Stories from Friday, May 24, 2024

The front pages on this day are dedicated to storm recovery. In 1924, Poplar Bluff works to restore power and communications after powerful thunderstorms. Twenty-five years later, Cape Girardeau calls for state aid to clear the wreckage after the deadliest tornado in that city’s history...

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Missouri Speaker of the House Dean Plocher for visiting Poplar Bluff and providing us with an opportunity to gather at the Butler County Courthouse. It was a privilege to share with our constituents the numerous accomplishments we’ve achieved this year...

It’s a normal day and you’re going about your normal routine, and all of a sudden your vision starts to blur and you see double while one side of your body just feels heavier than the other side. Do you know what’s happening? Do you know what to do next?

The year is 1968, and the Vietnam War has kicked into high gear. Negative reports abound and a deep sense of confusion seems to overtake the country. And a young man from Poplar Bluff finds himself flying a helicopter all over the country of Vietnam and sees the good and the bad of it all... and he’s only 20 years old.

Be careful. High winds, hail and flash floods are all possible throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

Benedict R. Knoppe, 80, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Mercy South in St. Louis. Ben was born June 22, 1943, to Joseph and Martha (Bucher) Knoppe in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ben enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In his younger years, Ben loved to run marathons and travel. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in St. Louis. Ben was also a member of the United States Army and served in Vietnam...

Robert Allen Turley, Sr., 85, passed away May 19, 2024 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley; four children, Robert, Randal, Crystal, and Dana; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a large, extended family. His brother, Fred W. Turley, preceded him in death in 1998. Robert was a member of the Lutheran Church...

Life hasn’t been easy for many of the MERS Goodwill Excel Center graduates, but the light and joy on their faces at Thursday night’s graduation reflects the changes in their lives. Graduates receiving high school diplomas were Miranda Doolin, La’Shanna Harmon, Courtney Johnson, Dillon Robinson, Ashley Baird, Elbert Horton Jr., Jesseliz Howard, Sumeja Keserovic, Melissa Miller, Astasia Phelps, Chris Scheerer and Kayla Simpson...

The streets of Poplar Bluff regularly bear visitors, cars, and foot traffic. The roads appear quiet and uneventful, belying another load they carry — history. Local historian Kati Ray also carries that message, leading walking history tours of the city in the anniversary month of the 1927 tornado...

Three Rivers College will hold an infrastructure and engagement roundtable in the fall tied to a three-year institutional improvement program. This, and a student-led cattle farm were topics as the Board of Trustees closed out the current school year in May...

Eric Lambert was arrested at 2:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, on a no bond Butler County warrant for absconder. _ Marcu Powell was arrested at 10:28 a.m. Friday, May 24, on a Poplar Bluff city warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of peace disturbance with a $100 cash or surety bond...