POPLAR BLUFF MAN SENTENCED TO PROBATION AND WILL HAVE TO PAY OVER 87 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CONNECTION TO PURCHASE AND SALE OF GINSENG
A Poplar Bluff man will have to pay over $80,000 dollars and spend multiple years on probation for a violation of the federal Lacey Act.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 57 year old Thomas Ridenhower admitted to failing to properly record a purchase of ginseng from another person on a quarterly reporting form and that he intended to export the purchased ginseng in interstate and foreign commerce.
Officials say that Ridenhower’s intent to export the ginseng that was not reported on the Missouri Ginseng Quarterly Report was a violation of the federal Lacey Act, which makes it illegal to submit any false record of any plant that is intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Ginseng is a plant that is native to Missouri and harvested during a state authorized season for sale and export.
Ridenhower was fined $55,000 and will also have to pay over $32,000 in restitution. He was also sentenced to 5 years probation.
CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING OVER BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION
The city of Poplar Bluff will be holding a public hearing in August to get community feedback on the submission of an application to the Community Development Block Grant Long-Term Recovery program.
The city is requesting funds for a complete replacement of the Roxie Road Bridge located at Roxie Road and Maud Street. The total project cost is estimated at $578,933.
The hearing has been scheduled for Monday, August 2nd at 6:45 pm at the Poplar Bluff City Council Chambers in the Black River Coliseum.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS STUDY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Researchers with the University of Missouri Disaster and Community Crisis Center are looking for volunteers in New Madrid County for an earthquake awareness study this week.
Homeowners from the New Madrid area who are 25 years of age or older can participate in the study on perceptions of earthquakes and earthquake insurance.
One hour focus groups will be held on Thursday at 3 pm and 5:30 pm for the study and will involve answering questions about earthquake risk and preparedness. Participants will receive a $20 Walmart gift card.
For more information or to participate, call 573-882-9868.
FREE ATHLETE PHYSICALS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW IN POPLAR BLUFF
Poplar Bluff High School and Junior High student athletes can get a free physical done tomorrow at the High School.
Physicals will be conducted beginning at 5:30 pm on Thursday for athletes in the 7th and 8th grades, beginning at 6:30 for 9th and 10th grades, and beginning at 7:30 for 11th and 12th grades.
Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith tells us that the first practice day for fall high school sports is set for Monday, August 9th. Junior High sports will follow a week later, on Monday, August 16th.
SCHOOL READINESS EVENT TO BE HELD IN BUTLER COUNTY
A Butler County drive through school readiness event will be held in early August.
The event will be held at Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff from 10 am to 3 pm on August 5th.
Students have to be pre-registered for the event. To register your child, call 573-785-4727.
PAVEMENT REPAIRS SET FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route VV in Stoddard County will be closed over the next couple of days as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The section of Route VV to be closed is located from Route Z to the end of state maintenance.
Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
