STATE FUNDING SECURED FOR NEW DOPPLER RADAR IN VAN BUREN
A new Doppler weather radar system is coming to Southeast Missouri, bringing improved severe weather detection and earlier warnings to thousands of residents across the region.
State Representative Keith Elliott tells KWOC News that he worked with the Missouri Department of Public Safety to secure $2 million in state funding for a new regional Doppler weather radar system in the Van Buren area.
The project will also receive an additional $396,000 from the Delta Regional Authority, bringing the total funding to nearly $2.4 million.
The new radar system will help meteorologists detect storm rotation, wind speeds, precipitation, and even debris associated with tornadoes, potentially providing residents with more time to prepare for severe weather.
The radar station is expected to be located near Eastwood in Carter County, where officials have identified land that meets the elevation requirements for the system.
The City of Van Buren plans to purchase the property using state funding and hopes to begin accepting proposals from radar system providers by the end of the year.
MDC ANNOUNCES NEW REGULATION CHANGES
The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced new regulation changes.
The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to a regulation change from the MDC at a meeting in Cape Girardeau last week that would require campers to purchase a permit to camp on MDC areas starting in March 2027.
The new camping regulations will require people to purchase a permit for $5 for up to five days of camping on conservation areas for up to 10 people. The “$5-for-5-for-10” permit will apply even if fewer days are used and fewer people participate. Camping will remain first-come, first-served.
Groups of more than 10 people will be required to have a Special Use Permit and camping permit to camp on MDC areas. Each person will be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six camping permits annually.
Users of MDC’s unstaffed firearms shooting ranges will now be required to have a valid small-game-hunting permit to use the ranges. The new permit requirement will become effective starting in March 2027.
Nonresident deer hunters will also be required to purchase a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit for $165 to be able to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in Missouri beginning with the 2027 deer season.
JEFF SHAWAN AND CORETTA BISHOP TO CHALLENGE FOR MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE SEAT
There are multiple races in Southeast Missouri that will go to determine the make up of the next Missouri State House of Representatives.
In the 152nd District, Jeff Shawan will face off against Corretta Bishop. The 144th District will see Chris Dinkins take on Andrew Eye.
The 149th District will feature a race between Scott Crumpecker and John Armbruster. Incumbent Steve Jordan will attempt to defend his seat in District 151 from challenger Pam Proffitt-Rowland.
In District 153, incumbent Keith Elliott will face off with Lee Majors.
Jason Smith will be seeking to continue his stay in the United States House of Representatives for Missouri District 8. He is being challenged by Chris Reichard and Rebecca Lombard.
Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is also seeking reelection and is running against Quentin Wilson and Dustin Coffell.
MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT SEVEN WOULD ESTABLISH STATE PROSPERITY FUND
Continuing our preview coverage ahead of the November General Election in Missouri, we are going to look at Missouri Constitutional Amendment 7.
If passed, Amendment 7 would establish the “Show-Me Prosperity Fund,” a permanent public endowment fund to support state government with the goal of eliminating state-imposed taxes.
The Amendment establishes a permanent public endowment fund to support state government instead of taxing Missouri residents, prohibits the General Assembly from appropriating or diverting the fund, and eliminates state-imposed taxes once the fund generates sufficient revenue to replace them.
MISSOURI BEGINS TRANSITION TO FLAT LICENSE PLATES
Missouri motorists will notice changes to their license plates when they renew.
Missouri Department of Revenue director Trish Vincent says that the department is starting the transition from raised letter embossed license plates to flat license plates.
Vincent says that the move to flat license plates supports greater efficiency and prepares for the state’s move from a six-digit to a seven-digit license plate number as part of the upcoming FUSION system implementation that will take place February 2027.
Currently, customers whose vehicle or trailer license plates have been lost, stolen or damaged, and who request replacements, will receive six-digit flat license plates. Except for motorcycle and certain specialty plates, distribution of seven-digit flat plates will begin with the rollout of FUSION.
More information is available at dor.mo.gov.
INTERSTATE REPAIRS SET FOR THIS WEEK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Southbound Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The section of Interstate 55 being reduced is located from mile marker 17.4 to mile marker 19.2.
Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m each day.