support@semo.net
1573 686-9114​​​​

Whelans With Their Attorney Following Closing on Property With City of Poplar Bluff (left to right: Robin Whelan, Attorney Derrick Kirby, Robert Whelan)   Poplar Bluff, Mo. - After two years of practically attempting to steal their land by eminent domain, the City of Poplar Bluff came to the negotiation table last month and hammered out a deal that was finalized today. At a little after 10am, Robert & Robin Whelan and Randy Rahlman and the City of Poplar Bluff, represented by Mayor Angela Pearson, closed on the property at the corner of Oak Grove Road and N Westwood Blvd. The Whelans received $850,000 for the property, attorney's fee's and moving expense. Rahlman, who had a small interest in the property,

by Bob Roberts New Madrid, Mo. – A crowd of over 50 gathered Sunday afternoon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in a demonstration billed as a show of solidarity with the Ferguson community. “We are here to show support for our brothers and sisters in Ferguson and for them to know we are praying for justice for Michael Brown, and praying for peace for the community,” said Ted Maltbia, one of the organizers of the event. This event was held outside on the street in front of the church and it was clear there was a great deal of compassion for the community and the Brown family. “I hope everyone can come together and demand justice for Michael Brown. Our

According to the City of Poplar Bluff, a public hearing will be held on Monday, April 18 at 6:45pm to discuss: The City Council of the City of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, will conduct a Public Hearing to receive citizens input relative to the property tax rates proposed to be set by the City Council of the City of Poplar Bluff, a political subdivision. The Tax Rate shall be set to produce the revenues, which the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015, show to be required from the property tax rate. The Public Hearing specifically states that the need for this tax hike is based on "the budget for the fiscal year beginning Jan 1, 2015." However, SEMO

SEMO TIMES has learned that Gov. Nixon is set to appoint Chris Michel next week to finish out the remainder of the term of Butler County Collector due to the passing of the current Collector, Brenda Fox. SEMO TIMES contacted Michel and asked about the appointment, he had no comment. That is not necessarily uncommon for an appointee before it is made official. Michel did respond when asked about the upcoming November election, he was recently nominated by the Democratic Convention to be on the ballot for the upcoming election. Michel said he was excited about the campaign. He already has a campaign website.  

On 08-14-14 Butler County Coroner Jim Akers confirmed that the body found in the 1300 block of West Maud st in Poplar Bluff had been identified as that of Justin R Allen of Arlington Texas. Justin Allen had apparently been camped in the area for some time, as several people reported seeing him near the area where his body was found.  Some of these witnesses described Allen as unusually thin; and said he seemed confused or disoriented. Examination of the scene and Justin Allen's body revealed no signs of struggle or violence.   X-rays determined that there were no broken bones; results of the autopsy were inconclusive, and the cause and manner of death could not be determined. At this time, there is