Surveying Sikeston: Kehoe, state officials tour Sikeston storm damage

After surveying damage from Sunday’s tornado in Sikeston, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks Tuesday, May 28, 2024, outside of the YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston. Pictured are, from left: an American Red Cross representative, Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow, Kehoe and State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard. (Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON — In his role as acting governor of Missouri, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe visited Sikeston on Tuesday, May 28 to evaluate the severe weather damage and to better understand what state resources would be required to assist residents.

Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow accompanied Kehoe along with State Rep. Jamie Burger and State Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder to tour Sikeston’s damaged sites.

According to Kehoe, there have been many reports of damaged homes and businesses.

“And we want to especially remember that we did have one fatality in the storm over the weekend,” Kohoe said. “So our thoughts and prayers will especially go out to him and his family.”

Kehoe was also joined by Jim Remillard, director of the State Emergency Management Agency, or SEMA.

“We are currently doing damage assessments throughout Southeast Missouri and in other parts of Missouri that were affected by the recent storm Sunday and from some of the storms that occurred several days ago,” Remillard said. “We are currently under an executive order declaring a state of emergency which gives us authority to purchase equipment.”

Kehoe expressed pride in the emergency responders working to restore crucial services along with gratitude to the American Red Cross. He described them as a great asset across the country.

The American Red Cross on Sunday opened a shelter for residents impacted by the storm at the YMCA in Sikeston. A representative from the Red Cross, said there were 33 residents who spent the night Sunday night and 10 residents stayed on Monday night.

The Red Cross is also asking for volunteers. To volunteer, visit redcross.org.

Turnbow thanked the state legislators and agencies for coming to aid the city.

Turnbow also asked citizens to be patient. He said the city is working diligently with Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities to get power restored throughout the city.

“Our community is also very lucky,” Turnbow said. “There are other communities that lost a lot more than what Sikeston did. So as we continue rebuilding, patience is a virtue.” 

Kehoe praised the first responders for all their hard work and Kehoe said there is an existing emergency order that continues through the end of the month. He said emergency crews are making sure basic needs are taken care of first.