The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced closures at Wappapello Lake due to rising water levels. Key recreational sites and access points are affected to ensure public safety and protect infrastructure.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a series of closures at Wappapello Lake as water levels are expected to crest at less than 384.5 feet on April 10. The anticipated discharge is set to reach 10,000 cubic feet per second by April 13, pending no additional rainfall in the watershed. These measures are being taken to ensure public safety and protect infrastructure as the lake experiences elevated water levels.

Flood impact levels

410.4 - Maximum Pool Level.

394.74 - Spillway Elevation.

359.74 - Recreational/Summer Pool.

Historic Crests

400.01 ft on 05-03-2011

The closures affect a wide range of recreational and access points around the lake, according to information released Sunday morning by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Among the affected areas are Perkins Branch Road, Lost Creek Landing Boat Ramp, Warner Davis, and Berry Springs. Several campsites, including Island Campsites #2, #3, #4, and #5, are also closed. Popular boat ramps such as Walnut Cove, Paradise Point, and Cozart Point are inaccessible, along with numerous other locations.

These closures are part of a broader effort to manage the lake's water levels and ensure the safety of visitors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a history of implementing such measures, as seen in previous events like the cancellation of the drawdown and periodic inspection

Safety Precautions and Further Information

Visitors to Wappapello Lake are urged to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines. The Corps of Engineers emphasizes the importance of not driving through flooded roadways, a critical safety measure during periods of high water. For those seeking more information on the current lake level and closures, updates can be found on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website

As the situation evolves, the Corps will continue to monitor water levels and make adjustments as necessary to ensure public safety and the preservation of the lake's infrastructure.

Closures

• Perkins Branch Road, RD-13
• Lost Creek Landing Boat Ramp, RD-9A
• Warner Davis, RD-10
• Berry Springs, RD-16
• Island Campsites #2 & 3
• Lost Creek Low Water Bridge Boat Ramp, RD-8
• Caldwell Creek, RD-31
• Lost Creek Point, 4-Mile Road Boat Ramp, RD-11
• Possum Creek Parking Area
• Walnut Cove Boat Ramp
• Paradise Point Boat Ramp
• Cozart Point Boat Ramp
• Strickland Point Boat Ramp
• Hatties ford Road South
• Piso Point Boat Ramp
• Redman Creek Beach
• Redman Creek Fishing Pier
• Holiday Landing Bridge Site
• Island Campsite #4
• Davis Schoolhouse
• Possum Creek Boat Ramp
• Island Campsites 1 & 6
• Hatties Ford Road, North
• Lost Creek Trail
• Carlton Place
• Walnut Cove
• Page Branch Boat Ramp
• Lost Creek Landing Road to Shook
• Holliday Landing Boat Ramp
• Lost Creek Recreation Boat Ramp, Lodge
• Piso Point Boat Ramp
• Joe Bill Bluff, Sheets Hole
• County Road 543, Caldwell Creek (Wayne County)
• Blue Springs Boat Ramp
• Peoples Creek Day Use and Campground
• Rockwood Point
• Island Campsite 5
• Wet Fork Access
• Otter Creek Upper Parking Lot
• North Greenville Access
• Blue Water Creek Access
• North Haggot Hole
• 34 Bridge Recreation Area
• Sulphur Spring Boat Ramp
• Rockwood Landing
• Greenville Campground and Day-Use
• Bounds Creek
• Sundowner Boat Ramp
• North Perkins Branch Boat Ramp and Road
• Lost Creek Lodge Road/ Recreation
• Chaonia Landing

The Commission meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Old Business:

Bid for HVAC Services for Sheriff's Department

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis stated there was an error on the Agenda .  There is no need for an HVAC system; just a bid for the service agreement.

A Bid for the annual service agreement for the HVAC. Deadline at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.  Bid Opening meeting will be Monday, March 24th at 10 a.m. in the Commission Chamber.

The bid is for bi-monthly filter changes and bi-annual services of units and equipment (spring/fall).

For a complete work performance list, schedule an on-site visit or any questions regarding bid specs, please contact Chief Deputy Andy Holden at the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department (573) 568-4654.  Envelopes containing bids should be addressed as "Service Agreements" and sealed upon delivery.  Sealed bids must be delivered by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, to the Stoddard County Clerk's Office located at 401 South Prairie St. or mailed to P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, MO 63825.  

Law Mowing Services

Morlan Law Care from Bloomfield has been hired per William Dowdy, Maintenance Manager for the County buildings. The amount fell under the $12,000 mark for bids that have to be put in the paper.  The cost last year was $4,000.  This year's cost is $200 per week.  

New Business:

City of Puxico - Fire

"We are in a hold mode because we are waiting on an asbestos report from DNR.  No one has committed to rebuilding," stated Peter Coutavas, city council member. "It no longer looks like Berlin.  They have taken down the Midway's walls."

Cyber Security Insurance

A renewal quote for the Stoddard County Cyber Security liability insurance in the amount of $29,123.33.

Motion to accept the Cyber Security Insurance proposal from Burns & Wilcox in the amount of $29,123.33 made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by C.D. Stewart.  The insurance Carrier is Arch Specialty Insurance Company and the coverage is from March 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026.

IDA Update - Peter Coutavas

"We gave an update on all the allocations and progress over the last six months," Coutavas said.

"Asked that I monitor lands that are available for businesses and site," stated Coutavas. "Usually they go to a realtor so I need to get clarification on how I can get information."

Other Business:

Motion to accept the minutes from February 24, 2025 made by C. D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to enter into Closed Session at 10:59 a.m. made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stuart.  All voted yes and motion passed.