SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Severe weather is possible today in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected today. Severe storms will be possible throughout the region mainly in the afternoon and early evening hours, but the threat will be greatest in extreme southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
Officials say that damaging winds, large hail, locally heavy rainfall, and tornadoes will all be possible.
MAN ARRESTED ON RAPE AND KIDNAPPING WARRANT IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Authorities in Pemiscot County have arrested a Texas man on a rape warrant.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 57 year old Charlie Scott, of Spring, Texas was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon on multiple felony warrants from Dekalb County, Georgia.
Officials say the warrants were for rape, kidnapping, and armed criminal action.
Scott was held at the Pemiscot County Jail.
NATURAL GAS RATES TO GO UP FOR SOME SOUTHEAST MISSOURI RESIDENTS
Some southeast Missouri residents will be seeing an increase to their natural gas rates.
According to the Missouri Public Service Commission, Ameren Missouri natural gas customers will see their rates rise by approximately eight cents per hundred cubic feet under a filing that will take effect on April 1st.
This is a 22 percent increase in the gas portion of a customer’s monthly bill.
Ameren Missouri serves more than 132,000 Missourians over 25 counties, including Butler, Stoddard, and Scott Counties.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG AND WEAPON CHARGES
A Poplar Bluff man was arrested Tuesday night on a felony drug charge.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Malik Perkins was taken into custody in Butler County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled for more than 35 grams of marijuana.
Perkins is also facing a charge of unlawful use of a weapon.
STATE OF MISSOURI UNVEILS NEW RESOURCE TO HELP RESIDENTS GET TO VACCINE SITES
Missouri officials have announced a new effort to provide transportation for those who need a ride to COVID-19 vaccination sites.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the “Get a Ride” online transportation guide helps connect those who need rides with providers.
Transportation services such as OATS Transit and Southeast Missouri Transportation Service, which normally serve only older people and those with disabilities, are now available for anyone who needs a ride to get a coronavirus vaccine.
Most providers are offering free rides, others at reduced costs. For more information, go to MoStopsCovid.com/ride.
MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL RUNNING TO REPLACE ROY BLUNT
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt says he is making a bid to replace Roy Blunt in the United States Senate.
His announcement Wednesday sets up a Republican primary against former Governor Eric Greitens.
Voters elected Schmitt as state treasurer in 2016 and he was appointed attorney general after Josh Hawley left the seat to join the U.S. Senate.
Voters gave Schmitt another term in 2020. Greitens rose quickly to become governor before scandal forced him out of office just a year and a half into his tenure.
NEW MADRID OFFICIALS WARNING OF SCAM PHONE CALLS
Officials in a southeast Missouri city are warning area residents about scam phone calls.
Officials in New Madrid say that the City of New Madrid and Municipal Light and Power are not using an outside agency to contact residents to pay utility bills.
The city had been alerted by a resident that they had received a call from someone claiming to be working with the city, who threatened to turn off utilities if payment is not immediately made.
The New Madrid Police Department is asking anyone who receives a call like this to contact 573-748-5901.
