Stories from Thursday, April 1, 2021

We see all the trappings of Easter as an American holiday in stores and commercials: the Easter Bunny, chocolate candy and colored eggs. But beyond this lies the most profound reality of Christian faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We asked several ministry leaders throughout southeast Missouri a simple question: “What does Easter mean to you?” Here is what they had to say:...

POPLAR BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT Firefighters responded at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, to a report of a smoke alarm sounding at 601 Apple Street. According to the report, firefighters found the occupants had been cooking and set off the alarm, but it was no longer activated...

Nancy Carolyn Robertson, 79, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021. She was born January 3, 1942 to the late Leslie and Emma (Whitson) Taylor of Holcomb, Missouri. She was of the Baptist faith. She worked as an administrator for nursing homes prior to retirement. ...

Joy and sadness have filled certified therapy dog Petie’s life, but he’s always found a way to help others. Petie has survived cancer twice, but the 13-year-old miniature Schnauzer is officially retiring after 10 years of service. Petie’s friend Carol Leigh Rainwater Baker of Poplar Bluff said PetSmart Manager Brad Chastain allowed Petie, his human and K9 friends to party there Wednesday...

A Poplar Bluff man has been charged with raping a juvenile in November 2019. Phillip Dean Lee, 59, was booked at the Butler County jail on Wednesday on the charge of first-degree statutory rape of a juvenile under the age of 14. He was released on bail...

An inmate has reported an alleged assault in a holding cell at the Stoddard County Justice Center. According to a release from Sheriff Carl Hefner, the inmate reported he was assaulted on March 22 by a Stoddard County deputy while in a holding cell. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, Hefner said...

VAN BUREN, Mo. — Ozark National Scenic Riverways asks for assistance from the public to identify those responsible for recent vandalism at Rocky Falls. Park rangers received a report on Wednesday about vandalism at Rocky Falls. They found several rocks around the area that had been tagged with a variety of symbols and words in red spray paint. The vandalism is believed to have occurred sometime between Saturday, March 27, and Wednesday, March 31...

Two Neelyville residents are seeking to become the city’s next mayor. Incumbent Kevin Bynum is being challenged by Karen Prosser. Each candidate was asked the same series of questions and their profiles appear in the order in which they are listed on the ballot...