Stories from Friday, March 20, 2020

The March meeting of the Dexter Planing and Zoning Commission has been cancelled due to concerns for the COVID 19 virus. Anyone with any questions may contact city hall at 624-5959.

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed with one in Dunklin County and the other in Scott County.

Three Rivers College announced Friday that additional safety precautions will be taken against the spread of COVID-19. Effective Friday, each campus and building will have only one entrance open, according to a statement. All other entrances will be locked...

Sikeston, MO — Southeast Missouri Food Bank has seen a tremendous increase in the demand for food following temporary layoffs and school closures following the outbreak of Covid-19. “Other places may be cutting back on their work hours or working from home, but at the food bank, we’re busier than ever,” said food bank Chief Executive Officer Joey Keys. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU — A former Poplar Bluff police officer and a local woman made their initial appearances in federal court earlier this week after their recent indictment on child pornography charges. Brandon Michael Hopper, 39, and Amber Michelle Longhibler, 27, appeared separately before U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites-Leoni on their two-count indictments, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester...

Area sheriffs continue to make adjustments in their procedures and jail operations as concerns about COVID-19 continue. “We’re still conducting business as usual as far as arresting people,” but those arrested for misdemeanors, “we consult judges in those cases to see if they want them locked up,” said Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner. “Felons, obviously we will still take them in.”...

Area medical facilities are limiting visitors, cancelling elective procedures and taking other steps as they address concerns over COVID-19. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is “taking proactive steps to prepare for the protection of patients, our caregivers and the community,” said Lacey McClintock, director of marketing and community relations Friday...