Stories from Tuesday, March 17, 2020

SIKESTON — The Missouri Delta Medical Center COVID-19 Task Force is working closely with local health officials, State Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Missouri Hospital Association to respond to any potential COVID-19 cases in the area...

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. – Dollar General Corp. on Monday announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning Tuesday. Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus...

SIKESTON — A Sikeston man received moderate injuries after his vehicle struck a pole and house Sunday in Scott County. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 4:30 p.m. on Route BB, one mile west of Sikeston, as the northbound vehicle driven by Olin Q. Boes, 51, of Sikeston ran off the left side of the road, struck a ditch, utility pole and a house...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As concerns over the new coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow across the state and the nation, Gov. Mike Parson and his administration are working each day to respond to the virus and help combat the spread.  Parson on Tuesday held his first daily press briefings to provide updates regarding COVID-19 in Missouri...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As concerns over the new coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow across the state and the nation, Gov. Mike Parson and his administration are working each day to respond to the virus and protect the health and well-being of Missourians...

Shutdowns swept across the United States, with nearly 7 million people in the San Francisco area all but confined to their homes Tuesday, even as spring break crowds flooded a Florida beach and dozens lined up to pose for pictures in front of the world-famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign...

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood...

Colonel Eric T. Olson, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announces beginning immediately today March 17 the Missouri State Highway Patrol is suspending driver road testing at all locations. All road tests through March 31 are canceled. ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – In the coming weeks, many Americans will be affected either directly or indirectly by COVID-19 and Charter is focused on serving and supporting our 29 million customers. Americans rely on high speed broadband in nearly every aspect of their lives and Charter is committed to ensuring our customers maintain reliable access to the online resources and information they want and need...

SIKESTON —David Ray Monroe, 68, died March 15, 2020, at his home in Sikeston. Born Dec. 14, 1951, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, son of the late Ed Monroe and Lola Hollis Monroe, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a paratrooper and had worked as a lineman for Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities for over 30 years before retiring. He was a member of Miner Baptist Church, the Sikeston Masonic Lodge 310, Moolah Temple, SEMO Shrine Club and IBEW...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Vienna Sabrania “Vee” Walker, 65, died March 13, 2020, at her home. Born Jan. 17, 1955, in Diehlstadt, Missouri, daughter of the late Mose Walker Sr. and Alice Robinson Walker, she attended Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church and House of Prayer World Outreach Center. ...

The following is a statement from the Scott County Sheriff's Office released Tuesday afternoon: In response to the Coronavirus, COVID-19, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office will be modifying its law enforcement response and business practices. Starting on March 18, 2020 until further notice:...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson has ordered the closure of Missouri’s 13 casinos through March 30 as part of an effort to limit public gatherings in the public health battle against the coronavirus. Meanwhile, some nonviolent jail inmates are being freed to reduce the risk of transmission behind bars...

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is asking Congress to unleash a torrent of emergency economic aid — including direct checks to Americans — in an extraordinary effort to shore up households and the economy in the coronavirus crisis. As part of a proposed economic rescue not seen since the Great Recession in 2008, Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks as part of a package that officials said could approach a cost of $1 trillion. ...

SIKESTON — Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or suspects they have the virus are reminded to call first before arriving unannounced at their nearest hospital emergency room, clinic or doctor’s office. “It is critical for everyone to respect the safety of our patients and staff,” said Missouri Delta Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Jason Schrumpf. “Please follow our guidelines and call ahead before showing up unannounced at one of our clinics or the emergency room.”...

The City of Sikeston issued a statement Tuesday afternoon that beginning Wednesday, all city offices will remain in operation but most will be closed to the public. According to Sikeston City Manager Jonathan Douglass: • Effective March 18, 2020, all indoor City facilities are closed to the public through at least April 3, 2020, including City Hall, the Clinton Building, fire stations, P.A.W.S. ...

SIKESTON — Local businesses are being impacted by the coronavirus, with several adjusting their hours and/or their services. Dollar General stores, nationwide, are dedicating the first hour of shopping to seniors, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus...

SIKESTON — While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, in the immediate area, local events and services are being impacted. On Monday, the Trump administration called on Americans not to gather in groups of more than 10 and advised older people to stay home. That followed Sunday’s statement from federal officials recommending all in-person events involving 50 people or more be called off for the next eight weeks...