BREAKING NEWS
BLOOMFIELD – The Stoddard County Commission unanimously approved an ordinance Friday morning prohibiting open fire and fireworks within the county.

Commissioners called a special meeting for Friday morning, with the main item on the agenda the discussion of the new ordinance.

The ordinance prohibits any open fire or fireworks in the county, whether by an individual, corporation or organization.

“Because the Stoddard County Commission has deemed that the ongoing drought and dry conditions within the County and the surrounding areas constitute a hazard to public safety and therefore it is necessary and reasonable to immediately prohibit open fires and the discharge of fireworks for the protection of persons and property within the County,” states the ordinance.

The ordinance takes effect immediately and will expire at the "discretion" of the County Commission.

The new ordinance applies only to the unincorporated areas of Stoddard County.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis and Associated Commissioners Frank Sifford and Carol Jarrell all signed the ordinance.