Stories from Monday, May 8, 2023

A converted recreational vehicle, tailored for mental health services, was delivered to the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change in Cape Girardeau last week. The mobile unit will be dispatched to rural Southeast Missourians who have little or no access to mental health services...

Loretta Jane Edwards, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday May 3, 2023, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 10, 1943, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Joseph O’Herrick and Elizabeth (Devorick) O’Herrick. Loretta was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. ...

Melvin Leo Raymer, Sr., 78, of Ellsinore, died Friday, May 5, 2023, in Ellsinore.

Cody Dakota Baucom, 29, of Dexter, Missouri, formerly of Qulin, Missouri, died Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Cody was born July 13, 1993, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He had many hobbies and talents. Cody is survived by his parents: Donald and Carolyn Baucom of Poplar Bluff; one son: Chance Lee Ray Baucom; two brothers: Justin (Nickey) Baucom and Dalton Baucom, all of Poplar Bluff; long-term significant other: Patricia Haynes; stepson: Wesley Haynes; and many other family members and friends.. ...

Velda Keister, 92, of Jackson, Missouri, died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at her residence. Visitation is at 11 a.m., Friday, May 12, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., also in Piedmont Chapel. Burial is in Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont...

Melissa “Lisa” Bowling, 59, of Ironton, died Saturday, May 6. Visitation is at 1 p.m., Thursday May 11, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service is at 2 p.m., also in Piedmont Chapel. Burial is at Rockwell Cemetery in Patterson. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Butler County Firefighters doused two early morning mobile home fires Sunday and Monday. At 4:17 a.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to a single wide mobile home fire at 1448 County Road 608. According to fire reports the structure, owned by Timothy Luther, was fully involved when the crews arrived...

Southeast Missouri youth looking to get out of the house should consider attending the Explore 4-H Day Camp from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Camp Allen. “Do you need a day of fun in the sun that would include swimming, a huge water slide and games with other 4-H youth?” asked 4-H Youth Specialist and Camp Coordinator Brad Coleman. “The Southeast 4-H region will be hosting a one-day camp at Camp Allen, located between Poplar Bluff and Greenville.”...

Arlon Benjamin “Benny” Griffin, 74, of Grandin, Missouri, died Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Doniphan, Missouri.

Helen J. Hartzog, 97, passed away May 7, 2023 at Sikeston Convalescent Center in Sikeston, Missouri. She was born Jan. 14, 1926 in Cash, Arkansas, daughter of the late John Hillis and Almedia Wheaton Hillis. Helen had worked as a personnel officer for the U.S. ...

Joyce Arlene Darnell, the daughter of Grace and Raymond Hellums, was born in Butler County on May 29, 1940. She departed this life at home with her family at her side at the age of 82 on May 7, 2023. Sept. 1, 1956, she married Willie Darnell, the love of her life, who survives. ...

Two decades after a tragic plane crash killed three members of Missouri’s government — including the governor himself — a bill is on the floor to honor one of the lost. Colleagues and family of Chris Sifford, an advisor to the late Gov. Mel Carnahan, have proposed Chris Sifford Day in his memory. ...

Poplar Bluff High School celebrated their prom Saturday evening at the Black River Coliseum. Students dressed according to the theme “Hollywood Glam” and participated in multiple photo shoots. Catering was provided by the restaurant Bread + Butter...

Tammy Hildebrand-Harty of Ripley County and Michal Sue Prosser-Burlison of Cape Girardeau County were named Democratic Women of the Year at the 8th District Democratic Women’s Club spring convention. Both will stand as nominees for the Missouri Democratic Woman of the Year award at the state convention for the Missouri Federation of Democratic Women’s Clubs later this year...

On Friday, the Missouri House approved its largest budget ever, equaling almost $51 billion. Southeast Missouri’s share will pay big dividends by adding momentum to Highway 67’s expansion into a four-lane interstate, part of a planned I-57 corridor stretching from Chicago to Little Rock...

Poplar Bluff Police At 9:15 a.m. on Monday, May 8, Monte Hayes reported his car was struck while it was parked on the lot at Holiday Inn at 2781 North Westwood Blvd. _ At 9:53 a.m. on Monday, May 8, an RV was found abandoned on Municipal Utilities property on Lonestar Road. The RV was impounded and towed from the scene...