The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection and Health Service (APHIS) will be conducting a multiple-day aerial operation to control feral hogs on Mingo National Wildlife Refuge between January 16 and 26, 2024. This management action will involve a helicopter flying over the refuge with APHIS personnel targeting and shooting feral hogs. For public safety, the entire refuge will be closed to public entry intermittently, with all roads entering the refuge closed. This closure includes all access to the refuge including vehicle, foot, bicycle, and horseback.
The refuge will be closed for periods over the ten days; however, because of numerous circumstances (weather conditions, etc.), the actual closure date(s) have not yet been determined. If planning to visit Mingo National Wildlife Refuge January 16-26, 2024, please check our website fws.gov/refuge/mingo for updates on this activity. You can also call the refuge office at 573-222-3589 to get an update on the timing of the closure(s).
This refuge management operation, paired with a larger eradication plan utilizing multiple tools, will substantially decrease the feral hog population on the refuge. Feral hogs are a non-native species that can proliferate quickly and negatively impact the native plants and animals of the refuge. Feral hogs are opportunistic feeders and will forage on the eggs of ground nesting birds and will even eat reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. They also compete with native species like deer and turkey for important food sources such as acorns. Their rooting and wallowing behavior heavily alter the native habitats of the refuge, thus impacting the refuge’s primary missions of protecting bottomland hardwood forest habitat and serving as an inviolate sanctuary for migratory waterfowl.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is located 1.5 mile north of Puxico, MO on State Highway 51. For more information, contact (573) 222-3589 or email the refuge at mingo@fws.gov. Check our website, fws.gov/refuge/mingo, for refuge updates and be sure to check our refuge events tabs for upcoming events and observances!
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world's premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants. Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first wildlife refuge in 1903, the System has grown to more than 150 million acres, 570 national wildlife refuges and other units of the Refuge System, plus 38 wetland management districts. Visit www.fws.gov
2023 Annual report Stoddard County Coroner’s Office Brent Stidham - Coroner
To continue keeping the public informed and provide transparency, I am releasing my annual Coroner’s report to the residents of Stoddard County. The Stoddard County Coroner’s office consists of myself and Deputy Coroner Ashley Robey. It is our mission to investigate every death in Stoddard County and provide accurate death information for death certificates and family members. Death investigations often include, ordering and attending autopsies, collecting toxicology testing, responding to scenes, interviewing witnesses, locating and notifying next of kin, speaking with primary care physicians, and obtaining medical records. I once again would like to thank our Stoddard County funeral homes, Mathis Funeral Home, Watkins Funeral Home, and Morgan Funeral Home, as well as all first responders for their professionalism and assistance in 2023.
2023 saw a spike in child fatalities. This is the worst situation imaginable for the families as well as the first responders and agencies who work
these cases. During these cases the county has a Child Fatality Review Panel that is responsible for contributing information to help determine the cause of death, identify and help implement services available to the family, and identify ways to prevent further child fatalities. All information from these meetings is confidential. Autopsies are required in children under 18, with the exception of medical situations when a State certified Child Pathologist deems it unnecessary. In addition the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team ( STAT) will reimburse counties who have an active Child Fatality Review Panel that completes the necessary procedures. In the last three years Stoddard County has had a 100% reimbursement rate for child autopsies. This is due to conducting meetings and completing required data entry in a timely manner. The due diligence of this panel assured that all child fatalities were thoroughly investigated, while also saving Stoddard County taxpayers $14,000 in 2023. The Stoddard County Child Fatality Review Panel consists of the following members.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith Stoddard County Coroner Brent Stidham
Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner, Chief Deputy Andrew Holden, Detective Garry Brady and Detective John Atkinson
Stoddard County Chief Juvenile Officer Tonya Causey ( Chairman) Members of the investigating law enforcement agency (municipalities) Members of the Stoddard County Health Department
Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Stoddard County Children's Division Stoddard County Health Department Stoddard County Ambulance District
It should be noted, if a death occurs in the city limits of a town with a Police Department, members of that Department attend the review meetings. In 2023 Officers from the Dexter Police Department and Bernie Police Department attended meetings that concerned children from their
respective municipalities. I would like to thank all of these agencies for their work on this panel.
Another point in this year’s report is that Stoddard County did not record a single overdose death. While in some cases drug use was a potential contributing factor, there were not any that were deemed an overdose. In overdoses an autopsy or toxicology testing is always performed. It is uncommon across the state to have a county without an overdose death, however, in Stoddard County there are several reasons we are successfully changing that trend. Those reasons include the public knowledge of properly administering Narcan, the increasing availability and success of inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities in the area, excellent effort by all Stoddard County law enforcement agencies, tough prosecution for repeat offenders, and zero tolerance for dangerous drug dealers. Together all of those things are helping Stoddard County fight fentanyl and the opioid epidemic.
