WAYNE COUNTY HOUSE FIRE RESULTS IN ONE DEATH

A fire early Monday morning in Wayne County has resulted in one death.

42 year old Melissa Dellinger died following a fire at a home near Wappapello.

Two other people who were in the house at the time were able to escape. Authorities are investigating a possible cause for the fire.

VOTING STARTED FOR BUTLER COUNTY UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION COUNCIL

Voting has started to determine who will serve on the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council.

Officials say that a total of 10 people are running for five spots on the council. Only Butler County residents who are 18 or older are allowed to vote.

For more information, or to view the nominee’s biographies, visit the University of Missouri Extension Butler County Facebook page.

ARKANSAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

A northeast Arkansas state lawmaker said Monday that he will not run for reelection to his state House seat.

Republican Representative Joe Jett, of Success, said in a statement that he wants to spend more time working on his family farm and with his family.

Jett’s House District 56 includes Clay County and portions of Greene, Randolph, and Lawrence counties.

He was elected as a Democrat and began his first term in 2013. He switched to the Republican Party in 2016. His current term ends on January 1st, 2023.

16TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF SET FOR FEBRUARY 26TH

A date has been set for the Mason-Dixon Chili Society’s 16th annual Chili Cook-Off.

The event will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, February 26th at the Black River Coliseum and admission is free. A cook’s party will be held the day before the event.

The participation fee is $100 per booth if you register by February 12th. Proceeds from the Cook-Off go to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

If you would like to participate, call 573-429-2215.

VETERANS WARNING OF SCAMMER IMPERSONATING THE MISSOURI VETERANS COMMISSION

The Missouri Veterans Commission is warning veterans to be on the lookout for scam phone calls.

According to the commission, an individual impersonating a Missouri Veterans Service Officer has called several Veterans who had left voicemail messages with the MVC HQ main phone number.

Officials say the fraudulent activity is suspected to have taken place between January 10th and January 13th.

If you receive a suspicious call from someone representing themselves as an employee of the Missouri Veterans Commission, officials say that you should not share any personal information with the caller. You can report the call by emailing movets@mvc.dps.mo.gov.

PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY

Missouri Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route 60 to Route D.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday, from 8 am to 2:30 pm each day.