowler & Sons Funeral Home at Neelyville. Burial was in the City Cemetery at Poplar Bluff, Missouri following services...

Phyllis Ann Cayo, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 at her home in Poplar Bluff. Phyllis was born Aug. 14, 1932 to William Price and Blanche Killian in Poplar Bluff. She married Dana Kaywin Cayo Jan. 17, 1954, in Poplar Bluff...

PUXICO, Mo. — Elmer Roy Allen, son of Audrey and Dena Allen was born in Puxico, Missouri, April 29, 1933 and passed away at Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital Dec. 17, 2020, at the age of 87 years. Mr. Allen had lived in Puxico his whole life. He enjoyed antique cars and gardening. He was a member of the Corinth General Baptist Church in Puxico...

CAMPBELL, Mo.- Frieda Jean Hall Blakemore, 86, born Jan. 22, 1934, left this Earth Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, from her residence at St. Francis Park Assisted Living in Kennett, Missouri. Frieda was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. ...

The COVID-19 vaccine will be on it’s way to Butler County soon, possibly before Christmas. Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers said the FDA advisory panel recommended the Moderna vaccine for the area Thursday. Myers added, “hopefully, sometime today (Friday) or over the weekend, the full FDA approves it.”...

Several areas churches still will have special Christmas services and programs this year, albeit in what one pastor describes as “creative ways.” The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced many churches, including Poplar Bluff’s First Baptist Church, from holding any Christmas services this year. Other churches have opted to cancel their annual cantatas and plays...

A Poplar Bluff man was ordered to stand trial Friday in connection with the 2018 death of a man killed during an apparent drug transaction gone wrong. James Odell Johnson Jr. was charged Thursday with the Class A felony of first-degree murder and the unclassified felony of armed criminal action (ACA) in the shooting death of Jermaine Johnson...

The Grandin Christmas parade will start at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and run from the old school through town. Line up for the parade begins at 6:30 p.m., according to organizers, who invite everyone to bring their own vehicles or four-wheelers. Treats, hot chocolate and hot dogs will be given away at the Grandin Volunteer Fire Department following the parade...