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NewsMarch 15, 2025

Severe storms in Stoddard County caused extensive damage, hitting Liberty Hill Church and nearby homes, downing trees and power lines, and killing livestock. Officials are assessing the aftermath.

By Barbara Ann Horton ~ Daily American Republic
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Storms sweeping through Stoddard County on Friday night, March 14, damaged a church, destroyed houses and farm buildings and killed cattle, according to Stoddard County Emergency Management director Bo Bishop.

Liberty Hill Church at Aid sustained extensive damage. According to a person at the scene Saturday morning, the church fellowship hall and classrooms were destroyed and there is a hole in the sanctuary roof. Church leaders were still accessing the damage Saturday, March 15. A house across from the church was damaged.

The storm also downed trees and power lines at Puxico, Bishop said.

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Reportedly, lightning struck and killed nine cows belonging to a farmer on Highway BB, which runs west from Advance to Aquilla, Bishop reported.

On the eastern side of the county toward the Stoddard and Scott county line, a few homes were damaged, Bishop said.

District One County Commissioner C.D. Stewart said, Larry G. Strobel near Bell City lost a farm shop.

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