Unfortunately 2023 saw an increase in suicide deaths and one homicide. Looking ahead, I hope to continue working with mental health agencies to eliminate suicide from our County and increase mental health awareness. I also plan to continue working with private entities, and local and state agencies to provide assistance and information that can keep Stoddard County a safe and positive place to live and work.
As Coroner I always strive to be professional, helpful and compassionate during what is a family's worst day. I will continue to speak for those who no longer have a voice to ensure that every death in Stoddard County is properly investigated. I will always ensure that the deceased and families are treated with dignity and respect. In addition, it is my duty to be mindful of taxpayers money. That makes me proud to say that after saving taxpayers over $12,000 in 2023 our office has now saved taxpayers over $35,000 in a three year period.
2023 budget information Total budgeted: $60,978.99
Total actual: $48,848.75
2023 case information
The following information is in regards to Coroner’s Office cases only and does not include deaths occurring under the care of a physician such as hospice.
Total cases investigated and certified by the Coroner’s office: 117 Scene responses: 88
Natural Causes: 94
Homicide: 1
Suicide: 8
Motor vehicle accident: 6 Accident (fire): 2 Accident (fall): 2 Accident (other): 2 Cases pending: 2
Age groups
0-18: 5
19-45: 18
46-70: 47
70 and over: 47
The Stoddard County Commission began their 2024 year with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county officials, state officials, police and fire and all those serving in the military.
Alisha Trammel, Dexter Chamber of Commerce - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Update
“I just wanted to add or rather explain a couple of things that were in the press release,” commented Trammel.
1. Investment of $13 million putting into the upgrades of the processing plant, mill and hatchery. That is their initial estimate of investment into the buildings and the process.
2. Employment numbers will be in phases. Phase one is 96 employees. That 96 comes from the Missouri Works Program and other state incentives. County wage island average of $44,000 per person currently and they will have to pay 80% of their salaries and 50% of their insurance benefits. They must have 96 employees and if they do not they are the disqualified from the Missouri Works Program.
Tyson pursued Cal Maine Foods, Inc. to purchase the buildings.
"We are actively recruiting for more businesses," stated Trammell. "The hotel project is coming along. I am actually meeting this week to get some dates.”
Motion to accept the meeting minutes from Friday, December 29, 2023 made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Important dates:
Martin Luther King Jr. day is Monday, January 15, 2024/ County offices are closed
January 10, 2024 is the last day to Register to Vote for February 6, 2024 Bond Election
Final Certification for the April 2, 2024 General Municipal Election is January 23, 2024.
Absentee Voting Begins for March 5, 2024 Charter Election is January 23, 2024
No Excuse Absentee Voting begins for February 6, 2024 Bond Election is January 23, 2024
Motion to enter into closed session made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission met on the last day of the month on December 29, 2023.
Sawyer Smith, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney
He is representing Stoddard County as legal counsel and sent a letter to Michael G. Norris of Norris Keplinger Hicks & Welder, LLC who represent HMN Architects, Inc. as legal counsel.
He is seeking recovery of debt owed to Stoddard County regarding the jail generator and is requesting $294,320.00 to satisfy the debt owed raiding replacement and any associated costs. Stoddard County has offered and agreed to pay $100,000.00 of the total cost with the remainder to be paid by HMN Architects, Inc.
Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from the December 18th made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commission had budget amendments.
1. Road & Bridge (CART) - Expenditures of +$418,052.57 - Reason was that there was a higher amount of expenditures.
2. General School Fund - Expenditures of +$86,039.98 - Reason was higher amount of fines disbursed.
3. Combined Accumulated Int. Fund - Expenditures of +$324,034.47 - Reason higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
4. P.A. Training Fund - Expenditures +$1,973.10 - Reason additional trainings for new Prosecuting Attorney's office for new employees being trained.
5. Commercial Property Surcharge - Expenditures +$18,136.01 - Reason was surcharge distribution higher than anticipated - offset by revenue.
6. Crime Red -LE Restitution Fund - Expenditures +$8,035.86 - Reason was higher amount of expenditures - offset by funds carried from prior year. Rance Butler was added to payroll.
