Latest update from City of Joplin

(From the city of Joplin)

The following information was correct as of 9:00 a.m., Friday, June 3, 2011:


The City of Joplin will hold a news-conference at 11 a.m. today at the Donald E. Clark Justice Center, located at 303 E. Third Street, Joplin, MO

· Approximately 50,450 hours of work have been completed by registered volunteers since disaster on May 22.

· The City of Joplin will open Schifferdecker Pool today, Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and both Schifferdecker Pool and Ewert Family Aquatic Center will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday. All admission fees have been waived for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Regular fees and hours go into effect Monday, June 6. These pools will be open daily 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

· The 9 p.m. curfew that was imposed in the disaster area has been lifted.

· The City of Joplin will host a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (3950 Newman Road) on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. Members of City administration and staff will be there to address the specifics of debris removal in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado. The Right of Entry form will be available at this meeting. If residents are not able to come to this meeting, the ROE will be available in other locations throughout the community.

· As clean-up efforts continue and the rebuilding process begins, the need for volunteers will remain throughout the summer. People wanting to help are encouraged to call 417-625-3543 or visit www.211missouri.org to sign up.

· Municipal Court is cancelled this week and will continue normal functions the week of June 13. Citizens who have previously scheduled court dates are encouraged to contact the court at 624-0820, ext. 232 to inquire about future court dates.

· 7,655 households have registered with FEMA since the May 22nd disaster. FEMA’s goal is to keep residents within the proximity of Joplin in traditional housing, however a second tier option would be manufactured homes supplied by FEMA. The portal into the temporary housing unit assistance is by registering at 800-621-FEMA.(3362)

· Curbside debris collection began Wednesday in areas where utilities have been cleared. Residents are reminded to separate their debris according to guidelines previously outlined. (http://www.joplinmo.org/pdf/JoplinRecoveryInformation.pdf - see “Debris removal.”) Also, residents should not place items near fire hydrants and utility boxes.

· The expedited debris removal initiative is expected to start by mid-June.

· Temporary routes for the Sunshine Lamp Trolley have been developed to assist with transportation to and from the affected areas. Route maps and other information can be found at http://www.joplinmo.org/PopUp.cfm?popUPID=29. The routes are in effect until June 13.

· The Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages all organizations planning a special event or benefit to post their information on the CVB website at http://www.visitjoplinmo.com/

For additional updates, citizens are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/cityofjoplin.