Many residents of Southeast Missouri were rattled on Wednesday evening when a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the area.

The quake occurred at 8:53 p.m. and was centered five miles south-southeast of Williamsville according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

According to USGS data this was the largest earthquake in the region since a 3.9 magnitude quake hit the Bertrand area in February of 2012.  

Andrew Bohnert, Stoddard County EMA Director stated, "We have not heard of any damage to homes or building in the Stoddard County area, but some residents reported pictures falling off walls."  He went on to say that more damage was reported in the Butler County area including some drywall cracks and maybe some windows broken.

The USGS initially reported the earthquake as a magnitude 3.7 but later upgraded it to a 4.0.

Many residents across Stoddard County and surrounding area reported hearing a loud boom just before the earthquake hit.  The ground shook for several seconds.  One person reported her bird felt it before she did and alerted her to something coming.

City Administrator, Trevor Pulley, contacted the ShowMe Times within minutes to let people know he and Dexter's EMA Director, Don Seymore, were out checking buildings downtown.  They found some wind damage as the winds picked up right around the time of the earthquake.  They both have reported no major damage.

If you felt the earthquake the USGS would like to hear from you.  Here is a quick survey that will help them with data!  Click HERE.

Bloomfield, MO - It has been reported by the Stoddard County Health Department and the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department that several inmates at the Stoddard County Jail have tested positive with COVID-19.

According to Ben Godwin, Stoddard County Health Department Director, "They are in the process of testing all inmates with Covid-19 Rapid Tests as we have had positive cases among the inmates in the jail yesterday and today."

Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff commented, "As of Monday, July 26th we have confirmed there are active COVID-19 cases in the Stoddard County Jail. Since the COVID outbreak began we at the Stoddard County Jail have taken precautions in preventing COVID from being in our jail. Even with the precautions taken it was inevitable that COVID would get in our jail facility. We have been very fortunate to this point to not have had any cases in our jail."

The Stoddard County Sheriff's Department is currently working on a testing plan for the inmates and staff.

Hefner would like to reassure the public that if you are in need of law enforcement, please do not hesitate to contact them.

"We will continue to offer our services regardless of the situation in the jail," continued Hefner.  "We will strive to keep our community safe from a law enforcement standpoint as well as keeping our citizens safe from COVID. Any of our staff that are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID are required to obtain a COVID test before returning to work so the citizens can feel safe."

Dexter, MO - Don Seymore, Dexter Fire Chief and EMA Director for the city of Dexter has three chainsaw crews working in the area to help with tornado damage.

These three crews will be contacting homeowners to assist them with tree cutting and moving the trees to the edge of the road or alley.  The organizations will be wearing their origination shirts with their name badges.

They are:

1. Team Rubicon

2. Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief

3. Crossroad Fellowship List

"Please remember we will be experiencing scams in the area and want you to pay for service which they may not provide," commented Seymore. "These chainsaw groups listed are all voluntary and very reputable.  They are here to help the citizens of Dexter."

If you have any questions or need assistance with tree removal please contact the Dexter Fire Department at 573-624-3425. 

The Dexter City EOC is still in operation at the Direction of Fire Chief Don Seymore.

Pictured from left are Dexter City Administrator, Trevor Pulley, Fire Chief Don Seymore, and Police Chief Hank Trout.

Dexter, Missouri - Dexter Police will be joining with statewide law enforcement May 24 – June 6, 2021 for a statewide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to step up enforcement on Missouri’s seat belt law. 

More than 6 out of 10 people killed in 2020 Missouri traffic crashes were unbuckled. Even with all the advancements in automobile safety, a seat belt remains a person’s single greatest defense in the event of a crash. 

Missouri’s seat belt use has shown significant improvement in the last three years, but the state remains just below the national average in usage. Missouri has an 86.1 percent seat belt use while the national average is 90.7 percent. Teens and pick-up truck drivers are among those least likely to buckle up at 75.5 and 71.6 percent, respectively.

 “Nearly every day someone dies in a Missouri traffic crash because they weren’t buckled up,” said Chief Hank Trout. “We will be pulling out all the stops to help ensure motorists are making the smart decision to buckle up.”

Route NN in Stoddard County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews overlay the roadway.

This section of roadway is located from Route FF to County Road 570.

Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, May 3 through Wednesday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The route will be open to local traffic only.

The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT