NEW MADRID, Mo. – The power at the New Madrid, Mo., Welcome Center had been out for three days. It was still out Friday, Jan. 30, when Welcome Center Supervisor Reida Kimes and Assistant Supervisor Laura Holmes unlocked the doors and began preparing for visitors.
Throughout the day, these two Missouri Division of Tourism employees, with the support of the Missouri Department of Transportation, continued to the best of their ability to assist travelers trying to make their way through the ice-crippled southeastern region of Missouri.
They built a fire in the Welcome Center’s fireplace and lit an oil lamp to illuminate the countertop map. A weather radio kept them tuned in to conditions.
“The travelers were so thankful for our attempt to make the Welcome Center a warm and friendly stop in Missouri, with our inviting fireplace and weather updates,” Kimes said. “So many of them wanted to get us wood, food or ‘just anything’ they would say.”
The Missouri Division of Tourism staffs seven of the Department of Transportation’s Welcome Centers throughout the state.
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Texas visitor Shirley Curry warms up by the fireplace
Laura Holmes assists Charlene Ponder
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