Stories from Friday, September 17, 2021

Mary Lee Taylor 52, of Dudley, Missouri, died Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 at her residence in Dudley, MO. Mrs. Taylor was born Jan. 12, 1969 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter of Charles B. and Pansy Franklin. She was a member of Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

Martha Eunice Joiner, 94 of St. Louis, Missouri passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Vernice (nee Evans) Burris, her sisters, Helen Galanos, Naomi Burris, and Doris Whittle, and brother, Jim Burris...

A 30-year-old Poplar Bluff mother is working toward her dream job, thanks to the Excel Center, operated by MERS Goodwill. Ashley Louis said, “The Excel Center program has changed my life because without it, I wouldn’t be able to attend college. I was able to leave a job I was at for six years to go to a job I have always wanted, working with children. That wouldn’t be possible without having my high school diploma.”...

A 30-year-old Poplar Bluff mother is working toward her dream job, thanks to the Excel Center, operated by MERS Goodwill. Ashley Louis said, “The Excel Center program has changed my life because without it, I wouldn’t be able to attend college. I was able to leave a job I was at for six years to go to a job I have always wanted, working with children. That wouldn’t be possible without having my high school diploma.”...

CNN reporters returned to Van Buren last month to follow up with Carter County almost a year after publishing an article about the area’s high COVID-19 infection rates. The second article, published Sept. 9, indicates the debate has shifted and some are choosing to vaccinate, but the county still struggles...

The Neelyville R-IV school board Thursday night approved upcoming events, COVID-19 and flu shot clinics, air conditioning, window screens and a lagoon project. Superintendent Debra Parish said, “It seems everyone is glad to be back” after each administrator reported a successful beginning of school, with great excitement observed from the students and teachers...

Kenneth Louis Sneathern was a caring husband, dad, grandpa, poppa Ken, brother, and friend. He went to Heaven to be with his Savior on Sept. 14, 2021 at the age of 78. He battled serious medical issues courageously and with a smile. He was a tough old bird!...

Addison Kirkman (second from right) is the 2021 Poplar Bluff High School Homecoming Queen. She is pictured with (from left) Erick Kirkman (father), Olivia Kirkman (sister) and Martha Kirkman (mother).