Stories from Friday, February 4, 2022

The Annual Mason Dixon Chili Society’s Chili Cook off will be held Feb. 25-26 at the Black River Coliseum and is a “win-win event,” claim participants. The event opens to the public at 11 a.m. Feb. 26 and benefits the United Gospel Rescue Mission. Attendance is free, but donations are accepted and prizes are awarded for the booth that raises the most...

Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council election ballots have been counted and five people have been selected for a two-year term, according to Interim County Engagement Specialist John Fuller. The winners are Tawana Ashcraft, Kathryn Clark, Lanny Corcimiglia, Miranda Fickert and Doug Rose Jr...

What is 4-H? More than many imagine, according to organizers. 4-H is more than a club, they say. 4-H is young people preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow. The University of Missouri Extension office in Butler County is hosting a 4-H informational meeting for parents and youth, as well as adults who are interested in joining or being involved in a 4-H club...

The Poplar Bluff Historical Preservation Commission is in the first stages of drafting mural guidelines for the downtown district, in collaboration with Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc. Poplar Bluff has work by muralists including Tara Brown, whose art is visible at Huntington Pool, and Paul Jackson, who designed the “River Dreams” mural at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. ...

Martha Ruth Shaw Foster, 92, of Van Buren died Feb. 2, 2022. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in the First Baptist Church in Van Buren with the funeral services following at 1 p.m. www.mcspaddenfh.com

William “Bill” Mark Wilson, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Bill was born Oct. 16, 1958, to C.M. and Lottie (White) Wilson in Poplar Bluff. He married Heather (Marshall) Wilson Dec. 24, 2007, in Kennett, Missouri. Bill served his country with the Army from 1977-1984 which included a tour in Korea. ...

Kenneth Wayne Pipkin, 76, of Kawanee died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at his home.