__Aug. 31 1923__
•A bootlegger is found legitimately bootlegging around. Bill Chestnut of Poplar Bluff is arrested on multiple charges of bootlegging that he had accumulated through the year. He had been in jail a year prior for illicit alcohol pushing.
Chestnut was found walking the streets in large baggy overalls. After a quick body search police were humored by the discovery of two bottles of alcohol neatly fastened in his boots. Chestnut was put on bond for $100, which he paid out of, and is awaiting trial.
__Aug. 31 1948__
•First degree murder is committed over a dollar. Two men in Arkansas found themselves at the Cotton Club, a night club in Searcy Arkansas. L.M. Hendon, owner of the club, and 24-year-old Clifton Feagon begin to play a gambling game with one dollar at stake. An argument broke out between the two and Hendon opened fire on Feagon. He was rushed to the hospital, and was pronounced dead moments later. Hendon surrendured to the police, and will be charged with first degree murder.
__Aug. 31, 1973__
• The city of Poplar Bluff acquires a new street sweeper costing $31,000. The vehicle is also capable of painting center lines and equipping pavement for maintenance work. A photo shows operator Jerry Lawson in the sweeper’s cab and Street Commissioner Gene Brannum looking on.
• Lawyers for President Richard Nixon appeals a ruling by Judge ohn J. Sirica directing them to turn over the Watergate tapes for the judge’s inspection.
• The Associated Press writes the cost of beef has risen ahead of Labor Day to $1.79/lbs, prompting some barbecuers to change their menues while others opt to eat the cost along with their hamburgers.
Editor’s note: This is part of a new regular series looking at today in Poplar Bluff’s history through the pages of the Daily American Republic and its early predecessors.