HEAVY RAIN AND FREEZING RAIN EXPECTED FOR POPLAR BLUFF THROUGH TOMORROW
An incoming weather system is expected to bring heavy rains and possible freezing rain to Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service, the rains late tonight through Thursday night will likely set the stage for the possibility of area flooding, as rounds of widespread showers and a few thunderstorms are expected, with multiple possible periods of heavy rainfall.
Weather officials say that over two inches of rainfall is forecast for most of Southeast Missouri through Thursday night.
Freezing rain will be possible late tonight and into the overnight hours across portions of Southeast Missouri. Freezing rain will continue to be a threat as we head through the day on Thursday.
LONGTIME POPLAR BLUFF COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADER HARRY BLACKWELL PASSES
Harry Blackwell, a longtime standing community and business leader in Poplar Bluff and Southeast Missouri, has passed away.
Blackwell, born in Doniphan in June of 1942, passed away at a Poplar Bluff hospital on Friday. He was 78 years old at his passing.
He graduated from Naylor High School in 1960, and joined as a member of the Missouri National Guard the same year. He then started a career in the automotive industry in Poplar Bluff, after attending Arkansas State University.
From his career, Blackwell co-founded the Blackwell Baldwin Oldsmobile Cadillac with Roger Baldwin, and went on to found the Harry Blackwell dealership.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian Vandover, alongside his daughters, Amanda Clayman and Lori Amoss, his brother, Rob Blackwell, as well as four grandchildren.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES WINTER DRIVING ADVISORY
As widespread heavy and freezing rains are expected throughout the week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a winter driving advisory for local motorists.
The Patrol encourages motorists to check road conditions before driving, and to make sure your vehicle is in good condition. This includes keeping your vehicle clean of ice and snow.
The Highway Patrol recommends traveling at slower speeds, and to allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed. It is also advised to not use your cruise control, and to keep a good distance between your vehicle and other drivers.
You should also keep your phone fully charged and on your person, and to keep your fuel tank at least halfway full. The patrol recommends carrying an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, blankets, flashlights, and a bag of sand or litter in your trunk.
You can view road conditions online by going to the Patrol’s website at www.Mshp.Dps.Mo.Gov, and clicking on the Road Conditions icon.
AUTHORITIES IN BUTLER COUNTY ARREST DEXTER MAN FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A TEEN
A Dexter man was sentenced to time in confinement earlier in the month on a sexual abuse charge involving a teenager.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, 35 year old Alejandro Flores-Martinez was sentenced to seven years at the Missouri Department of Corrections on the felony offense of 1st degree sexual abuse.
The charge was issued after Martinez stood trial in August of this year, where the female victim told authorities that she witnessed Martinez following her while she was shopping at a local business in December of 2018.
After observing her for a few minutes, he proceeded to grab and sexually assault her. She was 17 years old at the time of the incident.
The case was taken under advisement following the trial, and Martinez was found guilty as charged in October.
After his sentence at the Department of Corrections is served, Martinez will be deported from the country, and banned from re-entry.
TWO DRIVERS INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Two drivers suffered injuries as a result of a vehicle crash in Dunklin County on Tuesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident was reported around 2:50 pm, at US 412, east of Kennett. The crash occurred when a vehicle pulled into the path of another oncoming car.
The driver of the first vehicle, 33 year old Henry Rankin of Poplar Bluff, was seriously injured, and was flown to a hospital in Tennessee.
The driver of the oncoming vehicle, 58 year old Coy Owens of Kennett, suffered moderate injuries, and was transported to a Hayti hospital for treatment.
POPLAR BLUFF R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT PURCHASING NEW BUS USING RELIEF FUNDING
The Poplar Bluff R-1 school district will be purchasing a new bus using funding from the coronavirus relief funds.
According to school Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill, the district will be receiving a 14-person bus, using a portion of the $55,300 grant that was received through Governor Mike Parson’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.
The bus will be used as a way to prevent and prepare for a potential influx of coronavirus cases, and is expected to provide a means to alternate routing, and promote social distancing among students.
