Stories from Friday, April 24, 2020

Most of us occasionally struggle to be patient with those closest to us, our spouses, children, co-workers and friends. That’s understandable, since no matter how much we love them, we inevitably become frustrated with both their failures and the things about them that do not make sense to us...

Can you believe there are people who still do not believe Christ rose from the dead? Yeah, I can’t believe it either, (as I stick my tongue in my cheek). Yes, there are many who doubt the truth of the resurrection and even the existence of God. Now, for those of us who believe, don’t be too hard on those who do not...

CHARLESTON — The Missouri Department of Corrections has received notification that 19 offenders in a quarantined housing wing at Southeast Correctional Center (SECC) have tested positive for COVID-19. Following positive test results for three of the wing’s residents earlier this week, the Department of Corrections took proactive measures to gather vital data, contain the virus, and protect the SECC population by testing 146 people — all 64 housing wing residents and 82 staff members. ...

The Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) will give out free pet food again this Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the former Orscheln store property next to Planet Fitness on Westwood Boulevard. It may be the last distribution day for AWA’s Corona Crisis Pet Food Pantry, as laid-off area employees are expected to gradually return to work starting in early May...

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri recently recognized a local investigator for his efforts in getting more firearms and drug cases prosecuted at the federal level. Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeff Johnson received the Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony earlier this year at the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse in St. Louis...

“War is the health of the state,” wrote the progressive Randolph Bourne during the First World War, after which he succumbed to the Spanish flu. America’s war on the coronavirus pandemic promises to be no exception to the axiom. However long this war requires, the gargantuan state will almost surely emerge triumphant...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL A 58-year-old Fredericktown man was injured in a one-vehicle crash at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, April 23, on Highway 34, three miles east of Silva. According to the report, Billye A. Stromatt was operating a 2000 Chevrolet Bravada westbound when it ran off the right side of the road and overturned, striking a tree...

City firefighters responded at 7:05 a.m. Friday, April 24, to a report of smoke in the area of Homer Avenue. According to the report, firefighters found a small bundle of wire burning behind 424 Homer Ave. The fire was put out. _ County firefighters responded at 9:08 p.m. Thursday, April 23, to a report of a tractor-trailer on fire at Heartland Express, 4155 S. Westwood Blvd...

Sophia, beloved daughter of Brandle and Holly Bryant, was born into this world on April 16, 2020. She was the most beautiful little girl and left her footprints on every piece of our hearts. Sophia earned her angel wings in the arms of her loving mother on April 17, 2020...

Due to the restrictions around COVID-19, application deadlines, testing procedures, and program start dates for some Nursing programs at Three Rivers College have been changed.

The Bank of Missouri is pleased to announce the appointment of two new community bank presidents. Brian Taylor will transition into the leadership role of community bank president for Caruthersville, and Brandon Flowers will serve as community bank president for Steele.  ...

Neoma Elizabeth (Smothers) Bishop, 89, of Poplar Bluff, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Wednesday, April 22, 2020, surrounded by her family. Neoma, the daughter of the late Leonard A. and Mary Ellen (Walker) Smothers, was born July 16, 1930, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church and was a homemaker...

Butler County’s total number of positive COVID-19 cases hasn’t changed in the last 24 hours, according to officials with the county’s health department. “Right now, we do not have any more new cases, so we’re standing at 24,” said Butler County Health Department Director Emily Goodin during Friday’s briefing at the Emergency Operations Center...

The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff is pleased to announce the arrival of Interim Medical Center Director, Paul Hopkins. Hopkins assumes command effective April 26.

Wappapello Lake – Efforts to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff members continue as Corps of Engineers staff at Wappapello Lake plan for the reopening of Corps recreation areas as soon as practical, given the