Stories from Thursday, March 19, 2020

Monett Police Chief George Daoud has announced some changes in operational strategies while the community rides out the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Daoud indicated the following changes are temporary, and not a complete list of changes employed by officers...

Over the weekend, Walmart stores nationwide adjusted operating hours to help make it easier for associates to stock and perform enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. Additional steps have now been announce, beginning today (Thursday). Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. This will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store...

In times of crisis, Mr. Fred Rogers always quoted his mother’s advice, “Look for the helpers.” That adage remains true today. A group of volunteers comprised of retired emergency response and public works employees, Galen Hall, Mae Kennedy and Glo Abramovitz, have formed a group to assist the elderly, ill, those with young children and those otherwise homebound navigate the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic...

A story by the Kirksville Daily Express published on Tuesday says there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Cassville. David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said there is still no confirmed case of coronavirus in Barry County...

Utilities are taking new steps to respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, as municipalities and local cooperatives gear up for increasing complications. At the Thursday Monett City Council meeting, the Monett City Council passed a new ordinance halting a disconnection of utility services for the next three months (April, May and June)...

Restrictions on activity continue to tighten as the response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic broadens. On Thursday morning, the Lawrence County Commission issued a restriction that all gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people. Barry County Emergency Management Director David Compton said Barry County is sticking to its limit of 50. Without any cases in the county, Compton said social distancing should address most concerns without further impacting commerce...