FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER AVAILABLE IN DONIPHAN
A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Doniphan.
The center offers in-person support to individuals and businesses in any of the 27 counties included in the Missouri federal disaster declaration for flooding and severe storms that occurred between April 28th and May 11th.
The center will be open daily from 7 am to 7 pm at the Ripley County Caring Community Partnership Building. For tomorrow, the center will only be open from 1 pm to 7 pm due to another scheduled event.
Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to discuss assistance and to help anyone who needs information or assistance filing an application.
A recovery center is also available at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center.
POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENT FACING CHARGES FOLLOWING ARREST IN KENNETT
A Poplar Bluff resident was arrested last week in Kennett on gun and drug related charges.
According to the Kennett Police Department, on Thursday officers arrested 20 year old Duquion Drake for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Officials say that Drake was held at the Dunklin County Jail pending formal charges from the State Prosecutor's Office.
THIS WEEK IS MISSOURI SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY WEEK
With this week marking Missouri Summer Weather Safety Week, weather officials are reminding area residents to stay safe when the temperatures rise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1979 to 2002, excessive heat exposure due to weather conditions caused 4,780 deaths in the United States. That produces an average of 208 deaths a year from excessive heat.
The elderly, infants, young children, and people with chronic health problems or disabilities are most vulnerable to the effects of heat waves.
When the temperatures get high remember to drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you're not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas.
Try to avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. If you must go out, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen. Remember to take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day.
Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up as temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes.
MISSOURI OFFICIALS CONDUCTING AUDIT OF NEW MADRID COUNTY
A Southeast Missouri county is being audited by state officials.
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway tells KWOC News that her office has launched a regularly scheduled audit of New Madrid County.
The county received an overall performance rating of poor following an audit in December of 2013.
Galloway says that auditors recommended better oversight throughout several areas of the New Madrid County government and identified numerous concerning procedures in the office of the former public administrator.
Auditors also raised concerns with record-keeping and a lack of safeguards that allowed missing money in the sheriff's office to go undetected.
Individuals with information related to the investigation are encouraged to contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline by calling 800-347-8597. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.
Individuals can also email moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or use the online submission form at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.
MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON METH AND RESISTING ARREST CHARGES
A man was arrested Sunday afternoon in Butler County on multiple felony charges.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 41 year old Rondelius Mitchell, of Catron, was taken into custody on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
Mitchell is also facing a felony charge of resisting arrest.
DISCOVERY OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE LEADS TO ARREST IN GREENE COUNTY
Officials seized a large amount of crystal methamphetamine and cash as a part of an arrest last week in Greene County.
Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that 5.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine, over two thousand dollars, drug paraphernalia and a set of digital scales were taken into evidence in connection to the search of a vehicle Thursday evening.
Following the search, William Stites was arrested and transported to the Greene County Detention Center.
CAMPBELL WOMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES
A Campbell woman was arrested over the weekend on drug related charges.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 42 year old Samantha Davidson was taken into custody Saturday morning on three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance.
She was also arrested for five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, Davidson was held at the Dunklin County Jail.
INTERSTATE REPAIRS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Northbound I-55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced early this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.
Officials say that the bridge is located between mile marker 1 and mile marker 2.3.
Work is scheduled to take place today and tomorrow from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
