The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The late February snow that caused so much trouble for homeowners and drivers across the Heartland is bringing some much-needed moisture to dry lawns and farm fields.

The melting snow is having a positive effect on lawns, giving good moisture to topsoil in ways that will pay off in the spring.

The water is also helping replenish ponds and creeks throughout the area.

The USDA County Executive Director, Phillip Ayers tells us the water is also helping replenish ponds and creeks throughout the area.

"Snow melts rather slowly and when it does it's absorbed in the topsoil and it actually recharges the subsoil also," Ayers said. "Where we got this big rain this weekend, which is really nice to have, we needed it for the run-off. It melted the snow faster and it went into our ponds and creeks. so we're in pretty good shape now."

Ayers says cow producers are having muddy situations, but they still appreciate the moisture.

Topsoil is the level of soil we plant our perennials and the subsoil is directly below it. The subsoil is still lacking moisture. He says it takes quite a while for the water to seep down to the subsoil.