August 19th, 2026 Local News
St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - As Independence Day celebrations get underway, the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department is reminding residents to celebrate responsibly and keep safety a top priority throughout the holiday weekend.
Sheriff Jeff Crites says he hopes everyone enjoys the Fourth of July festivities while taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. He encourages residents to use fireworks responsibly, be respectful of neighbors, and make sure children and pets are closely supervised during celebrations.
He also reminds motorists to make safe decisions while traveling over the busy holiday weekend.
With extreme summer heat continuing across the region, many families are expected to spend time at area lakes, rivers, and swimming areas. Sheriff Crites is urging everyone to practice water safety by wearing life jackets when appropriate, supervising children around the water, and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Sheriff Crites says the Sheriff's Department wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. In the event of an emergency, residents should call 911 immediately.