Stories from Sunday, March 22, 2020

Over the past week, the severity of risk posed to our country by the coronavirus outbreak came into sharp focus. President Trump has held daily briefings from the White House with Vice President Pence and a slew of leading experts from around the federal government to keep the American people constantly informed...

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a U.S. Department of Defense program, announced that Pike Electric was honored with the Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves. Staff Sgt. ...

Route Z in Stoddard County will be closed as contractor crews perform bridge maintenance to the main drainage ditch between Route 153 and County Road 783. Weather permitting, work will begin Monday, March 30 through Friday, May 8. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state...

Southeast Missouri Food Bank has seen a tremendous increase in the demand for food following temporary layoffs and school closures following the outbreak of Covid-19. “Other places may be cutting back on their work hours or working from home, but at the food bank, we’re busier than ever,” said food bank Chief Executive Officer Joey Keys in a press release from the organization. ...

Poplar Bluff city officials will hold a planning and zoning meeting tonight by teleconference, the first public meeting to be closed locally in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. They have also announced a list of several advisory boards that will not meet until further notice, according to city manager Mark Massingham.

Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers said in a meeting Sunday afternoon Governor Mike Parson has directed Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams to order statewide social distancing and the order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday in Butler County, as well as across the state...