Gov. Nixon visited Southeast Missouri again today to survey the recovery efforts after last Monday’s ice storm left more than 163,000 homes and businesses without power.

He says a lot of progress has been made in the past week, but much remains to be done.

The State Emergency Management Agency reports a total of eight fatalities now. Six people died on icy roads last week … two more people died in New Madrid County from carbon monoxide poisoning while running a generator in their garage.

Officials report power is still out on about 22,000 meters across south and southeast Missouri Dept of Social Services report 18 shelters are serving about 636 people with heat, warm meals and a place to sleep if needed.

Click here to visit the Emergency Management Agency’s latest situation report.

Gov. Nixon talks about his visit to Poplar Bluff [Download/listen MP3]