Stories from Wednesday, January 31, 2024

February already promises to be a busy month for MAIN EVENT, which kicks off with Ag Connect. The annual event showcases the agriculture industry in Butler County. It takes place Friday and Saturday, with a new location this year. It is being held at the Bess Activity Center on the Three Rivers College campus...

Did you know that your neighbor brews their own dark lager? Well you might just learn that very fact on Feb. 10 at the Black River Coliseum during the Brews in the Bluff event. This year’s event appears to be the largest one yet as a crowd of 450 is expected to check out the products from different brewers from all over the area who plan to attend...

Poplar Bluff High School Junior William Montgomery has been selected for a trip many can only dream of. After making all-district band playing the tuba, the Missouri Ambassadors of Music invited Montgomery to perform on a 15-day tour in Europe in June and July...

The Veterans Hospital (known today as the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center) is under construction in 1949, yet houses its first patients: a stray dog and her puppies. Meanwhile, the National Guard claims it cooperated fully with the Armory Board as back-and-forth over jurisdiction continues...

For 50 years, Catholic schools have been recognized nationally for their contribution to the education system; and this year, Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal Mark Mittelstadt is reflecting on what sets his school apart from others. Having previously worked more than 20 years in the public education system, Mittelstadt is currently in his first year as principal at Sacred Heart. ...

Martha Ann Braden, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Martha was born April 5, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Reva Gains. She married Harold Braden Aug. 18, 1990. Martha was of the Episcopal faith. ...

The following are community calendar events for February: Feb. 1 • Noon A.A. Poplar Bluff Serenity Group, 506 E. Pine St., closed meeting. Contact: 573-714-2768. • 5:30 p.m. TOPS MO 1172 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Second Baptist Church, 503 W. Pine St. Weigh-in starts at 5 p.m., meeting follows. Contact: 573-712-8069 or 573-785-2017...

Other upcoming events in February include: — First Friday Coffee with the Animal Welfare Alliance, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 2. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Meet the people behind the region’s only no-kill shelter, enjoy catered food and coffee, and pet some animals...