STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR MISSOURI DUE TO FLOODING
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has issued a state of emergency due to worsening conditions along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems.
In the declaration released Thursday, Parson said the conditions were due a result of release from upstream reservoirs, snow melt and excessive rainfall.
Governor Parson also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions. Earlier on Thursday, the Governor signed Executive Order 19-05 making the emergency declaration official.
Missouri residents are being cautioned to be careful around flooded areas.
You should avoid walking through floodwater and keep your children from playing in it. Also never attempt to drive over flooded roads. Remember that standing water can carry infectious diseases and hide hazards, such as road damage, glass, and sewage.
41ST ANNUAL OLD GREENVILLE RENDEZVOUS TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH
The 41st Annual Old Greenville Rendezvous has been scheduled for next month.
The event, presented by the Crowley’s Ridge Blackpowder Club and the US Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake, will be held from 9 am to dark on Saturday, April 27th, and 8 am to 3 pm on Sunday, April 28th, at the Greenville Campground.
There will be multiple events and entertainment options available and admission is free to the public.
For more information, call 573-300-9595.
REWARD OFFERED IN ELK POACHING INVESTIGATION
Authorities are still investigating an incident of elk poaching in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, two elk were shot in Shannon County on February 8th, near the Log Yard.
One of the elk was a 10-year-old bull, brought to Missouri from Kentucky in 2011. The other was an adult cow, born in Missouri.
MDC’s Protection Division Chief Randy Doman says it appears the poachers simply wanted to shoot elk for fun, or out of spite. Agents reported that in this poaching case, no parts of either animal were removed.
The Conservation Federation of Missouri and Operation Game Thief are now offering an $8,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the poacher or poachers that shot the two elk. Anyone with information that could help with this investigation is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-392-1111.
PUBLIC MEETING WITH THE RIPLEY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET FOR NEXT WEEK
A public meeting concerning transportation has been scheduled for next week in Ripley County.
According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, members of the Ripley County Transportation Advisory Committee will be hosting the meeting beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, March 27th.
The event is scheduled to be held at the Ripley County Courthouse in Doniphan.
Subjects to be discussed include transportation issues and priorities within the county.
For more information, contact Andrew Murphy at 573-785-6402.
AREA POLICE DEPARTMENT WARNING OF PHONE SCAM
Officials with an area police department are warning residents about a reported phone scam.
According to the Portageville Police Department, an 800 number is calling residents and claiming to be the Social Security Office.
The caller is stating that your Social Security number has been compromised and wants you to call them back.
Officials say you should not return the call.
NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR CULVERT PIPE REPLACEMENT
Route D in New Madrid County will be closed today so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can replace a culvert under the roadway.
The work zone will be located between County Road 556 and Route UU.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 am to 3 pm.
