Year in Review August, September, October: Citizens approve Highway 67 measure, council votes on city hall location

During August, September and October, a new manufacturing business, along with changes at other plants, promised to bring more jobs to the area.

Area voters also approved expanding Highway 67 South to make it safer, and people in the community were recognized for the good they do in the community.

Area residents also come together to welcome home a law enforcement officer wounded in the line of duty.

Workers prepare the building for Empire Comfort Systems in Poplar Bluff. File Photo

Aug. 1

Flexibility was a word Jay Eaton used a lot as he walked through the new 136,000-square-foot building for Empire Comfort Systems.

It’s a word heavily tied to the future, both for the 87-year-old company and the generations of area residents they hope to employ here.

Rogers Theatre tower is replaced, which is the first step to replacing the roof and eventually restoring the exterior of the historic theater. File photo

Aug. 6

With an overwhelming majority, Poplar Bluff residents supported a measure to four lane Highway 67 South. The measure passed by 88.23%. It expands the scope of an original one-half cent sales tax approved in 2005 to four-lane Highway 67 North to Fredericktown. The new project will include 12 miles south to the Arkansas state line.

Aug. 6

Dependent health insurance contributions and premiums for retirees for future employees were dropped by the Poplar Bluff City Council members in a split vote.

The changes will apply only to employees hired after Sept. 1. The vote did not impact current employees.

Aug. 6

Orscheln Farm and Home opened at a newly renovated location in the former Kmart building at 2235 N. Westwood Blvd. The business had a nearly $1.3 million renovation planned for the 57,000-square-foot section of the building they occupy.

Aug. 8

Twenty-three members of the Southeast Missouri Swim Conference competed at the AAU Junior Olympics in North Carolina.

Aug. 14

Redbirds seek return to state playoff.

Aug. 15

Changes will be coming to Briggs & Stratton’s Poplar Bluff location, bringing more than 200 new jobs over time and a $15 million investment.

Company officials are certain they will hire for 130 new jobs over the next 12 months, with around 140-150 additional jobs in year two.

Aug. 16

The Rodgers Theatre tower was replaced. It’s replacement is the first step in work to replace the roof and eventually restore the exterior to the glory that made the Poplar Bluff location among the best of original owner Walter Rodgers’ chain.

Aug. 17

About seven hours after allegedly shooting and wounding two members of law enforcement as they attempted to serve him with an eviction notice, a Van Buren man, James D. Cummings, 31, was in custody.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Caleb McCoy and Carter County Deputy Brigg Pierson were injured in an exchange that began shortly before 10 a.m.

Aug. 22

Mules running backs to audition at Festus Jamboree.

Aug. 23

Becky Winters was named Difference Maker of the Year during a banquet with the finalists, their family members, co-sponsors and community members in attendance.

The event was hosted by the Daily American Republic and co-sponsored by the Bank of Missouri, Smith & Co. Engineers, Pack’s Do-It Center, Southern Bank, First Midwest Bank, Barker’s Towing & Recovery, Sterling Bank, Godfather’s Pizza, Donut House, Ellis Battery, Poplar Bluff School District, Holiday Inn and Quality Air.

Aug. 27

On their first trip to the Missouri State Fair, one Butler County family received an unexpected honor. Landon and Hayley Benson, along with their three daughters, were recognized as Butler County Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Butler County and the local Farm Bureau.

Aug. 28

Poplar Bluff High School’s trap team hosted an Amateur Trapshooting Association registered shoot, drawing 39 school and adult shooters from both Missouri and Arkansas to the Poplar Bluff Gun Club event.

Aug. 31

Mules fall after late touchdown

Sept. 4

In a split vote, Poplar Bluff City Council members authorized the city manager to pursue a Shelby Road location for a new city complex. An agenda item on the council’s publicized agenda included discussion of the matter. It includes city hall, city court and the police department.

Sept. 4

Mules throttle Riverview Gardens.

Sept. 14

Carter County residents turned out to support one of their own. Brigg Pierson, a deputy wounded in the line of duty, returned home from a St. Louis hospital to streets lined with hundreds of well wishers in Ellsinore and Van Buren.

Sept. 17

A large crowd filled the Poplar Bluff City Council chambers with more than a dozen business owners and private citizens each speaking in support of keeping city hall downtown.

Sept. 19

Poplar Bluff City Council members say they have experienced a change of heart regarding the location of a new city hall.

Mayor pro tem Steve Davis and council members Lisa Parson, Shane Cornman and Ron Black said they will support an effort to keep city hall downtown.

Sept. 21

Mules lead late in weather delayed game.

Sept. 24

Thelma Brannum was named Democrat of the Year for 2019 at the annual Butler County Truman Day Rally. Brannum is president of the Butler County Women’s Democratic Club and co-chair of the 54th annual Truman Day Rally.

Sept. 28

PB Mules lose by 29

Oct. 4

Just in time for the fall’s optimist Soccer League season, the Poplar Buff Parks and Recreation Department has opened four new practice fields at Whiteley Park.

Oct. 5

Hard work pays off for Rodeo Raiders

Oct. 10

For 32 years, the radio call sign “764” in Wayne County was synonymous with retired conservation agent Mic Plunkett, and after two years with Hayley Honeycutt in that position, “764” is back in the family.

Mic’s son, Jacob Plunkett, who has been a conservation agent in St. Francois County since he graduated from the Department of Conservation’s agent academy in 2017, was given the opportunity to return home.

Oct. 11

Ultimate Mules football fan, Connie Taylor, believes “once a Mule, always a Mule.” Ask anyone who attends a Poplar Bluff Mules football game if they know super fan Connie Chaney Taylor, and you’ll get a resounding “oh yes!” every time.

Oct. 17

If Vine Street in downtown Poplar Bluff seems a little flashier as you drive through after dark, you’ve not imagining things. A short section of the street now is brighter, thanks to nearly 165 new decorative light bulbs strung across a stretch of the brick thoroughfare near city hall.

Oct. 26

PB gets ‘true mule’ win.

Oct. 29

Poplar Bluff says good-bye to a true mule Wesley Lewis. Lewis died Oct. 19. Lewis is remembered as a “true Mule” for his dedication to students, Poplar Bluff schools and mule history.

Oct. 30

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at a facility Saint Francis Healthcare says lays the ground work for their expansion at St. Francis Health Center - Poplar Bluff, located on Physicians Park Drive.