Audit Bid Advertisement

Bloomfield R-14 School District of Bloomfield, Missouri, will accept sealed bids for school district audit services until 10:00am, November 10, 2022. 

Bids specifications may be obtained at the Administration Office.   Bids must be delivered sealed and marked, “Audit Service Bid” on the outer envelope.  If the bid is not received by specified time and date, the bid will be returned unopened.

The Stoddard County Commissioners met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the government building.

Stoddard County resident, Curt Finney, attended the meeting and asked who was in the charge of the Bell City Improvement Incorporation.  Talkington stated he would get with Peter Coutavas, IDA Director, to find out and he would get back to Mr. Finney.

An update on the I-57 project was discussed.   MoDOT has begun their study of interchange options from Sikeston to Morehouse. There will possibly be 5 interchanges between Sikeston and Dexter.

"Things are starting to progress, but will take time.  Possibly two interchanges between Sikeston and Morehouse.  MoDOT has applied for federal funding, but for whatever reason we haven't received much.  This spring there will be a lot of working together between Arkansas and Missouri.  Both states are kind of tied in together to make this happen.  Arkansas has given us letters of support and we have given them letters as well," stated  Bill Robison MoDOT Representative.

Dave Cooper, President of the Water District Board #5, also attended today's meeting.  He asked about the ARPA funds requested. Commissioner Carol Jarrell gave him a copy of the request the Commissioners had received earlier.   Cooper was just double checking on the ARPA funds that the Commissioners have available for water and sewer projects going forward as well.  USDA loan/grant is no longer available to the Water District.  Due to the instability of the finances the USDA is not willing to loan that money; however they can apply again in the future once they make some improvements.. 

"We have some substantial leaks in the area also," stated Cooper.  "There is not much money to make the repairs of that magnitude; however with the Commissioners help we can make an impact."

Basically out of the last five years Cooper reviewed the financials of the water district, one year is missing, one year was in the black by $1,500 and the other three years were in the red.

"Would it be possible to apply for additional funds for future projects?" asked Cooper. 

Commissioner Talkington said we put some money in reserve for something like this.  I'm not sure we could fund the entire project, but you can still submit an application for funding.

Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes from October 24, 2022.  Talkington seconded the vote and both voted yes.

Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn and go into a work session with the new insurance broker at 10:43 a.m.  Talkington seconded the motion.  Both voted yes.

The Water District #5 has a full Board of Directors and is moving forward and hiring a part-time Clerk.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

1.  Handle installation/disconnect requests from customers

2.  Handle billing inquiries

3.  Bill customers

4.  Record receipt of payments and deposit payments

5.  Process all bills received and provide checks for board signatures

6.  Fill all necessary documents

7.  Prepare necessary reports for board members

Water District #5 is an EEOC employer.

If you are interested please contact David Cooper, President of Water District #5 Board, at (573) 421-5001.   

BRIDGE CLOSURE - US 60/62 - Alexander County, Illinois and Mississippi County, Missouri

The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling in the Cairo area that the US 60/62 bridge over the Mississippi River will be closed to all traffic. 

The closure is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 1st extending through Wednesday, November 2nd.

Message board will be in place to direct traffic.

For IDOT District 9 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict9 or view area construction details on IDOT’s 

Dexter, MO - Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout and the Dexter Police Department are hoping everyone has a wonderful Halloween and will be safe at the various Halloween events in Dexter.  Halloween in Dexter will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, 2022 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

The department has released a list of safety tips for parents and children this halloween:

• Talk to your children about being safe! Always supervise your children while they are trick or treating.

   Wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of the costume.

• Make sure children can see well through facemasks or use cosmetics to create fun or scary faces.

• Carry a flashlight after dark.

• Trick or Treat in your neighborhood or visit homes you know,

• This is one of the busiest times of the year, so if you are operating a vehicle, be alert, put down your cell phone and pay attention to your surroundings. If you are walking, watch for traffic, check and double check before crossing streets, “pay attention.”

• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.

• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.

• Keep costumed children away from pets. The pets may not recognize the child and become frightened.