Stories from Thursday, August 15, 2024

On this date, multiple charges against a former bank employee were dismissed, likely due to technical errors. It was the second time his court proceedings derailed. The rest of the date’s news was quotidian — centennial preparations and public pools were the main points of interest.

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center selected Joseph (Jody) Cochran as its Teacher of the Year. Cochran is the lead instructor for all things construction and has been PBTCC’s Teacher of the Year twice before. PBTCC Computer Science Instructor Michael Barett described him as, “a leader in the classroom and in the community.”...

The Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport hosted an informational training on the regulations for drone operators. According to airport director Gary Pride, unlicensed and illegal drone usage is becoming a growing problem. Rich Yokum, a commercial drone pilot with Bayer, demonstrated the capabilities of a DJI M300 while emphasizing safe operation within the existing regulatory infrastructure. ...

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport hosted an informational training on the regulations for drone operators. According to Airport Director Gary Pride, unlicensed and illegal drone usage is becoming a growing problem.

The old bowling alley on Main Street will finally be torn down after years of disuse.

Now that the Prohibitionist fervor has died down, authorities are asking more questions about Poplar Bluff’s city-wide liquor raids on Aug. 4, 1924. The state has launched an investigation into ringleader G.H. Foree, whose credentials as a private detective and a federal agent are crumbling — instead, he may be a hate group vigilante.

Rev. Marvin “Wayne” Gilmore, 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas, formerly of Broseley, MO, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Gilmore was born July 19, 1948 in Essex, Missouri, son of the late Marvin “Buddy” and Opal Gilmore (née Bertholomey)...

Rube Leroy Smith, son of the late Lloyd Smith and Tylean Gatewood Smith, was born Tuesday, July 23, 1940, in Bragg City, Missouri and departed this life Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau at the age of 84 years 15 days...