7. County Employee Retirement - Expenditures +$21,167.97 - Reason higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
8. Victim Advocate Fund - Expenditures +$6,256.35 - Reason was higher amount of expenditures - offset by funds carried from prior year, in addition to $3,500.00 transferred from County Revenue Fund.
9. Jail Construction Fund - 1/2 Sales Tax - Expenditures +$247,153.58 - Reason is higher amount of expenditures - offset by funds carried from prior year.
10. C.A.R.T. - Expenditures +$10,653.78 - Reason was higher amount of expenditures - offset by revenue.
11. Election Security Grant - +$31.65 - Reason was higher amount of expenditures - offset by interest revenue.
Motion to accept the 2023 budget amendments on December 29, 2023 made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carol Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the regular minutes from December 18, 2023 made by Commissioner Carol Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Commission discussed work session dates to go over budgets. They agreed to meet at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 and Wednesday at 1 p.m. then again on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 9 a.m.
Once they have the budget updates the budget will be made available to the public and office holders for review. A budget hearing will be set and anyone who has questions may attend. It is open to the public.
Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
The Stoddard County Commissioners opened the next to the last meeting of the 2023 year with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Old Business:
Commissioner Greg Mathis stated that everything looks good with the Department of Economic Development for the deobligation of the CDBG grant with Bootheel Regional Planning. He does have one form to send to them and that is the "sign-in" sheet for the last Commission meeting.
The final contract for the health insurance has been finalized. It was already voted on by the Commission at a previous meeting. Today the Commission signed off on the contract.
New Business:
Beau Bishop, Stoddard County Emergency Management
Bishop stated that the first quarter EMPG grant claims for the operating period of July 1, 2023 thru September 30, 2023 were submitted and approved. ON November 17th we were reimbursed $6,540.91 for this claim.
The EMPG 2nd quarter grant claims for the operating period of October 1st - December 31st will be submitted before January 15, 2024.
Stoddard County EMA fiscal year 2024 budget has been submitted to the Stoddard County Clerk's office to be reviewed by the Commission.
"On August 22nd - 25th I attended the 2023 Missouri State Emergency Management Conference and from August 30th - September 1st I also attended the 2023 MFSMA Annual Conference," commented Bishop. "On October 19th, I attended the quarterly SEMO EMA and RHSOC meeting. On November 6th the Stoddard County EMA hosted the NWS Winter Weather Workshop with the Paducah National Weather Service. Information was provided on the upcoming winter weather season and the new NWS Chat Service. 17 area stakeholders attended."
He continued to discuss the November 28th quarter Bootheel LEPD meeting and the December 13th quarter Stoddard County Consortium meeting. Stoddard County EMA asked for, and received approval from the board, for access to the Zuercher System that all county dispatchers use. With access, EMA will be able to start weather related CFS's for time tracking during an event, and will also have access to the map functions that will allow for EMA to place real time barriers and information on the map concerning flooded/blocked roads, etc. Once these are placed on the map, all dispatches will be able to see the same information, so it can be conveyed to their appropriate people when routing to a call could be an issue.
The HMPG Siren Grant - Notice for bid is active. I twas advertised int he Daily Statesman, and the Daily American republic. Notice for bid is also posted on the front door of the Stoddard County Ambulance office. Bids are due no later than Friday, January 5th at 3 p.m. CST. Once all bids are received they will be brought to the Commission for discussion.
The procurement paperwork is ongoing for the HMPG Generator Grant.
The bid process has been completed for ARPA radios. Battles Communications was the only bid received. All paperwork submitted to BRPC and the approval was given to order radios. Radios have been ordered and we are waiting for them to be received. Preliminary breakdown of radio distribution is as follows: Puxico Fire (3), Dudley Fire (3), Essex Fire (3), Bernie Fire (3), Bloomfield Fire (2), Bernie MEA (1), Stoddard County EMA (1).
Bishop gave upcoming dates he will be attending three meetings. On January 18th there will be a quarterly SEMO EMA and RHSOC meeting, January 30th a quarterly Bootheel LEPD meeting and on February 28th and 29th in Columbia for the Local Volunteer and Donations Management Class.
Debbie Ellinghouse, AFLAC agent for Stoddard County
She stepped in for just a minute to check in with the Commission and drop off the Employee Benefit Options for 2024 with rates for the pay period
Motion to accept the regular meeting minutes for December 11th made by Commissioner Jarrell, seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to accept the closed session meeting minutes for December 11th made by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commission Jarrell. All three voted yes and motion passed.
Motion to close the regular session of the meeting at 11:51 a.m.made by Commissioner Jarrell and seconded by Commissioner Stewart. All three voted yes and motion passed.
