Thursday, March 2, 2017

   

 

 

 

STORMS CAUSE DAMAGE ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

  The storms that crossed Southeast Missouri from Tuesday into Wednesday morning have resulted in damage to multiple businesses and homes.

According to the National Weather Service, there were several trees uprooted and power lines knocked down across the area.

In Bernie, a roof was reportedly blown off a grocery store, with outbuildings also being damaged or destroyed in Stoddard and New Madrid Counties.

A freightliner in New Madrid County was overturned after being hit with straight line winds on Interstate 55, the driver suffered minor injuries. An elderly couple was also reportedly rescued from their home in New Madrid County. Eight grain bins were also destroyed in Mississippi County north of East Prairie.

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was in Perryville Wednesday after a tornado resulted in more than 100 homes in the area being destroyed. A 24 year old Perryville man was killed when his vehicle was blown off of Interstate 55 by the storm.

 

  BETTER BUSINESS BUREARU WARNING VICTIMS OF STORMS TO BE AWARE OF FRAUDSTERS

  Many area people are still assessing the damage they received in this week’s storms and the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for unlicensed or storm-chasing contractors seeking to cash in on the destruction.

After previous storms, the bureau has taken complaints about contractors who took deposits from consumers and did little or no work. Some could not be reached when consumers wanted refunds or were dissatisfied with the repairs.

The BBB says that people should be cautious of door-to-door salespeople who use high-pressure sales tactics. You should also check with your insurance carrier before making major repairs. An adjuster may need to assess the damage, and the carrier may have recommendations for repairs or contractors.

Additional tips for people recovering from the storm damage are available online at the Better Business Bureau website at BBB.org.

The Missouri Department of Insurance has also provided tips for residents who have property damage and what they need to do when contacting their insurance provider at insurance.mo.gov.

 

  NEELYVILLE LADY TIGERS ADVANCE TO STATE QUARTERFINALS

  The Neelyville Lady Tigers basketball team has advanced to the state quarterfinals for Class 2.

The Lady Tigers defeated Gainsville last night in Mountain Grove 68 to 51. The Lady Tigers will next play Oran at 2:45 pm Saturday at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.

Coming up tonight there will be a two district championship games played at Poplar Bluff High School. The girls Class 5 District 1 Final between Poplar Bluff and Jackson will tip off at 6 pm, followed by the boys championship, also between Poplar Bluff and Jackson, at 7:30 pm.

We will have both games for you on Today’s Talk 93.3 FM and 930 AM KWOC, as well as streaming online at KWOC.com.

 

  SOME ROADS STILL CLOSED FOLLOWING STORMS

  Some roads are still closed this morning following storms that hit the area earlier this week.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, US 61 in New Madrid County is closed in both directions between Sikeston and Matthews due to downed power lines. US 61 will be closed until further notice.

Missouri Highway 77 in Mississippi County is also still closed south of Wyatt because of utility damage.

Road closures were reported Wednesday in multiple counties including Butler and Stoddard following the storms.

You can find the latest information about road closures on the MoDot traveler information map, which is available at modot.org.

 

  DEXTER MAN ARRESETD ON FIREARM AND RESISTING ARREST WARRANT

  Authorities in Stoddard County say an area man has been taken into custody on a firearm related warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 24 year old Jeremy Schmidt, of Dexter, was arrested on a warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting arrest by flight, possession of a defaced firearm, and 4th degree assault.

Schmidt’s bond was set at $7,500 and he reportedly remained in jail as of this morning.

 

  BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO BEGIN TODAY ON THREE BRIDGES IN BUTLER COUNTY

  Route B in Butler County will be reduced to one lane through early next week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform maintenance on three bridges.

According to MoDOT, the bridges are located between Old Route B and County Road 559.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Monday, March 6th from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.