This afternoon on seMissourian.com

Taking care of what's left of trees

The ice storm seems like a distant memory to many of us, as we enjoy temperatures in the 60s today. But we can still see the effects of the storm in the trees around us, especially to the south.

If your trees were left splintered and broken after the storm, there are some things you can do to help. This article in the Standard Democrat details a few of the steps you can take to ensure your trees will survive, if they're viable.

In other storm news out of Sikeston, we have a Standard Democrat story that illustrates what happens to businesses when almost an entire town loses electricity. For some, the situation is rather beneficial. For others, not so much.

Check back later for an update out of Sikeston on the ongoing power restoration effort there.

Power line causes brief traffic trouble

We're not sure if this incident was caused by the high winds we're experiencing in the area today or not, but a power line snapped and went across the road on Interstate 55 today at the 92 mile marker, stopping northbound traffic for a brief period around 11 a.m. today.

The line was quickly gotten off the road and traffic returned to normal.

UM extension fighting proposed cuts

Gov. Jay Nixon is proposing cuts to the budget of the University of Missouri Extension service — an agency very familiar to farmers and rural landowners. In response, the agency is fighting back, contacting media outlets and telling voters to contact their state legislators to pressure the governor to change his mind.

Click here for more on this story.

Later today and Tuesday on seMissourian.com

Check back later for an update on the power restoration efforts down south. We're also pursuing details in the case of a man arrested last week for an alleged kidnapping in Scott City.

Come back Tuesday to learn about the city's efforts to change residential zoning designations, a Sunshine Law bill under consideration and the results of a weekend United Way fund drive.

If you have questions or comments about seMissourian.com contact me at msanders@semissourian.com or 388-3652.