Stories from Tuesday, February 27, 2024

DONIPHAN — When J “Mac” Maclachlan made the career switch to communications while he was in the Air Force, he didn’t anticipate where it would eventually lead him. Now, he is in Doniphan and preparing his fellow radio enthusiasts to be available for emergency services if they are ever needed.

With the fast-approaching solar eclipse on April 8, the Poplar Bluff Library has a packed list of events for enthusiasts of all ages.

Doctor John Blaich of Dental Arts in Poplar Bluff is set to be published in a scientific journal for his study concerning the treatment of oral ties in babies. His article, titled “Laser Infant Fenuloplasty for Latch Enhancement,” is scheduled to appear in the journal Inside Dentistry this summer.

Shelia Lee Barker (Knuckles), 70, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Shelia was born July 7, 1953, to Russell and Esther (Miller) Knuckles. She was a talented artist and singer, a loving sister and friend, and an especially devoted mother and grandmother. While she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace...

Brenda Brittingham Reid, 58, of Fisk, Missouri, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 at her residence in Fisk. Mrs Reid was born May 29, 1965 in Saint Louis, Missouri. She is survived by her father and stepmother: George D. and Virginia Brittingham of Broseley; three sons: Brandon Brittingham and Andrew Brittingham of Fisk, and Christopher Michael Brittingham of Moscoe Mills, Missouri; one brother: Donald Lynn Brittingham of O’Fallon. ...

Helen Irene Bush, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. Helen was born Aug. 22, 1926, in Annapolis, Illinois, to Homer Shanks and Myrtie Jane (Chapman) Shanks. Helen married Ernest W. Bush Feb. 8, 1946 in Laporte, Indiana; he proceeded her in death Aug. 6, 1990...

Corey Lee Bertram, 47, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.

Missy Dougherty Anthony was born to loving parents Malcolm and Anna (Riddle) Dougherty Sept. 28, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri. She passed into the arms of Jesus Feb. 24, 2024, after a ferocious battle with cancer. Missy attended Poplar Bluff schools. ...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT Basil Wayne Foster, 47, of Ellsinore was arrested Monday, Feb. 26, on a warrant. Foster was later lodged in the Butler County jail. _ Caleb Tyler Carlton, 18, of Poplar Bluff was arrested Monday, Feb. 26, on a warrant during a traffic stop. Carlton was processed and lodged in the Butler County jail...

The first weekend of April will see the Poplar Bluff area filled with people from all over the region, as well as some visitors from other states — and possibly even from other countries — all to get a good look at the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

The fate of the historic Poplar Bluff Post Office on Broadway Street hangs in the balance at a city council meeting in 1974. Downtown merchants claim demolishing the building to create a parking garage would be a boon to their businesses, while citizens and the county historical society decry the unnecessary destruction of a landmark. A farmer and the sheriff offer rewards for information on what are believed to be race-related arsons in 1924...