Stories from Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Hair stylist Ashley House confesses that her 10-year journey from being a stay-at-home mom to owner of House of Hair was marked by a series of chance encounters that evolved into opportunities. “Growing up I was always something of a tomboy, so I never saw myself as a hair stylist. But my husband, Jim, and I were out driving one day and passed by a cosmetology school. I told Jim, ‘You know what? I think I want to do that (hairdressing),”’ House recalls...

To the Editor, “The Black Community” is a socially destructive phrase. There are a lot of things we say every day that fit the commonly accepted definition of ‘racist’ and reveal the lazy thinking that is frequently at the root of what we say and do. Warning: this piece of writing requires actual mental effort...

Kevin Delain Woodham, age 55, of Qulin, Mo., died Sunday, June 21, 2020, at his residence. Mr. Woodham was born Dec. 26, 1964, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of the late Jimmie Sr and Eva L. Woodham. He is survived by three children: Justin Woodham and Stephanie Woodham of Qulin and April Tinajero of Okeechobee, Florida; two brothers: Jimmie Woodham Jr. and Keith Woodham of Qulin; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild...

Virgil Ray Burpo, 67, of Zalma, Mo., died June 17, 2020, at his home surrounded by those he loved. Virgil was born Sept. 14, 1952, in Poplar Bluff to Ray and Betty Burpo, who preceded him in death. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. He maintained gainful employment on the Union Pacific Railroad as a foreman for the bridge crew...

A 50-year-old Essex man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, on U.S. 67, south of Highway JJ, in Butler County. According to the report, Scott T. Janes, 34, of Broseley was operating a 1997 Intrenational dump truck southbound when it was struck in the rear by a 2011 Chevrolet pickup being operated by Noland C. Clark...

Contractor crews will soon begin work to improve southbound U.S. Route 67 in Butler County. The project includes pavement repairs starting 1 mile north of Route 160 to the off ramp to Route 160 Weather permitting, work will be underway Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily...

A Doniphan propane supplier will serve in industry leadership for the Missouri Propane Gas Association. The association recently elected officers and directors to serve on its Board of Directors for 2020-21. The new terms begin July 1 although board members will not be installed until the planned Oct. 3 meeting due to health concerns with large public gatherings...

Cecil James (Jimmy) Woods Jr., 55, of St. Louis passed away May 19, 2020, peacefully in his home. He is preceded in death by his mother, Roosie Lee Hood, and his father, Cecil James Woods Sr. Jimmy was born in Poplar Bluff. He attended Central High School in Minnesota and later graduated from North Hollywood School in North Hollywood, California. Jimmy later attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles...

Darren Lavar Williams, 36, of Poplar Bluff, departed this life on Wednesday June, 17, 2020, at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Darren was born Sept. 29, 1983, in Poplar Bluff, to Ellen “Dollie” Williams and Kevin “Donnie” Grant. Darren graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High School. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of New Life Church. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, barbecuing, and listening to music. He will be best remembered for his sweet spirit...

VAN BUREN —A Van Buren man was ordered to stand trial Monday for the December death of his mother. Having heard testimony on Friday and Monday afternoons in the case of Dakota W. Taylor, Associate Circuit Judge Stephen Lynxwiler found probable cause to believe the 27-year-old committed the felonies of second-degree murder and of armed criminal action...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL Christopher J. Duncan, 31, of Van Buren was arrested at 4:11 p.m. Sunday, June 21, on suspicion of DWI (drugs) and careless and imprudent driving involving an accident. He was booked at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department...

City firefighters responded at 5:27 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. Monday, June 22, to alarms at the Brent Tinnin Apartments, 2049 Greenwood Drive. It was investigation only each time. _ City firefighters responded at 3:13 p.m. Monday, June 22, to a motor-vehicle crash in the 1500 block of Maud Street...

Gary Lynn House, 62, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, went on to be with Jesus on March 24, 2020. He was surrounded by his family. Gary was born to David and Nadine House on Aug. 7, 1957. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer House of Poplar Bluff; daughter, Erika (Darrell) Eastwood; granddaughters, Amber Meagan McMillian and Hayley Eastwood; one great-grandson, Finn Dewayne Guard; his mother-in-law, Kitty Tipton; sister, Joy Jennings and brothers, Harley House, Perry House and Scott House...

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust has elected Christy Frazier-Moore as its new chair for the coming year.

Melvin Willis Branscum, 61, of Poplar Bluff died June 21, 2020 at his residence. He was born April 15, 1959 in Wichita, Kansas to Willis Lee Branscum and Wanda Lee (Lourance) Branscum. Branscum was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed raising horses, hunting and fishing...

Amy Courtney returned to Poplar Bluff R-I after graduation to teach the next generation.

Missouri reached another one-day high on Tuesday in new positive tests for COVID-19, topping the previous highs set over the weekend. The Department of Health and Senior Services reported 434 new cases along with five deaths as the state inched closer to a milestone. There have been 966 deaths associated with the virus in the last 98 days...

The Black River Coliseum fell silent for a moment Tuesday night as Poplar Bluff graduates and families bowed their heads to consider the empty chairs in the room, the graduates who weren’t there and the world.