Stories from Monday, March 7, 2022

The Greenville Rockin’ Bears had their night in the spotlight on Saturday, March 5, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The first-year high school rock band competed in the Tri-C High School Rock Off, a battle of the bands for high school rock groups...

When Cheyenne Headley’s son Nash was almost four years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive cancer that targets bone marrow and blood. Doctors needed to act immediately to save the pale, lethargic boy’s life, but first he needed multiple blood transfusions to counter his severe anemia...

The Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time. Results may indicate an antibody response after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or possible past exposure to this coronavirus ­— and may identify donations with antibody levels necessary to potentially help COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems...

A cold front brought heavy rains and a small tornado through Butler County last night, but the system passed with no reports of damage or injuries. The tornado formed three miles northeast of Neelyville at approximately 5:30 p.m. It did not impact any structures, said storm spotter Craig Meador, but, “rolled through some farm fields, didn’t do any damage that we know of.”...

POPLAR BLUFF – The Three Rivers women's basketball team and Raider nation found out on Sunday where in the NJCAA National Tournament bracket they would be selected and they didn't have to wait long as the Raiders are the top seed in the tournament. The Raiders have been the top ranked team in the national polls for the past six weeks and they're still undefeated at 28-0...

Menards in Poplar Bluff has joined its family of stores in serving as a collection site to benefit a local food pantry throughout the month of March. Menards spokesperson, Jessie O’Mara said the Poplar Bluff store has chosen to collect food to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission (UGRM). ...

Otto Floyd Starkey, 59, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital, Hannibal, Missouri. He was born Dec. 25, 1963, in Dunklin County, Missouri, to parents Clayburn Starkey and Wanda (Johnson) Starkey. Otto was a Wayne County resident for many years. He had worked as an industrial cleaner with his father’s company, mostly specializing in restaurant hood cleaning. He also worked a lot with Jesse Birmingham and worked at Trinity Lumber Company at Clubb...

FISK, Mo. — Gerlin G. Ethridge, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Friday, March 4, 2022 at Oakdale Care Center, in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Ethridge was born May 2, 1943, daughter of the late Nowlin and Julia Beck. She was of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith...

Paul Smith, 85, of Clarkton died Friday, March 4, at his residence.

The city of Poplar Bluff will take immediate possession of a $350,000 building at the municipal airport after a vote Monday by council members. The parent company of Air Evac no longer needs the 4,000-square-foot facility, which previously housed its local helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, explained Gary Pride, Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport manager...

BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT _ Walter Ray Anders, 47, of Neelyville, was booked Sunday, March 6, at the Butler County jail on suspicion of peace disturbance. _ Adam Michael Bishop, 29, of Poplar Bluff was booked Friday, March 4, at the Butler County jail on a warrant to serve shock detention...