News

Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech lauded those who take on challenges, shoulder responsibility, dare to excel. Gary Wayne Rust of Cape Girardeau demonstrated that visionary character. Heralded scholar. Talented athlete. Successful business founder and owner...

World news eventually passes on to be world history. For one resident of Butler County, current events bore a striking resemblance to a 2,000-year-old trope. In 1950, Poplar Bluff was hammered by ice storms in a mirror to the forecast for the present day’s weekend. One hundred years ago, the city celebrated the efficient operation of its coal-powered electric plant and the upgrade of its post office to first-class...

October started with a large community event and the Poplar Bluff Community rallied to help a family after a Christmas tragedy. These and many more stories filled out the final three months of the year. OCTOBER Tuesday, Oct. 1 • The city of Poplar Bluff enjoyed the largest attended Iron Horse event in its 15th year. The event was held downtown the weekend before and saw multiple vendors and pedestrians enjoying the event...

To provide sports services at no cost to persons with mental and physical developmental disabilities by creating a support network for individuals, families and the community — that is the mission of P.B. Buddy Ball, which is nearing 11 years of service to Poplar Bluff kids, teenagers and adults...

Following the public meeting between community stakeholders and Drainage District 7 regarding the steep tax hikes, board members have been meeting with legal counsel to find a practicable resolution. Some businesses saw DD7 tax increases by as much as 500,000%. The taxes saw a precipitous increase following the first re-assessment of benefits in more than a century...

Whether it is rain, sleet or snow, the National Weather Service out of Paducah, Kentucky advises being cautious when planning to stay warm during the upcoming winter storm.

A Poplar Bluff family set a one-of-a-kind birthday record in 1925: three sons of different ages all born within a day of each other. Today’s headlines also included progress for local industry and successful forest management. 100 years ago Jan. 3, 1925...

Harzloe Knuckles was born at 3:34 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, to be the first baby of 2025 delivered at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Harzloe, who weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces, is the second daughter of Alexia Fuwell and Kasy Knuckles of Paragould, Arkansas...

The April 8 election has two contested races across three Butler County school districts and the city of Poplar Bluff as filing closed Dec. 31. For the Neelyville R-IV School District board, Matthew Marshall, Page Reinbott and Jordan Thomas all filed. There are two positions available, each carrying three-year terms. Marshall is the only incumbent of the group after Jill McGruder decided not to run for re-election...

It’s coming. A large storm front full of wintry precipitation is on the way. But no one knows exactly what they’re going to get.

The months of July, August and September hosted record-breaking events and anniversaries for local charities and organizations. From Rock the Country amid triple-digit heat to Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s bed build, the region stayed busy during the hot summer months...

Addiction to drugs is a difficult battle for a woman to fight and overcome, but being pregnant makes is even harder. Recycling Grace Ministries is working to provide a safe place to provide treatment to keep mother and child together at a local maternity center...

A Poplar Bluff resident experienced an unexpected windfall after purchasing a “Crossword Plus” Scratchers ticket at Villa Liquors, located at 818 Highway 53. The ticket revealed 11 words, securing the player a $50,000 top prize. Initially unaware of the magnitude of her win, the player returned to the store for confirmation...

The Point in Time Count is an initiative to count the homeless population throughout the 101 counties of the Missouri Balance of State Continuum of Care. The homeless population census will assess the number of homeless individuals and families following regulations set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the night of Jan. 22...

Commonly known as the bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is a virus that is transmitted from bird to bird through saliva, nasal discharge and fecal matter. HPAI can affect all bird species but has been commonly found in snow geese in Southeast Missouri. ...

The Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland has big things planned for 2025 including its 25th anniversary. According to BGCH Chief Executive Officer Chris Rushin, the Regional Workforce Development Teen Center by the Poplar Bluff High School is ahead of schedule...

Retirements, record rainfalls, and a Total Eclipse of the Bluff were only a few of the events that filled the days between April and June in 2024. Here’s a look at some of the highlights: Tuesday, April 2 • Easter weekend activities draw approximately 100 youth to the Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center for an Easter egg hunt, while members of the Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff carried crosses throughout Downtown Poplar Bluff area on Good Friday...

TUESDAY 100 years ago Dec. 31, 1924 • Would-be bank robbers in East Prairie were thwarted by a small dog and a child. Donald Chapman, 21, and Harry Oliver, 20, were arrested while holding up the New East Prairie Bank at gunpoint yesterday afternoon. Both were locals. They borrowed guns and a car, donned masks, and successfully ordered bank employees on the ground while a cashier named J.R. Presson began clearing out the safe. They also drew the blinds in the bank’s office to hide the holdup...

The April 8 election so far has only one contested race across three Butler County school districts and the city of Poplar Bluff as of Monday. For the Neelyville R-IV School District board, Matthew Marshall, Page Reinbott, and Jordan Thomas all filed for the two three-year positions available. Marshall is the only incumbent of the group after Jill McGruder decided not to run for re-election...

Butler County Presiding Judge Kacey Proctor welcomed all newly elected Butler County officials into a crowded Division I courtroom Monday afternoon.

A three-alarm fire Friday night in a vacant single story house at 415 W. Harper St. is being investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshal.

A wave of revitalization is sweeping through Downtown Poplar Bluff, breathing new life into this historic heart of the city. New businesses are popping up, facades are getting fresh coats of paint, and a palpable sense of optimism fills the air. This transformation is evident in the success of events like the Eclipse Festival in April, and the 2024 Iron Horse Festival, a beloved tradition now in its 15th year...

Part 1 The beginning of 2024 is marked by planning for the April 8 eclipse, business changes and honors for Poplar Bluff natives. Scott Innes and Chelsea Edmundson appear in a movie with a national star, while David B. Knight, founder of Ole Hickory Pits smokers is named to the BBQ Hall of Fame and retiring chief juvenile officer Shonda Hill is honored...

On Dec. 20, Leon Lamb became the second person to be charged in the 1992 murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless. Lamb was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is the fifth person to be the subject of a grand jury relating to this murder...

Poplar Bluff mourned its oldest resident on this day in 1949. John Bradley, 106, was the oldest man in the city and likely the entire state. Other headlines included missing cash, near-misses on the train tracks, and preparations for the first baby of 1975...