Jefferson City, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continue to impact large portions of the state.
The heavy rain associated with the severe weather already has led to flooding along many streams and rivers; at least one drowning has been reported in connection with the flooding in Missouri. More heavy rain is expected across the state in the next few days in connection with the remnants of tropical depression Bill.
“As significant flooding continues to impact large portions of the state, I have directed state emergency management personnel and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to take action to assist local communities and protect the public,” Gov. Nixon said. “With more heavy rain in the forecast, we will continue to remain in direct contact with law enforcement and local officials as we work to protect lives and property.”
In addition to the Mississippi River, a number of smaller rivers and streams are expected to hit major flood stage including the Meramec River, the Bourbeuse River, the Cuivre River and Dardenne Creek.
Thousands of acres used for agriculture, especially along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, are among the areas that have been impacted or are under threat from flooding. The Governor said it includes some of the most productive farmland in the country.
The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system, and Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan also has been activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.
The Governor urged residents of flood-affected areas of Missouri to pay close attention to weather warnings and follow the safety instructions of local officials as the potential for additional dangerous flooding continues. Missourians, especially motorists, are encouraged to remember these important safety tips on flooding and high water:
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a Poplar Bluff, Mo. teen.
Family members contacted police yesterday morning, reporting Victoria Frazier missing.
Reports say Frazier left her residence voluntarily, at around 5:00 am, but has not been in contact since that time.
Frazier has remained active on social media, but her whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone with information about Victoria Frazier’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776 or contactus@pbpolice.org.
United States - People across the United States will celebrate Flag Day on June 14 to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption.
Old Gory has changed designs over the year. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 white five pointed stars. Each of the 50 stars represents on of the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union.
Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days.
Americans will also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.
Many people in the United States honor this day by displaying the American flag at homes and public buildings. Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.
Organizations such as The National Flag Day Foundation are actively involved in coordinating activities centered on the event and keeping the flag’s traditions alive. Following Flag Day is Honor America Days, a 21-day period through to Independence Day (July 4) to honor America. During this period, people hold public gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor the nation.
Leevon DeCourley has been entertaining audiences all over the Midewest and Southeast for the better part of the last ten years. The concert will be held at the Park's amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. The event is FREE.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514.
To apply, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/11252 between July 1 and 31. MDC will post drawing results at the same website address from Sept. 1 through Jan 15. Applicants who get drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.
The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents and help achieve MDC’s deer-management goals for the state while providing additional hunting opportunities. Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods, and modern firearms, plus youth hunts and hunts for people with disabilities.
Seventeen managed hunts will be held exclusively for hunters with disabilities. Eligibility varies by hunt so applicants should call the area hosting the hunt for details and to apply. Wheelchair-confined hunters may apply for more than one managed hunt offered at select conservation areas with a written request due by July 31 to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Attn: Managed Deer Hunts, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
All other hunters may apply for only one managed hunt per year. Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth-only hunts. Youths age 11-15 years by the date of the desired hunt who are hunter-education certified may apply individually or with one other youth for youth hunts and must be accompanied on the hunt by a qualified adult mentor.
All applicants will need their nine-digit Conservation ID number to complete the application process. Conservation ID numbers are listed on hunting and fishing permits and Missouri Conservation Heritage Cards.
Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to participate in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants beginning Sept. 1 from permit vendors, online through MDC’s e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov/node/10901, or through MDC’s free hunting mobile app -- MO Hunting.
Hunter education is required for firearms managed hunts, unless the hunter is exempt by age or other reason. Hunter education classes fill up quickly as fall hunting seasons approach. For more information on hunter education options and classes, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3095.
MDC uses a weighted-preference-point system to give previously unsuccessful applicants an advantage in future drawings. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year are statistically less likely to be drawn than those who entered but were not drawn in previous years.
Details about managed hunts can be found in MDC’s “2015 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available in July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.
