WINTER WEATHER IN THE FORECAST FOR THIS WEEK The National Weather Service is warning of winter weather that is coming later this week.
According to a Special Weather Statement, rains on Thursday will likely transition into freezing rain, sleet, and snow, as we move through Thursday night into Friday.
The National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee says that ice accumulation of over a half an inch could affect the areas of Jonesboro, Kennett, Dyersberg, and Blytheville, however these are early determinations.
CAPE GIRARDEAU AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING ARSON
A fire at a Cape Girardeau house has prompted an arson investigation.
According to authorities, a person reported hearing an explosion outside of their house early Monday morning. The person found the side of their house on fire and reportedly saw someone running from the area.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
DEXTER POLICE INVESTIGATE TWO ARMED ROBBERIES
Police in Dexter are investigating two armed robberies that reportedly took place early yesterday morning.
Authorities say both incidents happened at businesses on Business Highway 60 in Dexter. They believe the two incidents are related. A small handgun was used and a similar description was given of a suspect in both crimes.
The first robbery took place at Break Time Convenience Store; the second at Murphy Oil USA. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken in both incidents.
Authorities say that a man who has been taken into custody in connection to a robbery in Cape Girardeau may be connected to the two Dexter robberies.
SENTENCE HANDED DOWN IN 2011 SHOOTING
A Poplar Bluff man has been sentenced for a 2011 shooting.
Paris Thomas pleaded guilty in September to charges of voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting death of Marcus McFarland.
According to the Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler gave Thomas the maximum sentence on each charge, 15 years in prison for the manslaughter charge and five years for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge. The sentences will run concurrently.
HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTS 34 CRASHES AND ZERO FATALITIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Troopers in Southeast Missouri investigated 34 traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday counting period and thankfully, zero fatalities.
Statewide there were 8 fatalities over the holiday counting period which ran from 6 pm November 27th through 11:59 pm, December 1st.
Troopers in Southeast Missouri also participated in the 20 mile trooper project which resulted in 18 driving while intoxicated arrests and 8 other misdemeanor arrests.
FREE CONCERT TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK AT TINNIN FINE ARTS CENTER
A free concert will be held next week by the Three Rivers College Music Department.
The concert will feature performances by the Collegiate Choir, the Swingsations, the Three Rivers College Gospel Choir, and the Three Rivers Symphonic Band.
The concert will be held beginning at 7 pm on Monday, December 9th at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
MIDWEST BUSINESS CONDITIONS IMPROVE IN NOVEMBER
A monthly economic report says business conditions in nine Midwestern states improved slightly in November.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to a tepid 51.2 on a growth scale of 0 to 100. The index was growth-neutral in October at 50.0, the lowest level since 2012.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the region's heavy manufacturers reported solid increases in new export orders in November. The region's employment gauge also jumped to 51.2 in November, from 48.2 the previous month. Goss attributes the October downturn to the federal government's partial shutdown.
Missouri and Arkansas are among the 10 States included in the survey.
EX-BANK WORKER PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLING
A former employee of a Poplar Bluff bank will be facing sentencing on February 18, after pleading guilty to embezzling nearly $400,000.
The Daily American Republic reports that Leslie Ann Eastwood Kirby recently pleaded guilty to federal charges at the U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau.
Kirby formerly worked as supervisor of tellers at First Midwest Bank in Poplar Bluff. She admitted taking $397,000 from the bank from 2007 through early this year. An internal audit uncovered the discrepancy.
MISSOURI FOOD STAMP ROLLS DROP WITH LESS IN-PERSON HELP
The number of people on food stamps declined after Missouri ended most face-to-face contact between social services caseworkers and people seeking public assistance.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that state officials say centralized processing and a new software system will make the application process more efficient. But social services advocates say the new process is making it harder to sign up and easier to get thrown off the rolls.
The process has food stamp applicants drop off their paperwork at a family support office and wait for a telephone call from a caseworker. But advocates say missed calls and other issues are leading to a denial of benefits when a 30-day deadline hits.
Food stamp rolls have shrunk 3.3 percent since the changes began in July.
ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN RIPLEY COUNTY
Highway 142 in Ripley County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.
The work zone will be located five miles west of Highway 21.
Work is scheduled to take place today from 8:30 am to 1 pm.
