SUMMARY: Severe storms on June 29 caused widespread damage in Springfield and Greene County, Missouri. Over 9,000 City Utilities customers remain without power, down from 37,000 at the storm’s peak, with full restoration expected by July 3. Residents should report damage and outages and inspect electrical weatherheads for safety. Debris removal efforts continue, including chainsaw crews and public works clearing streets and downed power lines. Several parks and trails remain closed due to damage. Outdoor warning sirens are partly offline; residents should use multiple alert methods. A media briefing is scheduled June 30 at the Public Safety Center.

Read the full article

The post Storm victims should prepare for multi-day power outages, CU says appeared first on www.ozarksfirst.com

SUMMARY: Red, White & Blue in the Loo is a community event happening July 3rd and 4th at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Waterloo to celebrate Independence Day and support local charities. Activities include live music, autocross, a mechanical bull, axe throwing, a silent disco, art and craft vendors, food stalls, and family fun like Bubble Jungle and a real-life dinosaur exhibit. Proceeds benefit the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois and the JB Patriot Pantry food drive supporting local survivors of domestic violence and food insecurity. Tickets are $25, with discounts available online at redwhiteandblueintheloo.com. Families and kids are welcome.

For more information, visit redwhiteandblueintheloo.com

Source

SUMMARY: Heat-related illnesses are increasing due to rising heat and humidity. Dr. Roseanna Hog of St. Louis University explains heat exhaustion and heat stroke: exhaustion includes muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, while heat stroke involves dangerously high body temperatures, loss of sweating, and possible unconsciousness. Vulnerable groups include children, those over 65, pregnant women, individuals with mental illness, and those with existing health conditions. Prevention tips include scheduling outdoor activities in cooler hours, wearing lightweight fabrics, and staying well-hydrated—about 8 cups of water daily, avoiding excessive caffeine. If symptoms appear, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, use cool compresses, and seek emergency help if consciousness is lost.

Dr. Farzana Hoque, a hospitalist and associate professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, joined us this morning to discuss the increasing cases of heat-related illnesses.

Source