Stories from Friday, March 24, 2023

This morning, the National Weather Service — Paducah issued a flood watch across Southeast Missouri, effective until 1 a.m. Saturday. A consecutive flood warning will last until 11:25 a.m. Sunday. Reports said rainfall and runoff had raised the Black River to 6.8 feet as of 9 a.m. this morning. With severe thunderstorms expected to drench the region in another 2-5 inches tonight, NWS forecasts the river will reach the minor flooding stage early Saturday morning and crest during the day...

Joyce Marie Jeffries, 76-year-old resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, departed this life Tuesday, March 21, 2023. She was born March 4, 1947, in Doniphan, Missouri, to Jerald and Vergie (Jarrett) Emmons. Joyce co-owned and operated the Stringtown Grocery for over 30 years. ...

Wanda L. Stephens passed away on March 16, 2023, in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born Wanda Lavern Mekan on Aug. 17, 1932, in Stoddard County, Missouri, to parents Ollie Bell Grim Mekan and August JF Mekan. Wanda graduated from Bernie High School and in 1953, married James E Stephens...

Lawana Conover Shearrer passed Feb. 5, 2023. Lawana was born to the late John and Opal Conover July 1, 1940 in Qulin, Missouri. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Joe Shearrer, and one son, Darwin Shearrer. She is survived by two sons, David Shearrer of California and Brian Shearrer of Fairview Heights, Illinois; two sisters, Connie Pierce of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Barbara Pritchett of Broseley, Missouri; one brother, Pete Conover and wife, Debbie Conover, of Broseley...

James F. Watson, son of the late Alvie and Jewell Fowler Watson was born Aug. 2, 1935, in Sikeston, Missouri and departed this life March 18, 2023, at the Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau at the age of 87. Mr. Watson was a Veteran of the United States Army and was a resident of Wappapello, Missouri. ...

Carolyn “Jo” JoAnn Jett, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, entered Heaven’s gates, March 23, 2023. Jo was born June 29, 1942, to Ira and Lily (Mitchell) Phillips in Stonefort, Illinois. She married Henry Lyle Jett on July 21, 1962, also in Stonefort, Illinois...

Vincent P. Maurer of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Hobe Sound, Florida and Traverers Rest, South Carolina, died peacefully Sunday morning, April 24, 2022, after a prolonged illness. Vincent was born July 19,1956, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the only son of the late Earl P. Maurer of Poplar Bluff and the late Shirley (Fisher) Maurer of Poplar Bluff and Hobe Sound...

Pedestrian killed in Friday accident From Staff Reports A Ripley County man died Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 160. Pedestrian Billy R. Hall, 47, of Doniphan reportedly was crossing the road when he was struck by a 2007 Ford Focus being driven eastbound by Remington S. Payne, 21, of Doniphan, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E report...

Bryce William Hogan, 36, of Springfield died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

Extensions honors ag partners, volunteers Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council’s partners and volunteers were honored at the group’s annual meeting this week at First Baptist Church. Jennifer Williams described the dinner as “a special opportunity for extension to show our appreciation for all the hard work, support and sacrifice given by our council members and volunteers, as well as their families.”...

First responders and community leaders learned a projected 20-foot crest on the Black River has been lowered after updated reports from the National Weather Service and Clearwater Dam. Keith Berry, assistant field director for the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team, told attendees the forecasted crest is now 18 feet, which is in the minor flooding stage...

Three Rivers College, in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1056, on Friday hosted a Vietnam War Veteran Day Ceremony. It signifies the removal of the last combat troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973, according to retired Lt. Cmdr. Larry Kimbrow, president of the local VVA Chapter 1056...

Butler County sheriff David Kristoper Berry, 29, of Poplar Bluff was arrested Saturday, March 25, on suspicion of burglary — second degree. He was booked into the Butler County jail. _ Dustin Wade Garver, 41, of Poplar Bluff was arrested Saturday, March 25, on a capias probation/violation third degree special victim. He was booked into the Butler County jail...

Butler County sheriff Jazmine Alexis Brown, 24, of Poplar Bluff was booked at 8:48 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Butler County jail for driving while revoked or suspended. _ Rebecca Nicole Dunn, 42, of Poplar Bluff was booked at 10:46 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Butler County jail for attempted first degree burglary...