Stories from Monday, March 23, 2020

BLOOMFIELD -- Stoddard County Commissioners voted Monday morning to issue a state of emergency for the county in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While no cases of COVID-19 had been diagnosed (as of 10 a.m. Monday) in the county, the commissioners voted 3-0 to begin a state of emergency immediately...

The second largest employer in Butler County will temporarily shutter operations as area factories feel the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Others report they have halted hiring and could see more repercussions. Rumors began circulating early Monday about a possible closure at Poplar Bluff’s Briggs & Stratton plant on Tuesday, but company officials would not comment. More than 500 people are employed there from around the region...