Stories from Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Richard Mac Dock, 60, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, departed this life on May 4, 2020 at his residence. There will a graveside at 2 p.m. May 8 in the New Morley cemetery in Morley, Missouri. Fowler and sons of Neelyville in charge of arrangements.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Saint Francis Healthcare System announces Stephanie La Pierre, MBA, BSN, RN, CSSBB (ASQ), CPHQ, has been appointed to the newly combined role of chief nursing-clinical officer. La Pierre has served the health care system as chief performance improvement officer since 2015, according to a press release from Saint Francis. Her knowledge and expertise have led to best-in-class outcomes for quality and safety, officials said...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL Three area men were injured in a two-vehicle crash at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, on County Road 534, one mile east of County Road 543, in Butler County. According to the report, Gaylon L. Boyd, 51, of Poplar Bluff was operating a 2002 Ford pickup westbound when it struck an eastbound 2002 Ford pickup head on...

LeeAnn DeShea Hopson, 36, of Poplar Bluff, died Friday, May 1, 2020. She was born Jan. 29, 1984, to Kevin Ellis and Mary Hopson. She graduated from PBHS in 2002 and was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and enjoyed Loving Jesus Ministries. Survivors include her parents, Kevin Ellis and Mary Vaughn-Humphrey, both of Poplar Bluff: four sons, Mylez Burlbaugh and Isaiai Hopson, both of Poplar Bluff; Grayson and Jonathan Higginbotham of Little Rock, Arkansas; two daughters, LeAra Hopson of Poplar Bluff and Raniyah Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandmother, Lelia Hopson of Poplar Bluff; and three brothers and two sisters, with a host of aunts and uncles.. ...

County firefighters responded at 3:56 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, to a motor-vehicle crash on County Road 534. According to the report, extrication was not needed, but firefighters assisted emergency-medical-personnel with removing an injured person from a vehicle...

As we head into the last days of Missouri’s spring turkey season, which closes Sunday, the statewide harvest remains above last year’s at this point, though the gap appears to be closing some. As of Wednesday morning, hunters had checked 33,831 birds, about 2,500 more than this date last year and 2,400 shy of last year’s season total of 36,231...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer Missourians the state’s first elk-hunting season in modern history starting this fall. MDC will issue five permits for hunting bull elk for the 2020 season this fall. Four general permits will be for the public and one permit will be reserved for qualifying area landowners...

Johnny Ray Romine, 66, of Poplar Bluff, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Romine, the son of Fred Romine and Glenda Mae Daves Groves, was born Aug. 18, 1953, in Dupo, Ill. He was employed at Continental Nail Company. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and being outdoors...

Three Rivers College is holding the online information session, “Explore TRC, Virtually: Business Management” at 7 p.m. May 12.

Mildred Hicks, 91, of Piedmont, died May 6, 2020. Visitation will be at 5 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2020 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral will follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Des Arc Assembly of God, Des Arc. Burial: Sutton Cemetery, Vulcan. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Mary Hollis, 92, of Poplar Bluff entered her heavenly home May 6, 2020, at Cedargate Healthcare Facility. Mrs. Hollis was born July 4, 1927, in Portageville, Mo., to the late Elijah Morris Sr and Luncinda Hackney Morris. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crafts, baking, flowers, canning and her church family...

The Butler County University of Missouri Extension Office is offering weekly activity kits for local youths, available for pick up at the Poplar Bluff Parks and recreation Department. This week’s kits include materials and instructions for creating three variations of Mother’s Day jars...

The Missouri Supreme Court issued an order and operational directives earlier this week to help the courts across the state to begin resuming operations. Most in-person proceedings, except for specified exemptions, have been suspended since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic...

James P. “JP” McLane, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at his residence. JP was born Feb. 13, 1936, in Greenville, the son of late James Lyle and Verne (Page) McLane. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954 and briefly attended Mineral Area College on a basketball scholarship...

The Missouri Supreme Court has issued guidance that gives Butler County Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett light at the end of the tunnel. Butler County and Ripley County courts, which Pritchett presides over, have not reopened alongside area businesses...

SIKESTON - Route F in Stoddard County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. This section of roadway is located between County Road 422 and County Road 424. Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, May 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m...

The COVID-19 pandemic has impeded celebrating area teachers with the annual banquets and parties. However, both school districts and the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce are working to still provide recognition.

A Bloomfield man awaiting a court date on felony drug charges was arrested Tuesday following a high-speed chase through Dexter, which injured four police officers. Thomas Aaron Christian was taken into custody at the culmination of the pursuit. The 25-year-old is charged with the Class B felony of second-degree assault and the Class E felony of resisting a lawful stop...