Stories from Monday, September 25, 2023

Ray Joe Hastings loves Current River and everything about it. That’s why his passion in life is preserving the river’s history, its pastimes and culture for the generations to come. In order to do that, Hastings set out on a path years ago that led him to become a collector of river artifacts and a maker of authentic fish gigs, the latter of which he mastered both as an artisan and a practitioner...

Poplar Bluff skate plaza filled with life Saturday as skateboarders from across the Midwest flocked to compete in the fiery, all-inclusive skate competition, September Slam, hosted by the owner of Dirty Skateboards, Justin Stevenson. This adrenaline-pumping extravaganza not only showcased breathtaking skills, but also serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of skateboarding culture...

The Daily American Republic was recognized with four awards Saturday at the annual Missouri Press Association convention. Assistant Editor Samantha Tucker was presented with the 2023 William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist Award. In the Better Newspaper Contest, Editor Donna Farley received first place in Best Page Design and third place for Best Health Story. DAR staff also received a third-place honor for Best News of Feature Special Section...

Patricia Faye Douglas Hosey, 76, died Sept. 22, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is survived her brother and sisters, Rita Cooksey of Poplar Bluff, Charlotte Tidwell of Sikeston of Barlow, Kenneth Douglas of Barlow, Kentucky and Sarah Wolffer of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Douglas of Poplar Bluff...

Barbara Jean (Freeman) Frish, 83, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Barbara was born Sept. 28, 1939 in East St. Louis, Illinois. A role model for professional women, Barbara started her banking career as a stenographer at the Federal Reserve Bank in St. ...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT Benjamin Harris, 63, of Poplar Bluff was booked at 9:07 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, on Poplar Bluff municipal warrants for failure to appear on code violations. He was released on bond. _ Jeremy Arnold, 42, of Poplar Bluff was booked at 9:19 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, on Poplar Bluff municipal warrants for failure to appear on traffic offenses. He was released on bond...