Stories from Wednesday, December 18, 2024

After poring over the scene of a disastrous fire, investigators in 1974 placed the blame on a short circuit.

What happens when you go more than a century without re-assessing property taxes? The landowners in Drainage District 7 found out this December. It includes steeply increased bills, some by more than 500,000%, others by as little as 9%. Union Pacific Railroad went from paying $4.25 in 2023 to owing $23,777.77 in 2024...

Hundreds of children in FosterAdopt Connect will be sleeping in new pajamas this holiday season thanks to the Poplar Bluff Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis’ Jama Rama project has provided pajamas to children since its inception in 2008. Most years, the group considers giving 200 children new sleepwear for Christmas a success. This year, it set a goal of providing 600 pairs of pajamas and was able to gather 476 new pairs...

There’s still time to visit with Santa and enjoy some holiday fun ahead of Dec. 25. Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health will host Hug in a Mug from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, offering festive treats along with mental health resources. This event is free and offers tips and resources to support your mental well-being, according to organizers...

BLOOMFIELD — Saturday was a day for all Americans to remember those who served, honor their sacrifices, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. The Missouri National Veterans Cemetery in Stoddard County was one of 4,909 locations participating Dec. 14 in Wreaths Across America day...

Elmer Allen Jr., 87, of Des Arc, Missouri, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Visitation is at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral is at noon, Saturday, Dec. 21, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial following in Mt. View cemetery, Des Arc...

Steven Swindell, 51, of Poplar Bluff was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a warrant. He was lodged in the Butler County jail. _ Officers made contact Wednesday, Dec. 18, with a lady and her cat at the front desk of the police station. The cat had been shot with a pellet gun and had to be taken to the veterinarian’s office. No suspects at this time...