Stories from Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Debra M. Wright, the subject of a two-day search of the Black River, is alive and presently in the Butler County jail. Authorities spent Monday afternoon and Tuesday searching by boat for Wright after she was reported missing. Wright was arrested Wednesday morning in the 2000 block of West Henry Street for a probation violation — dangerous drugs. She is being held without bond, said Poplar Bluff Police Lt. Josh Stewart...

This weekend offers several opportunities to help a good cause on the 9/11 Day of Service and to enjoy some fun unique to this region. The Current River Cleanup kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, with three locations to register, Watercress Spring, Waymeyer and The Landing. Participants can help clean up the river and surrounding area by boat, kayak, canoe or foot...

Sept. 6, 1923 • Poplar Bluff resident Alonzo Headly, 62, convinces a St. Louis judge to release his betrothed from jail and perform a quick marriage ceremony. Headly arrived in St. Louis to find his fiancée Mrs. Josephine Stephen, 50, in jail on misdemeanor charges. Judge John J. Driscoll agreed to drop the charges against her on the condition the couple left the city for good...

Dille Pollard Architecture announces the appointment of Chance Whitehead as project manager. Whitehead brings over 19 years of experience as a financial and administrative professional with a working knowledge of accounting, auditing and construction management experience, according to a press release from Dille Pollard...

Photo provided The Landing in Van Buren presents Southeast Missouri Food Bank with a check for $2,150. These were the proceeds from the first-ever Float to Feed Southeast Missouri, held July 15, when The Landing donated 10% of all rental proceeds to the food bank. Jeremy Bedell, owner of The Landing, presents the check to Sarah Garner, chief advancement officer of SEMO Food Bank...

SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has announced recipients of health care scholarships made possible by the foundation and the generosity of individual and family donors. Twenty-eight students received $32,500 in scholarship awards at an event held recently at the Jackson Civic Center...

Municipal Utilities General Manager Bill Bach (left) recently presented Mike Coleman with a watch for 28 years of service to MU. Coleman began working for MU on Aug. 7, 1995. He was the water plant superintendent for MU. He and his wife, Sheila, reside in Williamsville...

Caroline “Lina” Marie Dill, 22, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Aug. 30, 2023. She was born March 17, 2001 in Osage Beach, Missouri; a daughter of Scott Dill and Amy (Canady). A full reflection of Lina’s life can be read at www.parkermillard.com...

James Allen Smith II, 32, departed this world Friday, July 14, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. James was born Sept. 20, 1990 in Poplar Bluff to James and Brenda Smith. James was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. ...

The city of Poplar Bluff is considering zoning changes related to the establishment of recreational marijuana facilities. The rules would relate to state-licensed facilities, city manager Matt Winters told city council members Tuesday, when the item was discussed during the workshop portion of their regular meeting...

Repair of a historic community center in Williamsville, completion of a career center in Doniphan and street improvements in Dexter are just a few of the benefits the region will see from more than $3 million in recently-announced grant awards. “The improvements for us are extremely significant and we are very, very appreciative of approval of our applications,” said Williamsville Mayor Sandy Joy...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT An employee at the Poplar Bluff Street Department at 102 Johnson Drive reported at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, three city vehicles were vandalized over the holiday weekend. _ Sharon Kissinger reported at 10:51 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, someone used her debit card number to make unauthorized purchases online...