More services, events impacted by COVID-19

BMU closes lobby

The Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities will close their lobby and other facilities to any outside visitors beginning Friday through April 3, at which time they will reassess the risk to employees and customers.

All BMU customers are asked to pay over the phone with a debit or credit card through the web payment portal, set up an auto draft from their bank account, or make use of one of BMU’s two drive-thru lanes and night deposit box.

All new connects and disconnects will be by appointment only by calling 573-471-3328.

Those who are experiencing personal hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic are asked to reach out to BMU Customer Service at 573-471-3328. Each case will be reviewed and verified individually.

“With perseverance, dignity, and compassion, we can get through this event with a willingness to work together as a company, a community, and a nation. We are all in this together,” said Rick Landers, general manager of BMU.

MDC cancels most public events

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced it has canceled most public events and programs at its nature centers, shooting ranges, and other locations around the state until April 15.

The cancellations are effective immediately and include scheduled hunter education classes, nature center programs, and events, shooting range programs and events, and landowner workshops.

MDC scheduled managed hunts, mentored spring turkey hunts, and native plant sales at nature centers will continue as planned.

All conservation areas remain open to the public. MDC offices, nature centers, and shooting ranges also remain open under normal operating hours.

According to MDC, the cancellations are in effect immediately to protect the safety of the public amid ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

People can contact their local MDC office, nature center, or shooting range with questions on specific events or programs.

More stores adjust hours

• Food Giant has implemented a Senior Hour, strongly encouraging the first hour of each day to be dedicated to customers age 60 and over, along with those groups that are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19.

Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips after Food Giant’s first hour of business.

• Beginning Thursday, Walmart will be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

• Parengo Coffee in Sikeston is now offering curbside pick up. The business is still open for visitors too.

• Beginning Thursday, Carters and Famous Footwear, both located in the Sikeston Outlet Stores, will be closed temporarily, joining VF Outlet and Leggs/Hanes/Bali.

• Sikeston OAKS will begin offering curbside pickup only beginning today.