Recovery under way

Last year Gov. Jay Nixon got his first look at the state's grand champion persimmon tree at Big Oak Tree State Park. When he returned to the Park on Wednesday, he asked to see it one more time. Pictured from left are Bill Bryan, director of the Division of State Parks, Nixon, and Chris Crabtree, natural resource steward. (Photo by Jill Bock, Staff)

Gov. visits area to see progress of rebuilding levees

jillb@standard-democrat.com

EAST PRAIRIE - With the help of Big Oak Natural Resource Steward Chris Crabtree, Gov. Jay Nixon found the park's national champion persimmon tree and touched it for luck.

It has been a year of one natural disaster after another, the governor noted, a little luck is in order.

Nixon spent Wednesday afternoon in Mississippi County, traveling from the Birds Point New Madrid Floodway breech into New Madrid County where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made its final breech in an attempt to ease flooding on the upper Mississippi River.

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