Stories from Friday, July 26, 2019

Life is about balance, youth in the summer Super Kids program at Wheatley School learned this week. Both animals and people need four things to live, water, food, shelter and space, explained Wappapello Lake Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson. “Within that chain, if one of the links is out of whack, it effects everything,” the ranger told third through sixth grade students during a presentation that was part of programs for Wheatley’s educational camp, which is held each July...

The Poplar Bluff Street Department closed the South 11th Street bridge over Pike Creek around 11 a.m. Friday because the structure had become too dangerous to use. Engineers have reported it has deteriorated more in the last six months, said city manager Mark Massingham, who looked at the bridge Thursday afternoon...

James 'Jim' Daniels, 77, of Republic, Mo., died Monday, July 22, 2019 at Springfield Villa. A Celebration of Life for Jim will be announced at a later date by the family.

PIEDMONT, Mo. — Audrey E. ‘Beth’ Ross, 92, of Piedmont, died Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be at noon Saturday, July 27 at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the Piedmont Chapel...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Tammy Marie Murray, 57, of Poplar Bluff, died July 25, 2019 at Westwood HIlls Healthcare in Poplar Bluff. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Ron Fowler officiating.

The Poplar Bluff R-1 school board heard an update from the Mules Booster Club at its monthly meeting on Thursday night where representative Brad Massey provided an update on plans. Massey said the annual Muleskinner Golf Tournament fundraiser is at capacity with 36 teams registered to compete. The event’s 11th year will be held Friday, Aug. 2 at the Westwood Hills Country Club...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Teddy K. Evans, 67, of Poplar Bluff, died July 24, 2019 at his residence. First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff will be the site of visitation at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28, followed by the service at 4 p.m. Internment will immediately follow at Black River Cemetery, with Brandon Spain officiating.

Airport board The Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport Board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the city council chambers in the Black River Coliseum. Items on the agenda include election of officers and reports from staff. ——- Electrical board The Poplar Bluff Electrical Board will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday at the city council chambers...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Jerry Glen Shostrand, 60, of Doniphan, Mo., died on July 24, 2019 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. p.m. Internment will immediately follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Doniphan.

MALDEN, Mo. — Edward Kelly Sr., 75, of Sacramento, Calif., died Monday, July 8, 2019 at his residence. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Monday, July 29 at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. at Bradshaw Chapel with Delora Scaggs officiating. Burial will be in the Macedonia Cemetery in Malden...

One of the marks of a successful legislative session is not only passing good bills, but also ensuring that bad bills are defeated. This session, there was no shortage of ill-conceived measures. Thankfully, most were defeated and many never even got to the floor. Here are just a few of the bills I am proud to have helped defeat this session...