Stories from Saturday, May 8, 2021

Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker lives in a world of worst case scenarios. It’s a world that has been fed for 26 years as a city firefighter with the first-hand reality of lives lost, and homes and businesses destroyed by fires his crews didn’t learn about fast enough, couldn’t fight quickly enough...

According to the DAR (5/1/2021) you are soliciting opinions from those whom you represent on the issue of legislation raising the gas tax we pay in the state. I have previously communicated to you my support of such a move. This legislation is critically needed, and at the time I commended Governor Parson in requesting the legislature to initiate this action. I have also addressed this issue in other venues. .....

Greetings to the good folks of the 153rd District. My time here at the Capitol is going by fast, there are only (a few) weeks left in this session. Legislation is moving quickly. All House Bills included in this report have been third read and passed by the House, which means they are headed to the Senate, with the exception of one Senate Bill that has been passed out of the House and is headed to the Governor’s office for his signature...

What is the greatest gift you have ever received? In an area that covers three states, 800 people have received what can truly be called the greatest gift, the gift of life, thanks to the just under 300 selfless souls in our area who chose to be an organ donor...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Jake Austin Curtis, 28, of Williamsville, Missouri, passed away May 1, 2021 at his residence. He was born Nov. 3, 1992 at Paragould, Arkansas to Gerald Lee Curtis and Stacy Riley Mount. He is survived by his mother Stacy Mount of Poplar Bluff, Missouri as well as two brothers, Blake Mount of Poplar Bluff and Andrew Curtis of Corning, Arkansas; and one sister-in-law, Yadira Pena of Poplar Bluff, as well as two nieces; Zailyn Mount, Xandra Mount, and one nephew, Aaron Mount...

Neelyville High School’s top two 2021 graduates praise their parents for encouraging them to do their best. Valedictorian Payton Raeann Reinbott is the daughter of Chuck and Traci Reinbott of Poplar Bluff. Reinbott said, “I want to thank my parents for always pushing me to be the best I can be.”...