Stories from Friday, February 9, 2024

Butler County’s eastern and western county commissioners both announced their retirements Friday. Their last day in office will be Dec. 31. The positions will be determined by this year’s August primary and November general election. Western Commissioner Dennis “Boots” LeGrand was elected in 2016 after a career with Municipal Utilities, hoping to apply his experience to the commissioner’s office. He has been satisfied with his job but believes it is time to step back...

Dash to the past: Juvenile crime is at an all-time low in Butler County, according to the 1924 circuit court. This is less true in 1974, when a teen burglar escapes checks himself out of the hospital through a window. 100 years ago Feb. 9, 1924 • Juvenile cases in the circuit court have dried up last six months, and local Judge Almon Ing is at a loss to explain it...

Diana Lee Taylor, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed peacefully with family holding her hand, Feb. 8, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Diana was born Dec. 13, 1946, to JC and Vera McVay in Newport, Arkansas. She married Lonnie Taylor Aug. 22, 1967, in Magness, Arkansas...

A near-capacity crowd filled the Black River Coliseum Thursday night, but no one was reported for doing the “Watermelon Crawl” to their vehicles afterward.

A dream team of cardiologists, primary care doctors and other experts fielded attendees’ questions at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s Heart Health Lunch and Learn.

Entries for the 18th Annual Mason-Dixon Chili Society Cook-Off to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 16. The event will be Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Black Rivers Coliseum.

The 2023 Festival of Lights at Wappapello Lake raised over $21,000 for public events, including the Independence Day fireworks display. The Friends of Lake Wappapello reported over 40 organizations participated, and volunteers worked 660 hours over all 21 nights. ...

This week at our state capitol we had the honor of hosting the Israeli consul general, reaffirming our state’s steadfast support for the nation of Israel. My personal admiration for this nation is such that on three separate occasions I have journeyed to Israel, the sacred grounds where the events of the Bible occurred...

The following comments were shard by readers via the Daily American Republic’s website and social media. _ On “City crews battle three days of suspicious fires,” by Barbara Ann Horton: “I thank God for our local fire fighters. You guys are brave and do a great job. I speak for all of us in town, thank you. I know we all appreciate you so much.”...

Dear Editor, Generosity throughout Poplar Bluff​​​​​ contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. ...

Westwood Baptist Academy has announced its second quarter principal and honor roll lists. This information will appear in the Feb. 10 print edition. PRINCIPAL’S LIST: First grade: Luke Boschert, Weston Cannon, Sophia Cross, Levi Evans, Grayson Fears, Cadance Oglesby, Maddox Pretz, Violet Ray...