Stories from Friday, January 14, 2022

Residents should expect to see boat traffic on the Black River disrupted in the coming months when work begins to replace the westbound bridge on Pine Street. The $3.5 million project will be put out for bid next month, with a contract scheduled to be awarded in March. The 1934 structure will be torn down, likely in the spring, and replaced, said David Wyman, area engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation. Work is expected to run through the summer of 2023...

Ag Connect, a revamped version of Ag Expo, has been canceled, according to the University of Missouri Extension - Butler County. The event was scheduled for Jan. 21-22, offering education for members of the agriculture industry and a chance for the public to see and visit with ag vendors...

DESLOGE – Darlene “Jean” Russell, 80, of Desloge, entered into eternal rest Jan. 11, 2022, at Parkland Health Center. She was born on April 20, 1953, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Mae Frances (Payne) Russell and the late Carter Loftis Russell. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Viola Russell...

BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT A resident of the 70 block of Bryan Avenue reported at 10:44 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, that his/her debit card had been stolen. _ An employee of Munch-n-Pump at 2605 Township Line Road reported at 1:54 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, that someone stole merchandise and cash worth more than $500...

Delores Sue Duffy, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed at her home, surrounded by her family Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Mrs. Duffy was born Feb. 14, 1944 in Qulin, Missouri to the late Walter and Opal (McKim) Hardin. She and John Duffy were united in marriage June 13, 1962. Together they managed Hyde’s Fish House for many years. Delores thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone and giving candy to youngsters. She was also known for keeping sweets around for all the grandkids...

The snowfall predicted for Butler County and Southeast Missouri is unlikely to stick, according to Dan Spaeth at National Weather Service Paducah. Temperatures tonight (Jan. 14) are expected to remain in the high 30s and ensure the area only gets a cold drizzle. Saturday has a high of 39 during the day dropping to a low of 24, but by that point most of the precipitation will have moved on...

Johnny Ray Fowler, 66, of Arnold, Missouri, passed away quietly at his home in Arnold Friday, Dec. 24, 2021. Mr. Fowler was born April 13, 1955 in Qulin, Missouri, son of the late Leland Fowler and Virginia Huff. He retired from BI-State Transit Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He enjoyed restoring award winning vintage Chrysler muscle cars. He also enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles and four-wheelers...

When we read the same book and talk about it, we make connections. Since Poplar Bluff Municipal Library’s first Book in the Bluff in 2016, the library’s goal has been to find common ground with a book everyone has read. This sparks conversation and the 2022 Book in the Bluff is no different, according to a press release from library staff...

The Poplar Bluff City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the council chambers, 301 S. Fifth St. Workshop items include consideration of several items related to the Roxie Road bridge replacement project and the industrial infrastructure project; consideration of a grant application with the Economic Development Administration; and consideration of a grant application for the CDBG TRC stormwater project...

The Poplar Bluff Police Department reports several incidences of citizens assisting officers with the apprehension of suspects, but cautions doing so can be dangerous. “Over the past couple of weeks, the Poplar Bluff Police Department has been provided help from it’s citizens in the apprehension of suspected criminals,” said Capt. ...

Glenn Allen Helton, 73, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Glenn was born on Nov. 14, 1948, to Clyde and Evelyn (Smith) Helton, in Poplar Bluff. Glenn was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his motorcycle, and playing with his grandkids...

Mabel Niswonger, 92, of Poplar Bluff died Jan. 13, 2022 at Puxico Nursing And Rehab. She was born Feb. 15, 1929, to the late Charlie and Ester Herren in Corning, Ark. On April 16, 1948, she was united in marriage to Edward Niswonger. They enjoyed many happy years together. He survives...

Wheatley School will host the 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at 11 a.m. Monday, bringing in teacher R.T. McCain as the keynote speaker and honoring local centenarian Estellar Williams. Williams was born in Memphis and raised in Arkansas before moving to Chicago and then Poplar Bluff. In addition to her musical talent — shared by the sisters she performed alongside and now by her descendants — Williams is known as a dedicated contributor to the community...