Stories from Thursday, September 19, 2024

Law enforcement victories and setbacks were a running theme in this date’s headlines. The years 1924 and 1949 both saw arrests and prosecutions, including a counterfeiting ring in Shannon County. However, police and firefighters in 1974 struggled with the old City Hall facility’s disrepair and disorganization. Discussions of new headquarters are underway...

Details have been released regarding the Tinnin Fine Arts Center’s 2024-25 season program to the Board of Trustees Wednesday afternoon. Among the headline shows will be the Oct. 3 Broadway Fright Night and the Nov. 16 Vienna Boys Choir.

This was the biggest conference in Women Aware’s 37 years, even before keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart took the stage at 3 p.m. Thursday. “It’s going great,” said Director Cindy Morgan. The conference sold all of its 450 regular tickets before the early bird pricing expired, and over 50 more tickets were purchased just to hear Smart. Attendance was so high, organizers were utilizing Black River Coliseum’s second-story seating...

“I would encourage each and every one of you to believe in happiness. Take the time to enjoy your life.” Those were the words of advice given by Elizabeth Smart as she delivered an unapologetic message of hope to the women attending the 2024 Women Aware conference Thursday afternoon.

Shea D Johnson pleaded guilty to all amended charges of multiple sex crimes and obtained the designation of “predatory sexual offender” Wednesday afternoon. According to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith, the original case was filed Aug. 2020 and was scheduled to proceed to a jury trial Sept. 24-27 before Circuit Judge Robert N. Mayer.

Real estate agent and Downtown Poplar Bluff business owner Stephanie Knoppe has been recognized for her work to help this historic heart of the city. Knoppe was named the 2024 Downtown Game Changer by Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. She was presented the award Wednesday by Downtown Poplar Bluff Advisory Board Chair Beverly Roach, Steve Halter, President of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and DPB AB Director, and Executive Director of Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc. ...