EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING CONTINUES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
An excessive heat warning remains in effect for much of Southeast Missouri and all of Northeast Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees are expected for this afternoon. Tomorrow afternoon, heat index values of around 105 degrees are expected.
Preliminary data from Monday indicated that Poplar Bluff’s high temperature of 100 degrees matched the city’s previous record high for June 13th, which was set in 1925.
Today close to record high temperatures are anticipated again, with Poplar Bluff expected to top out in the upper 90’s. The high will be nearing the record for June 14th of 99 degrees, which was set in 1987.
MULTIPLE COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE IN BUTLER COUNTY
Anyone looking for relief from the heat wave that will scorch Southeast Missouri the rest of this week can visit any of the multiple cooling centers available in Butler County.
Cooling centers have been established in Poplar Bluff at the Butler County Health Department and the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library.
A Cooling Center is also available at the Qulin Senior Center.
A tool to find cooling centers in your area is available at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON RAPE CHARGE
A Northeast Arkansas man is in custody for allegedly raping a runaway juvenile.
According to an affidavit filed in Greene County, 44 year old Erguin Velasquez-Flores, of Paragould, is facing a felony charge of rape.
On Saturday, the Paragould Police Department investigated a runaway juvenile report. Officers found the juvenile, who disclosed having sexual intercourse with Velasquez-Flores the previous night.
Velazquez-Flores was arrested and is being held without bond.
BUSINESS OWNERS ADMIT TO BRINGING OVER 100 UNAUTHORIZED MIGRANT WORKERS TO KENNETT AREA
A father and son from Florida and their labor contracting company have admitted to bringing more than 100 unauthorized migrant workers to Southeast Missouri.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, 37 year old Jorge Marin-Gomez and his father 67 year old Jorge Marin-Perez each pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful employment of aliens.
The Marin J. Corporation pleaded guilty in April to a felony wire fraud charge.
Officials say that the Marin J. Corporation, with the direct knowledge and approval of Marin-Perez and Marin-Gomez, applied for H2A visas stating that the workers would be employed in Florida harvesting watermelons and blueberries, but relocated many of the workers to a farm in Kennett, in violation of the terms outlined on the visa applications.
The workers harvested watermelons and cotton there. The corporation is scheduled to be sentenced August 2nd and the individuals on September 7th.
ROADSIDE PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY
Northbound U.S. Route 67 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane beginning today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform roadside work.
The section of roadway to be involved in the project is located from Route 158 to Route 160 near Harviell.
Weather permitting, work is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily through Thursday.
SHOULDER WORK TO FORCE CLOSURE OF NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD THIS WEEK
Route D in New Madrid County will be closed for part of this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder work.
The work zone will be located near Lilbourn, from Route E to Route MM.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
