3/24 LOCAL UPDATE: Scott County Courthouse changes entrance procedures

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Scott County officials have decided to adjust entrance procedures by asking visitors to make an appointment in advance.

“We’re still open for business, but we’re trying to protect ourselves, our employees and the public by abiding by the governor’s order,” said Scott County First District Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn. “You can still get marriage licenses and deeds filed here just as you always have.”

The front door of the courthouse in Benton is locked, and phone numbers for the various departments are posted on the door for visitors to call and make an appointment, he said.

For those who’ve made appointments, there should be ample parking for easy access to the courthouse front door, Ziegenhorn said, adding that courthouse employees will park behind the building.

The procedures are in place until further notice, he said.

“We’ll see what happens on a day-to-day basis, and, hopefully, this goes away,” Ziegenhorn said.

• Woods Lumber in Portageville is moving to phone-in orders, carryouts and delivery only.

• Nancy’s Discovered Treasures Consignment in Portageville will be closing. Those needing to drop off items are asked to call or send a Facebook message before doing so.

• Tricia’s BBQ and Catering in Portageville is temporarily closed beginning today.

• Evensong Worship in Portageville will be shutting down until further notice.

• The New Madrid County License Bureau will be closed until April 6.

• The Sikeston License Bureau is open but only allowing 10 people in the office at a time.

• The Daughters of Sunset celebration, scheduled for March 29, has been postponed. A new date for the event has not yet been set.

• Animal control calls to Sikeston P.A.W.S. and DPS have been limited to emergency calls only, such as dog bites, animal cruelty or neglect, severely injured animals and law enforcement officer assistance. Officials ask that the community refrain from calls that address dogs running loose, animal trapping, nuisance barking and owner surrender.

• DeLisle Funeral Home has closed their office to the public. They are still open for calls and funerals and appointments can be scheduled over the phone to come in or make a payment.