CHANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER TO RETURN THIS WEEKEND IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Chances of severe weather are expected to return this weekend to Southeast Missouri.
According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, there are chances of thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight with lightning and brief downpours being the main hazards.
Officials say that there is a good chance of thunderstorms on Saturday. A few storms could be severe with damaging winds. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will also be possible with any thunderstorms over the weekend.
WOMAN ADMITS TO FRAUDULENTLY APPLYING FOR PANDEMIC LOAN IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
A Southern Missouri woman is facing possible decades in prison for fraudulently applying for a pandemic loan.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 44 year old Maxine Burns, of Willow Springs pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
Burns admitted to fraudulently applying for a $167,999 Payroll Protection Program loan during the coronavirus pandemic for a Poplar Bluff business that she did not run or own.
Burns applied for the loan in January of 2021 using the name of the owner of a residential treatment facility in Poplar Bluff without authorization, as well as the owner’s signature stamp. The loan was granted, and Burns admitted using the money to buy vehicles for herself and pay for vacations.
In September of 2021, Burns then applied to the SBA for forgiveness of the PPP loan, falsely claiming that the money had been used for payroll and other permissible purposes. Her application was granted and the loan was forgiven.
At her sentencing, scheduled for September 28th, Burns faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both. She will also be ordered to repay the money and has already agreed to do so.
15TH ANNUAL MULE SKINNER GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR AUGUST
The 15th Annual Mule Skinner Golf Tournament is coming up in August.
The 4 person scramble tournament will be held on Friday, August 4th at the Westwood Hills Country Club in Poplar Bluff. Lunch will begin at 11:30 am with a shotgun start at 1 pm.
Organizers say the entry fee is $600 per team, which includes a cart and lunch. Hole sponsorships are available for $200 per hole.
All proceeds will go to benefit Poplar Bluff Mules athletics programs.
For more information, contact Derek Rahlmann at 573-718-7591.
POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO PROTECT THEIR HOMES AGAINST MOSQUITOES
Summer is in full swing which means a return of mosquitoes to Southeast Missouri.
Poplar Bluff City officials are encouraging area residents to take steps to help reduce the mosquito population by eliminating all standing water and debris around your home and property.
Some places where water can collect include clogged rain gutters, leaky faucets, and equipment or containers that can hold water.
For more information, go to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website at health.mo.gov/mosquitoes.
MULTIPLE DONIPHAN CITY ROADS CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION
Multiple Doniphan roads are being closed for construction ahead of the school year.
According to city officials, contractors are currently working to improve roads and bridges on school routes near the city limits at Apricot Street, Ballpark Road, and Country Lane.
While construction is ongoing, these roads will remain closed to through traffic until early fall.
Officials say that motorists will need to travel east on the county gravel road from the city limits at Country Lane to exit onto State Highway 160 until the bridge work is completed.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MOWING CREWS
Missouri motorists are asked to be careful when approaching mowing crews along Missouri’s highways.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, major and minor routes will be mowed at least three times through the end of October.
Motorists are asked to be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, around 2 to 5 mph. When you approach one of these vehicles, slow down and focus on the road ahead of you.
Crews may also use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.
