State briefs 1/29/04

Stoddard County opens 911 administrative office

DEXTER, Mo. -- Stoddard County 911 Services celebrated the opening of its new administrative offices at 512 Cooper St. by holding an open house on Sunday. The new facility is nearly 3,500 square feet and features offices for the 911 Services administrator and administrative assistant. The new office also has a full kitchen, board room, mapping/training room and a file storage room.

East Prairie man dies in early morning house fire

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. -- An early morning house fire Wednesday on O'Bryan Street in East Prairie killed Donald R. Henry, 50, who lived alone. Henry was pronounced dead at the scene by Mississippi County Coroner Terry A. Parker, who will continue the investigation into the cause of death. No foul play is suspected. The East Prairie Fire Department responded at 12:12 a.m. The blaze is under investigation by state fire marshal Butch Amann.

Overturned truck closes interstate for 7 hours

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- An overturned tractor-trailer diverted southbound traffic for seven hours Wednesday along Interstate 55 in New Madrid County at the 39 mile marker, said the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The lane was closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., due to a fuel leak coming from the vehicle. Southbound traffic was diverted to U.S. 61. The Missouri Department of Transportation brought sand and the patrol contacted a hazardous materials clean-up and containment crew. The driver was transported to Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo., with undisclosed injuries.

Kennett schools propose tax levy to combat cuts

KENNETT, Mo. -- With a projected loss of $1.4 million, Kennett School District superintendent Jim Callewaert told patrons gathered at the Kennett High School auditorium that a proposed 50 cent tax levy ceiling is needed. In the 2002-2003 school year, Gov. Bob Holden projected a $125,604 cut to the district. However, the district's losses actually totaled $207,627. Callewaert said that there were possibly going to be almost 50 proposals for a tax levy ceiling increase throughout the state during this election cycle.

-- From staff, wire reports