Stories from Friday, May 14, 2021

A new chief executive officer will take the helm of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in June. Rick Naegler will come to Poplar Bluff from Lake City, Florida, where he is CEO of the HCA-affiliated Lake City Medical Center, hospital officials said in a press release...

Reba Darlene Nee Medley King 71, of Poplar Bluff died May 14, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical . she was born on April 19, 1950 in Mingo Missouri to the late Willie and Bonnie (Hicks) Medley. On Jan.8, 1969 she was married to Darry King, he preceded her in death. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Reba loved reading, and sisters’ trips...

The Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport will close to all fixed-wing aircraft beginning Wednesday so much-needed repairs can be made to the aging runway. “The asphalt runway is literally crumbling away, and the decision was made by the FAA, MoDOT and the city to invest in the airport’s future,” said airport manager Gary Pride...

One suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing after four people were shot in a pair of shootings Thursday night and Friday morning in Poplar Bluff. According to Poplar Bluff Deputy Chief of Police Mike McClain, preliminary investigation suggests both shootings are related...

A Poplar Bluff defense attorney is facing charges of witness tampering in Dunklin County. Richard Bascom allegedly tried to get his client’s son to plead the Fifth Amendment in order to get the client exonerated, according to court documents filed in Dunklin County...

Missouri’s three-week spring turkey season ended May 9, and many hunters across the region reported frustration at not being able to find, or even hear, birds. Information from the Missouri Department of Conservation indicates the season harvest was the lowest the state has experienced in more than two decades. That also played out on a local level, with almost every county seeing much lower bird numbers than in recent years...

Letter to Editor The 2021 spring turkey hunting season has ended in Missouri. Those of us who enjoy hunting gobblers in the spring have noticed a disturbing trend. In much of Missouri, the turkey population has declined and in some areas it has crashed...

To the Editor: Being now retired, but having been with the PBFD for 34 years, the last 14 of those years in the position of fire chief, gives me a unique insight to offer regarding this issue (Residency requirements for fire department personnel). Chief Stucker is correct in his comments regarding the impact for the FD and to the public they serve and protect, if passed. ...

Roberta Ann Arndt, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Roberta was born Feb. 12, 1938 to Ed and Susie (Prichett) Fears in Poplar Bluff. She married Charles Harold Arndt, he preceded her in death...

The Poplar Bluff High School Pvt. Billie Kanell JROTC Battalion held its Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday. Cadet Lt. Col. Alyssa Brown handed over leadership duties of the battalion to newly commissioned Cadet Lt. Col. Dustin Ramsey. Parents, teachers, and representatives from several organizations were on hand to recognize those cadets that earned commendations and awards during the ceremony...

The following students were recognized Thursday: Department of the Army Superior Cadet Decorations: The let one awardee is Cadet Corporal Terry Smith The let two awardee is Cadet SFC Kirstyn Millner The let three awardee is Cadet Capt. Dustin Ramsey...

My legislation to crack down on copper thieves, as well as those who steal precious metals and catalytic converters, is now on its way to the governor’s desk. The bill, HB 69, was given strong bipartisan approval by my colleagues in the General Assembly on Friday morning as it passed by a vote of 138-5...

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL A 28-year-old man suffered moderate injuries in a two-vehicle accident at 8:43 a.m. Monday, May 10, on Highway 53, one mile south of Qulin. According to the report, Richard T. Rushing, 28, of Kennett was northbound on Highway 53 in a 2016 Ford Transit when he struck the rear of a 1998 Case International operated by Ronald L. Sprous, 61, of Broseley...

POPLAR BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT City firefighters responded at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, May 13, to a report of a vehicle fire in front of Walmart. According to the report, when firefighters arrived, the vehicle had moved from the parking lot at Walmart to the Murphy’s Gas Station in front of Walmart. ...

POPLAR BLUFF FIRE DEPARTMENT City firefighters responded at 3:12 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, to a report of burning trash at 1426 North Main. According to the report, a code enforcement officer from the city was requested to meet firefighters at the address due to repeat conversations with the occupant about not burning trash and getting a trash service. ...

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT Michael L. Derrick, 38, of Qulin was arrested at 1:54 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, near the intersection of Hazel and North E streets on failure to appear warrants for no insurance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and driving while suspended...

Judge W. Dean Million The following cases were disposed of in Municipal Court in April. Dollar amounts may be fines, court costs or any combination of the same. Michael Anthony Thomas, 29, St. Louis, affray, $82. Jonathan C. Miller, 38, Blue Springs, tail light out or broken, $62...

City firefighters responded at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, May 13, to a report of a vehicle fire in front of Walmart. According to the report, when firefighters arrived, the vehicle had moved from the parking lot at Walmart to the Murphy’s Gas Station. Firefighters observed grey smoke emanating from the cargo area of the vehicle and the occupants were trying to extinguish the fire. A booster reel was deployed, and firefighters extinguished the materials on fire...