2020 Year in Review; Area marks recognition of Difference Makers, excellence among Butler County courts and other accomplishments

Despite a need to move to a virtual format, the Daily American Republic moved forward in August with recognition of 10 Difference Makers from the region. Judge Michael Pritchett was also recognized for excellence, and a local church celebrated its 200th anniversary.

JULY

July 1

• It was reported July 1 that Qulin had seen its second fire death in four months with the death of Kenneth Furr, 75.

July 9

• A former Naylor students sues the school district and a past administrator for assault.

• Poplar Bluff School District announces a dedicated campus for its at-risk programs. The program is to be held at the Mark Twain campus.

July 10

• Poplar Bluff songwriter Jeff Hovis talks about earning a spot in the 10 finalists for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Songwriter Showcase.

July 11

• Ozark Border is awarded $1 million in storm damage funds for May severe weather that broke more than 170 power polls and caused extensive damage for the cooperative.

July 14

• It is reported an 18-year-old James A. Muller of Poplar Bluff drown July 12 in the Black River while trying to swim across 1/4 mile south of County Road 608.

July 17

• An effort to improve Downtown Poplar Bluff with unique murals is recognized.

• Elks 2452 recognizes its 50th anniversary.

July 18

• The retirement of Poplar Bluff City Manager Mark Massingham is recognized.

July 21

• Information is provided regarding a Chapter 11 filing by the parent company of Briggs and Stratton.

• Poplar Bluff officials announce a hiring freeze will keep the Black River Coliseum pool and fitness center open.

• Jerry Pennington, 55, is reported dead after a swimming accident at Wappapello Lake July 19. He marked the fourth drowning this year in Troop E, as of that time.

July 22

• New Poplar Bluff City Manager Matt Winters is recognized after being sworn in July 21.

AUGUST

Aug. 1

• Two candidates for Butler County coroner and three candidates for the District 153 state representative speak about their priorities in the upcoming primary election.

Aug. 4

• A judge upholds a life sentence for Steven McWhirter, who was described as a “dangerous” child predator who pleaded guilty to forcible rape and other crimes.

Aug. 5

• It is reported that Jason Bean won the Senate District 25 seat and Darrell Atchison won the state representative District 153 seat in the Aug. 4 primary election. Both Republican candidates were unchallenged in the November general election.

Aug. 6

• Wayne County holds a jury trial for Joshua Oldham, accused of first degree murder in the 2017 death of Marshall Helm. Jury selection is held at the Greenville High School to allow for social distancing. Oldham is found guilty.

Aug. 8

• Law enforcement reports that no charges will be filed in the accidental shooting death of Kyle LeGrand of Broseley.

• Ozark Border Electric Cooperative reports a drive-thru annual meeting was held to allow for COVID-19 precautions, with more than 2,100 people voting for new board members.

Aug. 11

• Poplar Bluff city officials speak about budget cuts that will impact the Black River Coliseum pool and fitness center and the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.

Aug. 13

• It is reported nearly 100 rape kits from the region remain untested and funding is not available to complete testing.

• Poplar Bluff School District celebrates a ribbon cutting at a new early childhood center on Aug. 12.

Aug. 15

• Residents in the Doniphan area report spotting a brown booby along the Current River, a type of bird that has never been recorded in Missouri previously.

Aug. 18

• The city of Poplar Bluff makes plans to sell property on Baugh Lane after a 73-year-old water tower is removed.

Aug. 19

• It is reported a Rally’s Drive-In will replace Pizza Hut on Westwood Boulevard.

Aug. 20

• Officials with the annual St. Jude Archery Shoot share the event set a new record with nearly $157,000 raised over a two-day event.

Aug. 21

• The Daily American Republic announces Dave Elledge as the 2020 Difference Maker of the Year in a live virtual event Aug. 20 and the Aug. 21 print edition. The annual event recognized 10 people from the region who support and change the community through volunteer and other efforts.

• Proceeds from the Difference Makers generate a $3,000 donation for the Bread Shed.

Third graders Levi Gray, Chleo Johnson and Keygan Langley wait for class to start Aug. 24 at Fisk Elementary School.DAR file photo

Aug. 22

• One person is killed and another injured in an accident Aug. 21 on Highway 67 north at County Road 522 between a Mach dump truck and a passenger car.

Aug. 25

• Steven Michael Kirkwood, 38, of Malden is arrested Aug. 24 for the weekend shooting death of Ryan Lehnig in Marston.

Aug. 27

• A fourth murder trial is ordered for Shawn Hanna in the 2003 murder of his father, Ralph Hanna, after two courts agree a critical and contrary piece of evidence was not given to previous juries.

• Officials report a scaled back Friends of the NRA event raises $35,000.

Aug. 29

• Poplar Bluff Street Department is recognized for winning the Spire Gas Silver Shovel Award for safety in 2019.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1

• Volunteers with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace put together 40 beds during a weekend effort to provide children with a place to sleep.

Sept. 9

• Amber Longhibler pleads guilty to felony sexual exploitation of a minor.

Sept. 10

• Authorities report a teen is being held in connection with the stabbing death Sept. 8 of a family member in south Poplar Bluff.

Sept. 11

Students at Fisk Middle School recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.DAR/Paul Davis

• Fisk students and members of the Poplar Bluff Fire Department recognize the 9/11 anniversary.

Sept. 12

• Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne County celebrates its 200th anniversary.

• Altrusa celebrates its 65 anniversary in Poplar Bluff.

Sept. 19

• Butler County officials share that Jessica Holland of Poplar Bluff died after being shot multiple items Sept. 17.

Sept. 22

• Poplar Bluff City Council members vote Sept. 21 against sending a question to voters regard the location of a new police department.

• Judge Michael Pritchett receives a judicial excellence award from the Missouri Bar.

Sept. 23

• Briggs & Stratton company officials say the business has completed a sale to KPS Capital Partners after exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Sept. 24

• It is announced Office Depot in Poplar Bluff will close Nov. 14.

• Tara Janae Maxfield of Poplar Bluff pleads guilty Sept. 23 to murder for a June 2017 house fire that resulted in the death of Tommy Younger.

Sept. 25

• Poplar Bluff City Council members discuss an expected $850,000 annual payment for a new police department.

Sept. 26

• Friends speak about the death of Derland Moore, a Poplar Bluff native who went on to play in the NFL.