Poplar Bluff faces fiery debate: the battle over Butler County's fire district reduction

Butler County’s health officials took action against a smallpox outbreak in 1925 by ordering vaccinations for schoolchildren and teachers. One doctor was optimistic Poplar Bluff could head off the deadly disease with this timely action.

In 1975, tempers simmered over a proposed reduction of the Butler County Fire Protection District.

No issues available: Feb. 5, 1950.

100 years ago

Feb. 5, 1925

• In the face of smallpox, Butler County’s Board of Health mandated vaccinations for students and teachers in Poplar Bluff. Two doctors will make rounds to vaccinate anyone without smallpox scars.

“...The action of the Board of Health came at a good time to prevent further spread of that or any other disease,” said Dr. I.N. Barnett.

50 years ago

Feb. 5, 1975

• The Butler County Fire Protection District board has put a proposed reduction in the hands of a judge.

Ten residents signed a petition to reduce the district last month. A special meeting was held last night to accept written materials from the opposition — 100 letters and 130 signatures.

Board members Harry Templemire and Louis Kalkbrenner opted to approve the petition and send it to Judge Rex Henson for a decision.

Board President Larry Hendrickson gave the dissenting vote, saying, “I’m opposed to the way you two do anything.”

The reduced district would be a roughly 8-by-6.5-mile block west of Poplar Bluff.