Stories from Friday, November 5, 2021

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library released the following statement Thursday: "To protect our patrons and staff, the Main Library is closed until Monday, Nov 15, unless otherwise announced. Ridgel will remain open normal hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Patrons have access to computers, books, and DVDs at the branch. Our ebooks, e-audiobooks, movies, comics are available on devices and computers 24/7. Check the website for complete access with an eCard."...

Missouri’s Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft recently presented grant checks to the Dunklin County Library (top) and Poplar Bluff Municipal Library (bottom). Both libraries have used the funds to make technology upgrades, including a locker system at Poplar Bluff’s Ridgel branch which allows patrons to order books ahead of time and pick up at their convenience. Dunklin County’s check this week totaled $15,300, while Poplar Bluff’s was $12,515...

SIKESTON, Mo. (Nov. 4, 2021) – Southeast Missouri Food Bank will hold special holiday mobile food distributions in each of its 16 counties in November and December. These distributions will feature food families can use to make a traditional holiday meal with a menu including hams, scalloped or mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, fruit and pie. Menus may vary based on available inventory...

Richard Carl Kearbey, 76, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at his home. Richard was born on April 3, 1945, to Thomas and Leona (Hendrickson) Kearbey in Butler County, Missouri. Richard was a member of the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Richard was a motorcycle enthusiast...

With the New Year fast-approaching, medical professinals say scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now can maximize health plan benefits With less than two months left in the year, now is the time to check the status of health plan deductibles and schedule necessary appointments, recommended testing and surgeries before Dec. 31, according to a press release from Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center...

VAN BUREN, Mo. — Thelma Hager, 78 of Van Buren passed away Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born June 28, 1943 at Taft, Missouri. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Eula Brannum, and husband of 55 years, Jimmy Hager...

Wilma Jean “Jeanie” Proffer of Poplar Bluff, Missouri met her Heavenly Father Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at the age of 85, surrounded by family. Her faith and courage were an inspiration to many. Jeanie was born Mach 10, 1936, to William Elmer and Laura Scoggins Aud in Poplar Bluff. She married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Laverne Proffer, in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on June 16, 2018...

WAPPAPELLO — Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Knuth wrapped up his annual crappie trap netting survey on Wappapello Lake last week and was generally positive with what he saw. Knuth and fellow biologist Jason Crites used 20 trap nets over the course of several days, set between 5 and 10 feet deep, from the Chaonia Landing area all the way down to Redman Creek...

As the Poplar Bluff Regional Giving Circle prepares to award grants for 2021, board member Charley Harper is already looking forward to next year. Harper, a longtime Poplar Bluff resident and retired Poplar Bluff High School Spanish teacher, says that the Giving Circle is “a way to take a relatively small amount of money and benefit a number of worthy organizations because your money is pooled with everyone else’s.”...

A grant awarded to the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority in June will assist residents of public housing in taking steps toward housing and economic self-sufficiency, according to Darrin Taylor, executive director of the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority...

The Rodgers Theatre roof has been replaced and its signature tower reconstructed. Now, a full restoration has begun on the marquee. Rodgers Theatre director Wally Duncan said the board has been working toward this for a long time. “Ever since I’ve been on the board, which has been since 2016, that’s been the focus, to try to get the front of the Rogers Theatre restored,” he explained...

Poplar Bluff will lay to rest today a woman who was so much more than our first woman mayor, first female contracted sheriff’s deputy, or the longest serving city council member. Betty Absheer was a woman in politics who accomplished her goals and earned the respect of everyone who knew her, while never having a harsh word to say about anyone...