Stories from Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Robert ‘Rob’ L. Knowles, 62, a life-long resident of Poplar Bluff passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Rob was born to Herman and Bonnie (Absheer) Knowles Aug. 26, 1959, in Poplar Bluff. He graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1978, and attended First Church of God most of his life...

An audit from the office of State Auditor Nicole Galloway has identified concerns with county government operations in Wayne County. Responses from county officials indicated many issues have been resolved or are being handled. ...

During their Nov. 18 closed session meeting, the Poplar Bluff R-I School District covered new employments, resignations and retirements across area schools, the most notable of which are the retirement of Oak Grove Elementary School’s principal and addition of tutors in a new program to combat pandemic learning loss...

Customers of First Midwest Bank in Butler, Ripley and Carter counties might notice a few changes when they head to the bank next week. First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff and First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks will be merging this weekend and will be united as one bank when next week begins. ...

In an effort to present wholesome family entertainment and to raise money for charity, the Greater Vision Worship Center and First Midwest Bank have teamed up to present the Joy to the World Christmas Dinner and Comedy Show. The show starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Worship Center’s location of 202 N. Bedford Street, Puxico...

Walkers and joggers along the Shelby Road Trail in Poplar Bluff now have several places to stop and rest, something some users of the trail said was badly needed. Spaced along the trail now are nine concrete benches, and a 10th will be installed soon...

KENNETT, Mo. — Laymon S. “Joey” Bishop Jr., 58, son of the late Laymon S. Bishop, Sr. and Virginia Dare Tipton, was born Sept. 2, 1963 in Cahokia, Illinois and died Nov. 10, 2021 in Senath, Missouri. Survivors include brothers, Wayne Bishop and D. L. ...

A public meeting will be held Thursday in Cape Girardeau to get public input as the state determines how to spend $4.5 billion in new road and bridge money. The Southeast District has identified $47.5 million in projects for tier one as high priority, unfunded road and bridge needs, according to information released by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Funds come from the approval in July of an additional 12.5-cent motor fuel tax...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL Brittany N. Smith, 28, of Dexter was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, in Stoddard County on a Stoddard County felony warrant for property damage and on suspicion of felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to dim headlights. She was booked at the Stoddard County jail on a 24-hour hold...