Stories from Monday, October 1, 2012

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The National Weather Service describes storm spotters as its "eyes and ears," yet Butler County would be without this resource if a group of former Emergency Management Agency volunteers had not continued their efforts after the program was apparently abandoned by current director Rick Sliger...

Eva Black Eva Lucille Black, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Black was born April 28, 1922, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Black enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing bingo and playing with her dogs...

The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to use extreme caution in these work zones, beginning Monday. BUTLER CO. Southbound U.S. 67 between Highway PP and U.S. 60 will be reduced to one lane from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Oct. 22 as contractor crews cross the highway with heavy equipment...

Spencer Lee Smith Chris and Chelsea Smith of Poplar Bluff, Mo., have chosen the name Spencer Lee Smith for their 7-pound, 14.3-ounce son born at 8:05 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. He was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Martin and Patti Elkins of Fagus, Mo., and Louie and Carolyn Smith of Poplar Bluff. ...

Ricky Knapp MALDEN, Mo. -- Ricky Knapp, 57, of Gideon, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Funeral arrangements are pending with Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden.