Downtown Game Changers honored

We want to congratulate Myrtle’s in Downtown Poplar Bluff on their recognition as a Game Changer.

We also want to thank Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc., for recognizing so many of the people who are helping revive Downtown, and who have been here all along.

Myrtle’s is certainly a mainstay in the community, and has long been part of the fabric holding the historic heart of the community together.

The Game Changer award goes to a person, business, property owner, board member, volunteer — anyone who has show great initiative in the revitalization of Downtown Poplar Bluff.

Myrtle’s was chosen from nominations made not just by members of the DPB board, but the public. We have an article on page A1 of today’s edition that shares more about the improvements that have been made to the restaurant in recent months.

Last year, Forum Fifty Fifty was selected. Owners Evan Holley and Shawn Adams were credited with not only bringing in two businesses, but also saving a building, doing 95% of the work to their location themselves.

They brought Backroom Boards, a skate shop, along with an indoor skate park, on the first level. The second level of the Vine Street building hosts concerts and entertainment.

Holley said at the time the first winner of the Game Changer award, Lisa and Larry Hafford, had set the standard.

The Haffords were honored with the inaugural award. They also can be credited with saving a building, with the renovation of the location of Haff Whiskey. The couple has also brought an outdoor seating and event area to their location of Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill on Vine Street.

We want to thank all of Downtown’s Game Changers, both those who have been recognized so far and those to come.