Acting MO Governor Kehoe visits weather-impacted Sikeston
SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, in his capacity as Missouri’s Acting Governor, traveled to southeast Missouri Tuesday to assess storm damage in the area and better learn what state resources may be needed to help impacted communities respond and recover.
Acting Governor Kehoe say loss of life is the most tragic thing that can happen in any community. He says he is proud of the emergency responders working to get essential services back open and grateful to the Red Cross for setting up a shelter.
Acting Governor Kehoe was joined by State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Director Jim Remillard and staff members from the Office of the Governor.
At least one storm-related death has been reported in Sikeston. There are numerous instances of damaged homes and businesses.
Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow joined Acting Governor Kehoe for the visit.
Two local senators and three state representatives were there.
Missouri Senator Holly Thompson Rehder and Missouri Representative Jamie Burger toured the damage with Kehoe.
A representative from the State Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross were also there.
SEMA representatives are doing damage assessments from the recent storms under an executive order declaring state of emergency. This gives SEMA authority to purchase equipment.
A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is open in Iron County through Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. for those impacted by the severe storms. It is located at Arcadia Valley Chapel at 427 S. Main Street in Ironton. It is designed for residents affected by storms. The MARC will give non-government aid. Other state agencies will be available to those affected by the storms.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter for residents affected by the storm damage which left trees on homes and many without power. The shelter is located at the YMCA at 511 Taylor Street in Sikeston. A representative from the Red Cross says residents are resilient. There are 40 cots available. Thirty-tree residents stayed Sunday night and 10 residents stayed Monday night. He says the Red Cross is always looking for more volunteers. To volunteer, go to redcross.org and click on volunteer tab.
Sikeston Mayor Turnbow says he greatly appreciates the legislators and agencies coming and helping. He asks citizens to be patient as work continues to restore power. Mayor Turnbow says restore power is the priority, then they will work to clear debris.
“We’re just grateful to the first responders,” said Kehoe. He praised the mayor for his response.
Acting Gov. Kehoe says there is an existing emergency order that continues through end of month. Crews are now assessing the damage.
He urges residents to be patient and complimented the citizens of Sikeston through Dexter and Stoddard County and Hwy. 60 corrider who have worked together in resonse to the storm.
Kehoe says emergency crews are making sure basic needs are taken care of first, then start the rest.
Mayor Greg Turnbow says a curfew for Sikeston will probably be lifted Wednesday night. The curfew is from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. It does not apply to those involved in repairs, demolition, homeowners or property owners on their own property. It also does not apply to those traveling to and from work, medical or other legitimate reasons.
Residents can take limbs and trees can be taken to the compost site in Sikeston from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located on Compress Road (one block west of Northwest Street).
There is a current executive order from the governor from May 1. If needed, Acting Governor Kehoe say it can be extended.
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