Stories from Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The Missouri State Auditor found that Director Brad Davis of the Naylor-Neelyville Ambulance District and his family members misappropriated at least $249,247 from the district between Jan. 1, 2017, and June 15, 2023. A report was released Tuesday by the state detailing 290 checks written to Davis, his wife, and his mother, without the board’s approval. Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has recommended the current board work with law enforcement to seek criminal prosecution...

Let me tell you about the incredible Marie Jameson, born Nayoma Marie Burkhart Jan. 12, 1948, to Edgar and Edna Burkhart in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She grew up with 13 siblings and a heart of gold. The love of her life was Kenneth Jameson, with whom she shared over half a century of wedded and creative bliss. ...

Lucinda “Cindy” B. Kelley, 83, of Wappapello, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Cindy was born April 8, 1940, to Andrew and Katherine (Lynch) O’Callaghan in Port Chester, New York. She married Charles “Pete” Kelley Jan. 17, 1959, in New Port, Rhode Island...

Edward “Ed” Leonard Taylor, 52, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana on Jan. 15, 2024. He was born Oct. 15, 1971, to Pauline and Milton Taylor in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ed, as he was affectionately called, was a 1990 graduate of Poplar Bluff Senior High School. ...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT An officer investigated a terroristic threat at 6:27 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Academy Sports at 3095 Oak Grove Road. After investigation the suspect was issued a trespass notice at the business. _ An officer responded at 9:46 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, to Henderson Auto sales due to the report of suspicious activity. A trespass notice was issued by the business...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL A Crossville, Tennessee, woman was taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center following a one-vehicle accident at 12:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, on Highway 215-1, 2 miles south of Doniphan. The accident occurred as the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro traveled off the left side of the road and struck a tree, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. The driver, Erin C. Mitchell, 42, received moderate injuries...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT Keshia Youngblood reported at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, her vehicle had been struck by an unknown vehicle while it was parked roadside in the 700 block of Victor Street. The crash occurred between the dates of Jan. 15 and Jan. 16...

Richetta Mae Allen, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

The University of Missouri Extension Council of Butler County will elect five people for a two-year term, according to Extension Engagement Specialist Jennifer Williams. Eight candidates have filed for the terms. Voting will begin Monday at the University of Missouri Extension Center and online at http://extension.missouri.edu/butler. Voting continues through Friday, Jan. 26. Ballots must be received at the University of Missouri Extension Center by Jan. 26 to be counted...

The Silver-Haired Legislature of Missouri released its list of five priorities for the upcoming year. The group advocates on behalf of seniors in the state and urges lawmakers to keep the needs of the elderly in mind. Cindy Jenks, a local representative of the SHL in Fairdealing, explained the top five concerns of seniors in Missouri for the state legislature...

Anna Prater describes herself as a lifelong writer, and on her 18th birthday she shared her words with the world by publishing her first novel, “Familiar Strangers.” “I’ve always been writing but I kind of decided to take it seriously a couple of years ago,” she said, when a short story “snowballed” into a full-length novel. After years, she published the book through Amazon. Her best friend Hannah Gibson designed the cover...