JOINT DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STORMS
Missouri Acting and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency participate in joint preliminary damage assessments in multiple Missouri counties following severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred from May 19th through the 27th.
Southeast Missouri Counties that are a part of the request include Butler, Carter, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, and Stoddard Counties.
Kehoe says the request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance for the counties.
Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials. Beginning today, four teams will verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA.
Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.
LONG TIME OFFICE MANAGER OF BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RETIRES
A long time office manager with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department has retired.
Kathy Maclin’s last day with the Sheriff’s Department was on Friday.
Maclin served the citizens of Butler County for 21 years and Sheriff Mark Dobbs wished her the best during her retirement.
Dobbs added that Maclin was responsible for running the Sheriff’s Department budget and was able to make the best use of the taxpayers dollars and she will be truly missed.
KWOC News spoke exclusively with Maclin who says we are very fortunate to have the things we have and she will miss her job and she will pray everyday for the officers safety.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED FOR 37TH ANNUAL WOMEN AWARE CONFERENCE
Organizers have announced who will be the keynote speaker for the 37th Annual Women Aware Conference in Poplar Bluff.
The event will be held from 8 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday, September 19th at the Black River Coliseum.
The theme for this year’s conference is “MotivatHER” and the keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Smart, who is an activist and advocate for missing persons and abduction survivors. She is also a New York Times best selling author.
For more information, including how to register, visit WomenAwareInc.com.
TWO DEAD IN CONNECTION TO CRASH IN ESSEX AREA
Two Sikeston residents have died following a crash Thursday night in the Essex area.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a vehicle struck the rear of another vehicle on US Highway 60, causing both vehicles to run off the side of the roadway.
Both the driver and a passenger in the second vehicle were ejected and later pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Brent Stidham. They have been identified as 65 year old Sheila Mosley and 81 year old Gerald Mosley, both of Sikeston.
Another passenger in the second vehicle received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a Cape Girardeau hospital.
FIRST CHOICE INSURANCE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO OZARK LEGACY INSURANCE PARTNERS
A long time insurance provider in Southeast Missouri is switching up their look.
Matt Phillips tells KWOC News that First Choice Insurance is changing their name to Ozark Legacy Insurance Partners.
Phillips says “This rebranding is more than just a name change; it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our clients and our family’s legacy. We are excited about the future and the opportunity to continue providing top-notch insurance solutions under the Ozark Legacy Insurance Partners name.”
According to a press release, the agency was founded in 1990 by Steve and Nikki Phillips. Now, with the transition to Ozark Legacy Insurance Partners, Matt and Dorthy Phillips, along with Danielle and Aaron Margrabe, join the ownership team.
Ozark Legacy Insurance Partners will continue to offer a variety of insurance products, including personal line policies, commercial and farm products, life insurance, Medicare supplements, a full suite of Employee Benefits products and Retirement Plans.
INVASIVE NORTHERN SNAKEHEAD FISH CAPTURED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An invasive fish has been caught in Southeast Missouri.
Fisheries biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation confirm that a northern snakehead was caught by an angler May 25th below Wappapello Lake Spillway in Wayne County.
This is the fourth Northern Snakehead to be recorded in the state.
The northern snakehead fish is a long bodied, predatory fish that is not native to the U.S. This fish’s head resembles a snake, thus its name. Its body can grow up to 3 feet long with python-like coloration and pattern.
Unlike most fish, the northern snakehead can breathe air, which allows survival in poorly oxygenated water or out of water for several days if their skin stays moist. They can also slither across land to return to water.
Snakeheads are an invasive species native to Asia. They’re aggressive predators, preying on native species, and competing for resources.
Anyone who catches or sees a northern snakehead is asked to report it to MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR TODAY TO DISCUSS POPLAR BLUFF GRANT APPLICATION
A meeting will be held later today to discuss a submission for grant money for the city of Poplar Bluff.
City officials will hold a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. this evening at the City Council Chambers to discuss the city’s submission of an Competitive Cycle application for the fiscal year 2023/2024 Community Development Block Grant program.
The city is proposing to make repairs to the Margaret Harwell Art Museum on North Main Street. The total project cost is estimated at $500,000. The city proposes to contribute $50,000 in cash, with grant funds of $450,000 needed to make up the balance.
For more information on the proposed project, contact Lori Phelps at 573-686-8620.
