Vernon County added to FEMA assistance list

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has included Vernon County to their list of 47 Missouri counties suffering what President George W. Bush is calling a catastrophe.

"I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of Missouri resulting from severe storms and flooding beginning on March 17, 2008, and continuing, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration," Bush wrote in a letter to Missouri State Emergency Management Agency officials.

On March 19, FEMA released a list of 19 counties which were severely effected by severe storms and heavy rains, resulting in statewide floods.

On April 1, FEMA announced 16 additional counties would be eligible for federal assistance with flooding clean up projects.

Vernon County was included in the most recent amendment to the disaster declaration as a Category B area. This limits the county to direct federal assistance.

County officials are currently reporting almost $300,000 worth of damage done to streets and bridges within Vernon County.

Anyone wishing to report damages caused by the recent flooding and storms can contact Vernon County Emergency Management Director Dennis Kimmery at (417) 667-8236, Sheriff Ron Peckman at (417) 667-6042 or the commissioner's office at (417) 667-2505.