FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS TO BE CONDUCTED IN WAYNE AND IRON COUNTIES Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has announced that flood damage assessments will be conducted in two additional counties in Southeast Missouri.

Teams of local, state and federal disaster specialists will conduct joint damage assessments of flooding and severe storm damage in six more Missouri counties, including Wayne and Iron, as the Governor prepares to make a request for a federal major disaster declaration.

Last week, Governor Greitens said that assessments would be conducted in numerous counties throughout the state, including many in Southeast Missouri.

Those affected by the flooding and severe storms are encouraged to report damage to their local emergency management officials and to document losses, including photographing damage and retaining receipts.

Individuals and business owners should also notify their insurance companies of damage and not wait for damage assessments.

More information is available online at mo.gov/flood.

SEMO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO BE IN VAN BUREN TODAY

The SEMO Business Development center will be holding an event today in Van Buren.

During the event, area business owners will get the opportunity to receive counseling on requirements for FEMA applications and on options available through Small Business Administration.

According to the Van Buren Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will begin at around 9 am today at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center.

ROUTE 60 TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Thursday from 6 am to 5 pm each day.

The work zone will be located between Route 51 and Route WW.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE IN BUTLER COUNTY

Butler County officials say that sandbags are still available for anyone who needs them.

According to the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, sandbags that were filled, but ended up not being needed, are available at the area in front of Robertson Contractors at 1909 South Westwood in Poplar Bluff.

Officials say that area residents are welcome to take as many as they wish, as long as they are not for resale.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS AREA RESIDENTS TO KEEP THEIR PETS OUT OF THE HEAT

With summer approaching and temperatures getting near 90 degrees today, the Poplar Bluff Police Department is asking area residents to keep their pets safe.

The PD has released some tips to protect your pets during the summer months. You should never leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the window cracked, temperatures inside the car quickly rise to dangerous levels.

You should not exercise with your pet when it's too hot and also don't take your pet to crowded events.

If your pet is going to be outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route 153 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.

According to MoDot, the section of roadway to be reduced is located between County Road 433 and Main Street in White Oak.

Weather permitting, work will take today from 8 am to 3 pm.

OVER $6,000 RAISED FOR POPLAR BLUFF PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Poplar Bluff school officials say that over $6,000 was raised last week during an area golf tournament.

The money was raised for the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation during the 18th annual golf tournament held on Monday, May 8, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course.

Officials say that the tournament allows the nonprofit organization to continue to finance innovative classroom projects not included in the district's operational budget, as well as to fund student scholarships.