Stories from Friday, February 12, 2021

Southeast Missouri’s bitter cold and freezing ice impact no one harsher than the area’s homeless, says the Rev. Gregory Kirk of United Gospel Rescue Mission, who is pleading with the public for donations of water-resistant hats, gloves, underwear, socks, used coats and other outdoor winter wear...

I am proud to report the House has passed HB 85, also known as the “2nd Amendment Preservation Act.” The bill supports Missouri’s ability to self-govern without control by the federal government. I was one of the first co-sponsors of this legislation, which is so important now that we have a president who is hostile to our right to bear arms. The bill will now be considered by the senate...

Organization, planning and communication are normally a good thing. When it comes to a COVID-19 mass vaccine distribution they are a must. When your location happens to be the first of its kind in the state — twice — those items are magnified. Poplar Bluff officials faced that scenario in the days leading up to the first vaccination event on Jan. 22 and again this week for Friday’s second-dose distribution. We were the guinea pigs so to speak...

Dear Editor, Governor Parson has asked Missourians to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, police departments are reporting an increase in domestic violence calls. Those isolated in indoor spaces with abusive partners due to the pandemic have an increased risk of domestic and intimate partner violence. Fifty-eight percent of adults in America, including 68% of Black and Latino Americans, are survivors of gun violence, whether from domestic partners or otherwise...

Kenneth Gernstetter, age 63, passed away at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center on January 12, 2021. Kenneth was a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff. Kenneth will be remembered for his big heart and vast knowledge of television shows and movies trivia...

Glenda Clubb, 53, of Williamsville, died Wednesday, February 10, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is at noon Monday, February 15 at Ruegg Funeral Home in the Williamsville Chapel. Funeral service following at 1 p.m. in the Williamsville Chapel. Burial is in Clubb Family Cemetery, Williamsville...

There are few places where the shadow of a potential major earthquake looms larger than here in Southeast Missouri — a grim fact that is not lost on Southeast Missouri Emergency Management Association chairman Robbie Myers. “In Southeast Missouri, we have many potential threats, including flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Myers, who is director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency. ...

Upper-level students with the Neelyville R-IV school district will have an additional elective option in the 2021-22 school year geared toward helping them overcome barriers to graduation and success after school. The school board approved added the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program to high school and junior high...

CAPE GIRARDEAU — Saint Francis Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Alicia Henao Uribe, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist, to Cape Medical Oncology, a Saint Francis Medical Partner. Henao Uribe has practiced medical oncology and hematology with an emphasis in lymphoma, myeloma and breast cancer for more than 20 years. She joins Saint Francis from the Clínica de Oncología Astorga in Medellín, Colombia, where she worked as a hematologist and medical oncologist for more than 15 years...

One person was seriously injured when a vehicle traveling southbound on Westwood Boulevard at a high rate of speed lost control Friday night and crashed into a fence, becoming airborne briefly before taking down a utility pole and brick pillar. According to officers, excessive speed was a contributing factor. Witnesses at the scene said skid marks from the accident could be seen for approximately 60 yards...

Kim Bowman has been living in fear since COVID-19 began ravaging the nation in the spring of 2020. The 67-year-old Butler County resident has congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes – conditions that increased her risk of a serious outcome should she be diagnosed with the coronavirus...