Stories from Monday, August 10, 2020

DONIPHAN — A day on Current River could have ended tragically for a Clarkton man had it not been for a jet ski operator who came to his rescue. Gilberto Leonardo, 28, reportedly was treated at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for moderate injuries after he nearly drowned while attempting to swim across the river at about 3:15 p.m. Sunday...

GREENVILLE — The courts in Wayne County stepped down to operating phase two this week after a recent 67% jump in positive COVID-19 cases. The court had been operating at phase three since in June. In phase three, there were less restrictions in place regarding in-person proceedings, and Wayne County held its first jury trial last week...

FISK, Mo. — Delbert Ray Tipton, 79, of Fisk, died Saturday, Aug 8, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Tipton was born Oct.7, 1940 in Broseley, son of the late Alonzo Judson and Ida Bell Tipton. He had worked for Municipal Utilities in Poplar Bluff. He enjoyed singing in church and fishing and hunting and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren...

Robert (Bob) Eli Christian, 73, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at Maplewood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, Missouri. Bob was born Feb. 22, 1947 to Robert U. and Blanch (Sliger) Christian in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After graduation from Poplar Bluff High School, Bob moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended St. ...

HARVIELL ­— Bill Dorris, 66, of Harviell, Mo. passed away on Aug. 8, 2020 at Mercy South in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill was born on June 4, 1954 to the late Willie and Madine (Shook) Dorris in Poplar Bluff. He married Mary O’Conner on March 26, 1973 in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Minnie A. Smith, 78, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020 at her residence at Neelyville, Missouri Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday, Aug. 12, with the funeral at 1 p.m. at the Fowler and Sons Funeral Home at Neelyville. Burial will be at the Coon Island Cemetery near Neelville...

Members of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce heard Monday about how they can help law enforcement better prosecute criminals stealing from their businesses. Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley and Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Kacey Proctor spoke during the chamber’s monthly luncheon at the Holiday Inn...

Dennis W. Shaver, age 67, of Piedmont, passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Dennis operated “Get Er Done Electric” in Piedmont for many years. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at Morrison Funeral Chapel in Piedmont. Private services will be held at a later date...

City firefighters responded at 10:32 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, to an alarm at the Hillcrest Apartments, 445 N. Second St. According to the report, firefighters found smoke in a third-floor hallway. There was no fire, but someone had left a pot on the stove in one of the apartments...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL Akoni A. Hollis, 33, of Royalton, Illinois, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Carter County on suspicion of possession of marijuana. He was cited and released. _ Lindsey R. McCay, 32, of Marion, Illinois, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Carter County on suspicion of possession of marijuana. She was cited and released...

The 31st annual benefit Trail Ride for Haven House will be Saturday, Sept. 19, at Black River Ranch, Poplar Bluff. Dr. Rick and John Blaich are hosting the event, which will be held rain or shine. The Blaichs are planning a ride with self-guided history and nature tours...

Truman Eugene Ward, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. passed away Aug. 10, 2020 at his home. Truman was born Sept. 30, 1934 to the late Eddie and Pearl Marie (Neal) Ward in Caruthersville, Missouri. He married the love of his life for over 40 years, Barbara (Sheridan) Ward Sept. 2, 1995, in Virginia City...