Wednesday, December 10, 2025
DEADLINE APPROACHING TO APPLY FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE IN CONNECTION TO STORMS IN LATE MARCH AND EARLY APRIL
Time is running out for southeast Missouri residents to apply for Individual Assistance in 20 counties in connection to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from March 30 through April 8.
Counties include Butler, Carter, Dunklin, New Madrid, Ripley, Stoddard, and Wayne, among others.
Individuals may seek federal assistance for qualifying disaster-related expenses – including housing repairs, temporary housing, rental assistance, medical and funeral costs not covered by insurance or other aid programs, and replacement of damaged belongings and vehicles.
Individuals who sustained damage or losses not covered by insurance due to the March 30 to April 8 severe weather may apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free application line at 1-800-621-3362. You can also download the FEMA app to apply.
The deadline to apply for assistance in Missouri is December 22nd.
DRA ANNOUNCES INVESTMENTS FOR MULTIPLE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COMMUNITIES
The Delta Regional Authority, in collaboration with the state of Missouri, has announced the investment of approximately $4.2 million toward 10 projects in Missouri, including four in southeast Missouri.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland in Poplar Bluff was awarded $509,000 for construction of a workforce development center. The city of Dexter was awarded nearly $404,000 to install a state-of-the art radar station.
The city of Portageville was awarded more than $388,000 to make improvements to its water system infrastructure. Ellington was also awarded $509,000 to improve the city’s water system infrastructure by installing a new water well.
The investments are through the DRA’s States’ Economic Development Assistance Program. More information is available at DRA.gov.
FAFSA FRENZY EVENT COMING TO POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL THIS WEEK
An event will be held this week in Poplar Bluff to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
FAFSA Frenzy will be held from 4 to 5:45 pm at the Poplar Bluff High School Cafeteria on Thursday.
An additional FAFSA Frenzy event has been scheduled for Monday, January 12th.
WOMAN FACING MULTIPLE COUNTS OF DOMESTIC BATTERING AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF HABITUAL ABUSE
A Paragould woman has been taken into custody after minors that were in her care disclosed habitual abuse.
According to Paragould authorities, in September, 63 year old Kimberly Contos was arrested for domestic battering 3rd degree on a minor.
After the arrest, all other minors were removed from her care.
During follow up interviews with the other minors, they reportedly disclosed habitual abuse over multiple years by Contos.
During an interview, Contos also allegedly made incriminating statements.
She was booked into the Greene County Jail this week on seven counts of felony 2nd degree domestic battering and seven counts of misdemeanor 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child.
THREE RIVERS COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT TO HOST CHOIR CONCERT THIS WEEKEND
The Three Rivers College Community Choir will be hosting a concert this weekend.
Christmas at the Tinnin has been scheduled for 7 pm on Saturday, December 13th and 2 pm on December 14th at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff.
Tickets are $10 and are available online at tinnin.ticketleap.com. Tickets will be sold at the door, if any remain.
More information is available at trcc.edu/events.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Route B in New Madrid County will be reduced today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The bridge involved in the project is located from Route PP to County Road 296 near Gideon.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.