Stories from Thursday, March 9, 2023

Jeff Libla is an adrenaline seeker. He is also president and general manager of Legacy Fasteners, a family-owned and operated business located in Poplar Bluff, Mo., that specializes in manufacturing nails for the pallet, crating and container industries...

Amber Dawn Curry, 32, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday March 8, 2023, in her home. She was born Jan. 5, 1991, St. Louis, Missouri, to the late John Carver and Kelly (Kendle) Hartwick. Amber was a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff. She enjoyed being outdoors, collecting rocks and doing arts and crafts. She loved spending time with her children...

Rose M. Nicolini Mock, 83, of Poplar Bluff, died Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Cedargate Care Center.

Restoration on the Historic Rodgers Theatre hit a setback last month when a vehicle sideswiped the marquee, according to Director Wally Duncan, but repairs are continuing on schedule. A truck hauling an excavator in early February was the culprit. “It just cut the curve a little too soon or too sharp and came up on the sidewalk, and it hit part of the marquee,” Duncan said. ...

A $2.1 million contract awarded this week to Robertson Contractors will improve a high-traffic bridge at Van Buren and replace a nearly century-old bridge near Neelyville. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contracts Wednesday to rehabilitate the Highway 60 bridge over the Current River at Van Buren and replace the Highway 142 bridge over Cane Creek Ditch near Neelyville...

Former Missouri Rep. Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff says he was humbled and honored to be the recipient of the inaugural Taste of The South award. Richardson was surprised recently at an event hosted by state Sen. Jason Bean (R-MO) in Jefferson City. Taste of the South is the beginning of a tradition of showcasing the food and people of the state’s 25th senatorial district, according to Bean...

Qulin Middle School students proved to be the cream of the crop at this year’s 67th Annual Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair. The event was held Tuesday at the Show Me Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. With 30 students participating, Qulin captured multiple first and third place wins, said Qulin Junior High science instructor Scott Kirkman. A total of 243 students from 13 area schools submitted 150 projects for judging and public viewing...