Stories from Wednesday, May 5, 2021

It is with deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of our Mother, Suzy Selvidge, 55, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, March 7, 2021. Suzy was born to Carl and Gloria Selvidge in Sioux City, Iowa, in the summer of ‘65. She loved her father and mother fiercely; dedicated much of her life to serving with them on the family farm, a safe haven Carl and Gloria had built together before their passing in 2009 and 2019 respectively...

The spring turkey harvest in Missouri, and the southeast region of the state in particular, continues to lag far behind what it did last year. As of Wednesday morning, the statewide harvest was at 27,623 birds, compared to 33,831 at the same point in the season last year...

As warmer weather approaches, many sportsmen maybe be looking for ways to get outdoors but beat the heat. During this time of year, it can be very beneficial to try doing some fishing at night. Many species of fish have been known to become more active during the last few hours of daylight during warmer weather. This provides anglers with a great way to enjoy the cooler time of the day, as well as some great fishing...

Hershel Leon Thornton, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Hershel was born on September 11, 1932 to Willard and Irene (Butler) Thornton in McCrory, Arkansas. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine (Robertson) on June 1, 1955...

Victoria Lynn Smith, age 61, of Broseley, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff. Ms. Smith was born November 9, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of the late Robert and Doris Radford. She was of the Christian faith and was a LPN for over 20 years...

Ruthanna Benjamin, age 98, of Fisk, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Benjamin was born November 21, 1922, daughter of the late Harvey and Pearl Avery. She was a member of Ash Hill General Baptist Church. Mrs. Benjamin was a teacher for 30 years. She enjoyed cross stitching and never missed a Cardinals baseball game on T.V. On December 30, 1951, she married Bernard C. Benjamin. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2005...

Treva Lue LaRue, 87, of Pryor, Oklahoma passed away Monday, May 3, 2021. Treva was born on September 7, 1933 to Vincent and Lessie Scates in Success, Arkansas. She married Artis LaRue on January 6, 1951 in Alton, Illinois. Treva was a very protective, loving, and caring woman. She befriended many and many are proud to call her their friend. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Treva’s greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother...

By BILL ALLEN Staff Writer Over 400 years of experience and service to Poplar Bluff R-I Schools were celebrated Tuesday in a reception held at the Westwood Center. The district honored 26 retiring employees. Two retirees, in particular, were present to mark another milestone in their lifelong relationship...

Flower sale fundraiser Saturday for UCAN The 12th Annual Xi Kappa Mother’s Day Flower Sale benefitting UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network) will be held Saturday at Poplar Bluff Realty, Highway 67 North.  While flowers may be pre-ordered, the sale will begin at 8 a.m. and end at noon, unless sold out before noon...

A loud explosion on Poplar Bluff’s south side Wednesday afternoon may have shook up some residents, but the cause is what Police Chief Danny Whiteley considers somewhat routine. It turned out to be two military grenades found recently, which were disposed of by members of the Southeast Missouri Bomb Squad at the city leaf and limb disposal site...

Deborah Ann Shepard, age 67, of Qulin, Missouri, passed from this life Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at her home, in Qulin. Mrs. Shepard was born November 07, 1953 in Qulin, daughter of the late James and Cora Ray. She was a homemaker and enjoyed caring for her flowers and yard. She also enjoyed decorating, crafting, Sudoku, fishing, yard sales, sewing and going to church and was a member of Apostolic Tabernacle at Poplar Bluff...

Missouri state offices will open Monday, May 17, and the Butler County Health Center will offer local businesses COVID-19 vaccinations on site. Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers announced during the COVID briefing Wednesday, if a state office is not open yet, it will open May 17...

Teresa Mae Wagner 53, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday May 2, 2021 at her residence. She was born April 27, 1969 in Poplar Bluff to Larry Montgomery and Mary (Roach) Roberts. She was a homemaker, she collected Elvis items, and loved her dogs. Surviving is her mother, Mary Roberts; her daughter, Kaitlin Wagner; brother,...

City firefighters responded at 2:33 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, to a report of a vehicle fire on Sanders Street. According to the report, when crews arrived, they found a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle with steam coming from under the hood. Crews disconnected the battery and waited for the vehicle to cool down before clearing scene...