Stories from Thursday, July 25, 2024

Poplar Bluff infrastructure was a recurring theme in today’s editions. The city reluctantly took over a controversial road project in 1924, and celebrated its efficient utilities in 1974 as demand reached new heights. Other headlines included a mysterious fire in Neelyville and rising polio numbers in Southeast Missouri.

Family was the light of 93-year-old Peggy Batten’s life. When the family matriarch passed away June 7, her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew how important they were to her and they were determined to keep her light shining. “Nanna was very special to me,” granddaughter Jodi Hoffman said. ...

ELK CREEK, Mo. — Bela Holzer is 19, and she has been drawn to the world of politics for a while already. A month from now, she will find herself attending a historic Democratic National Convention in Chicago. “I was excited to be going anyway,” she remarked. “Now, with Biden stepping aside I’m even more excited.”...

A February poll of Republican primary voters showed Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the most recognizable name in the race for governor. That shouldn’t be surprising. Ashcroft has held statewide office for eight years, and his father John ran statewide seven times, winning five elections for state attorney general, governor and U.S. senator before becoming U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush...

Blyine Edward Magill, 57, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by his family. Blyine was born March 26, 1967, to Fred E. Magill and Sandra C. (Duggins) Magill. He married Tammy Perdomo Dec. 18, 2018 in Hot Springs, Arkansas...

James Ralph Henthorne, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Jim was born Sept. 1, 1945, to Ralph and Bessie (Nichols) Henthorne in Neelyville, Missouri. He married Sally Ann (Henderson) June 5, 1965, in Poplar Bluff. Jim was a top-notch brick and stone mason as well as an accomplished home builder who took great pride in his work since his teenage years. ...

Carole Ann Brown, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away June 26, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Carole was born on July 31, 1947, to Thoris and Eula (Prater) White in Frankclay, Missouri. She married Jerry Brown Oct. 25, 1966, in Leadwood, Missouri...

Officers responded Thursday, July 25, to help emergency medical personnel with a combative patient at the Fairfield Inn. The patient was transported to the hospital without further incident. _ Officers responded Thursday, July 25, to Walmart about two shoplifters. Contact was made with both suspects and they were trespassed from the store...