Stories from Monday, March 9, 2020

President Trump’s work to secure our borders, build a wall, and restore the rule of law across our county has energized millions of Americans since he became President. However, his efforts to keep American families safe have continually been undermined by cities which flagrantly disregard our country’s illegal immigration laws and serve as “Sanctuary Cities” for illegal immigrants seeking a safe hide-away. ...

Paul William Ethridge, 68, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. He was born Oct. 16, 1951 in Poplar Bluff to the late Warren and Goldie (Stucker) Ethridge. He was a life long resident of Butler county. Survivors include his son, Paul William Ethridge, Jr. ...

Firefighters responded to a call at 11:38 a.m. Saturday, March 7, of an unauthorized fire at the 2221 Trousdale St. home owned by Rick Brittingham and occupied by Rachel Taylor. Upon their arrival, firefighters found the home’s occupants trying to put out a grass fire. Firefighters used 50 gallons of water to extinguish the fire and used a thermal imaging camera on a nearby shed, which sustained damage, to check for hot spots...

Julia Mae Elliott, 88, passed away March 6, 2020, at her residence in Festus, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 17, 1931, to the late David R. and Nellie J. (Campbell) Williams. She also is preceded in death by her siblings, Alexander, Earl, Martin, Roy Williams and Tabitha Willie...

The Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District, 4878 Highway PP, will have a regular board meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the district office. The agenda includes regular business and reports, as well as new business entitled Redmond Sub...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON Staff Writer The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will be held from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School cafeteria. The event will be the local club’s 82nd annual fundraiser to benefit the youth of the community. The cost is $5 for each person, said Jim Sanchez, pancake day chairman. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 573-609-8830. Sponsorships and business delivery are available...

Butler County Sheriff Christopher Michael Bishop, 48, of the 600 block of County Road 468, was booked in the Butler County jail Saturday, March 7, on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. _ Amber Jean Christensen, 25, of Lafe, Ark., was booked in the Butler County jail Sunday, March 8, on two failure to appear warrants on the original charges of no proof of auto insurance and possession of a controlled substance...

Laurie Ann Massey Doublin, 52, of Puxico died Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Morgan Sifford Funeral Home in Puxico. The funeral will be at noon. Burial will be at Fagan Cemetery, Puxico. Tony Cookson will officiate...

Saint Francis Healthcare System is offering a paid educational opportunity for those looking to start a clinical career in health care. Applications for patient care associates, a paid educational opportunity, are currently being accepted for a four-week class through the Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center that begins on May 18. ...

The walls of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library were filled Saturday with authors there to make connections and share stories.

Missouri voters will head to the polls Tuesday for the presidential preference primary election. Here’s where and when to find the polls in the area. According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, all polling locations across the state are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day...

The first contract for a Poplar Bluff police officers union may be approved March 16 by city council members. The contract was set for a vote in February, but was delayed because of changes in city policy regarding benefits for employees hired after Aug. 31, 2019...