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Poplar Bluffs annual July 4 parade in downtown Poplar Bluff Monday.

The Wappapello Lake Area Association partnered with Southern Bank for a showing of "Sing 2" at the spillway Friday, July 1.

To purchase photos from this gallery for personal use, call 573-388-3620 and ask for Sharon or Renda.

Families got a day of summer fun and education at the Ranger Willie B. Safe Wet and Wild Water Safety Festival at Wappapello Lake. Visitors flocked to Redman Creek Beach for hot dogs, games and races.

Organizers report a Juneteenth celebration held Saturday, June 18, at Bacon Park was very successful, with more than 1,000 people in attendance. It also included over 30 vendors and organizations, said organizer R.T. McCain. “We would like to thank all the vendors and organizations for coming out,” he said. This year marked the third annual Juneteenth celebration for this group. The day began with morning prayer, followed by music with Dee Williams and Ashley Matlock. Karaoke, a kickball tournament, spades tournament, talent show, sack races and fireworks were also planned. Barbecue was served and Poplar Bluff Fire Department firefighters made an appearance to talk about fire safety and prevention.

Poplar Bluff city and Butler County firefighters responded at 11 a.m. Thursday to a tractor trailer fire at the intersection of Business Highway 67 north, Barron Road and Highway W. The vehicle’s brakes caught fire, said Poplar Bluff Battalion Chief Roy Lane. The fire then entered the trailer, which was loaded with pickles. The driver was able to drive the truck away from the trailer, and limit the spread of the fire. The vehicle was cleared from the scene and the road reopened shortly after the fire was extinguished. Butler County Health Department, Poplar Bluff Police Department and the state fire marshal were also at the scene.

Historic Downtown Poplar Bluff is being steadily renovated. The recent demolition of a covered parking garage is almost complete.

The family of Marcus McFarland has adopted a portion of Westwood Boulevard near Valley Plaza Shopping Center in his memory through the Missouri Department of Transportation. It was done through the Adopt-A-Highway program. The sign includes the names of McFarland’s three children, Marcus Jr., Makel and LeAerea. The family gathered on June 9, which would have been his 40th birthday, to release balloons. They are also planning a scholarship in his honor for Poplar Bluff and New Madrid graduates. According to MoDOT, this is the first portion of highway in Poplar Bluff dedicated to an African American. McFarland graduated from New Madrid High School in 2000 and attended Paducah Technical Career College. He worked in the food industry. McFarland was killed in a shooting in 2011.

The AWA No-Kill Shelter officially opened for business with a ribbon cutting and open house on June 17. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can visit awasemo.org, call 573-840-0664 or visit the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri Facebook page for more info. They are located at the former Hillcrest Animal Hospital on Highway 67 in Poplar Bluff.

The Plein Air Festival ran concurrently with a Family Fun Festival on Saturday, June 11. Competing artists painted outdoors at the event, and visitors got to join in by contributing to community art projects. Booths, activities and crafts were also available. Plein Air Festival works are on display at MHAM until June 26 The Plein Air Festival winners are: Best in Show, Ellen Hahs Flentge of Cape Girardeau; first place, Rose Anne Stanard of Poplar Bluff; second place, Sonja Halstead of Portageville; third place, Caleb Knodell of Bloomington, Indian; and honorable mention, Scott Kelley of Cape Girardeau, Mattylin Stacy of Poplar Bluff and Marty Harlan of Poplar Bluff.

Graffiti Bridge Studios, located at 1301 W Maud Street in Poplar Bluff celebrated it's grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony today. Owner Christina Vega is a Master Cosmetologist, Barber, Colorist And Educator.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., a wreck occurred on Shelby Road in front of 10Box when a Mini Cooper and a Kia Rondo collided, according to staff at the scene. Minor injuries were reported by both drivers. One driver was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Poplar Bluff Fire Department, Poplar Bluff Police Department and Butler County EMS responded.

Area students, including those from Twin Rivers High School, participated Friday in mock DWI crash at Cape Girardeau. The staged accident included response from first responders.

Dining for Downtown was held Thursday at the Black River Coliseum as a fundraiser for downtown improvements.

Continuing to document the progress on Poplar Bluffs downtown renovations.

“Many other states have implemented similar machines, but they are available in county jails or drug rehab facilities, so this makes our machine very unique in our community.” said Goodin, “It is my hope that we are now able to reach more people and put Narcan in the hands of those who need it the most.”

The beautification of Historic Downtown Poplar Bluff continues.

Historic Downtown Poplar Bluff is seeing major improvements. The demolition of the parking garage which began Tuesday is just one of many exciting renovations that are currently underway.

Poplar Bluff High school graduation was held Thursday at the Black River Coliseum.

Approximately 515 students turned their tassels Friday, May 20, at TRC’s 45th Annual Commencement. Three Rivers President Dr. Wesley Payne thanked educators for embracing and enabling their students’ dreams.

The Excel Center in Poplar Bluff held graduation for 17 students from the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2022 Friday night. Check the Tuesday edition of the Daily American Republic for addition photographs and a story.

Butler County Fire Department and Butler County Sheriff's Department were called around 8 a.m. Monday morning to a fire at the former Insta Pawn location on Highway NN in Poplar Bluff. Additional information about the cause of the fire was not available as of 9 a.m. This is an evolving story and the Daily American Republic will provide updates as they become available.

Neelyville High School graduation was held Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Neelyville High School.

Neelyville’s sixth annual Daddy Daughter Dance, Enchanted Garden, April 23 at the Neelyville High School gym had the highest attendance yet. The event hosted by the Neeyville Cheerleaders began with a Grand March, and included dinner and dancing. “This Daddy Daughter Dance continues to be a community favorite with attendance topping previous years with 74 daughters,” said Brandy Lumby, Neelyville High School Cheer Coach and history teacher. The Neelyville Cheerleaders thank the Deep Freeze and Brick Oven for sponsoring the event.

Twin Rivers prom was held April 15 at the Westwood Center in Poplar Bluff.

The Poplar Bluff Junior High School stadium was packed with athletes and spectators Friday morning attending the Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO) Southeast Area Spring Games. Over 250 athletes from 16 different agencies throughout southeast Missouri participated in the games. SOMO Director of Development, Penny Williams said Friday's mild weather made a "beautiful day for the event." Athletes were given the opportunity to compete in a variety of track and field events including long jump, softball throw and running.

Greenville School District celebrated prom Saturday at the Westwood Center in Poplar Bluff.

Poplar Bluff dentist, Dr. Amy F. Rowland has been named the Three Rivers College Distinguished Alumni for 2022. She was honored April 11 during a reception at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the campus of Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.

Southeast Missouri offers a variety of scenic locations within a short drive of Poplar Bluff. If you’re looking for a short day trip with broad vistas, the Pine Ridge Trail at Wappapello Lake has a 3/4-mile long loop and a 1/2-mile short loop. This trail has its own parking area and can be reached by taking the left fork when turning into the entrance for the Wappapello Lake Corps of Engineers office. The rustic wilderness hike takes visitors through the nearby woods, offering benches along the way and views of the lake from certain sections. The Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse are part of a pollinator project at the Wappapello Lake. This is part of a project to stop or slow down species decline. It includes acres of native vegetation vital to pollinators. The trail offers a chance to see the start of spring blooms. Other trails go along the Spillway Recreation Area and the dam area.