STODDARD COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Transportation says they will be using Big Bags to keep water off the roads and motorists safe.

Big Bags are large sand bags that unfold like an accordion to create a 15-foot long, 3-foot high by 3-foot wide storage compartments for sand. MoDOT says one system of Big Bags can replace 500 sand bags.

“We used them for the first time in the southeast area when flood waters threatened many of our major roads, and now we’re using them on the west side of Route 65 between Carrollton and Waverly for a two-mile stretch,” said Beth Wright, MoDOT state maintenance engineer.

STODDARD COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - The Perry County Memorial Hospital offers tips to protect your ears this summer.

Audiologist Becky Donnelly of PCMH says one of the issues is water. She says water left in the ears for a long period of time can cause Otitis Externa, also known as Swimmer's Ear, which can lead to painful ear infections.

“Most chlorinated water is okay to swim in without a great risk for an infection,” said Donnelly. “However, any non-chlorinated water is a breeding ground for several types of bacteria and the ear canal is a perfectly warm, dark environment to establish a little home.”

Donnelly says hearing aids are also at risk because of the humidity and sweating.

STODDARD COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - Cooling centers now available for residents needing to beat the heat.

The following are cooling centers are open as of Monday, July 11:

• Puxico Senior Center - 335 North Harty Street, 573-222-3089, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dexter Senior Center - 23 West Stoddard Street, 573-624-7234, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information you can viist the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services' interactive map of cooling centers.

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