RECOVERY EFFORTS CONTINUE IN KENTUCKY, PRESIDENT BIDEN TO SURVEY DAMAGE TODAY
Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear told reporters that it could take days to tally a final death toll because of the sheer devastation from Friday's twisters. President Joe Biden has said he will be in Kentucky today to survey the tornado damage.
At least 14 people are dead in four other states: Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Illinois.
As searches continue for those still missing, efforts are also turning to repairing the power grid, sheltering those whose homes were destroyed and delivering drinking water and other supplies.
Kentucky officials have warned that residents could be without heat, water or electricity in frigid temperatures for weeks or longer.
HEAD ON COLLISION LEAVES TWO DEAD IN RIPLEY COUNTY
Two women are dead following a head on collision in Ripley County.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 12:45 am Tuesday morning on US Highway 160, four miles east of Doniphan.
A vehicle, driven by 83 year old Patricia Hemphill, of Doniphan, reportedly crossed the center line of the highway and struck another vehicle head on.
Hemphill was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.
The driver of the second vehicle, 37 year old Jamie Conger, of Naylor, was flown to a Memphis hospital where she died later Tuesday morning.
TONIGHT IS THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS FINALE AT THE PALACE OF PRAISE
Tonight is the final night this year for a Christmas themed play at a Poplar Bluff church.
The Palace of Praise is presenting the final performance for the 12th Annual Sounds of Christmas at 7 pm tonight.
Admission to the show is free, but you can also purchase tickets for a dinner that will begin at 5 pm.
Tickets for the dinner are $15 per person and can be purchased online at SoundsOfChristmas.org or at the Palace of Praise, which is located at 1400 Herschel Bess Boulevard in Poplar Bluff.
For more information, call 573-785-4232.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely during the Christmas holiday season.
Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.
According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 746 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, ten people were killed and another 310 were injured.
The 2021 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 pm on Thursday, December 23rd and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 26th.
If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.
Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.
DONIPHAN STREET TO BE CLOSED TODAY
A portion of a Doniphan street will be closed today.
According to the Doniphan Police Department, part of Lafayette Street will be closed to through traffic today due to contractors being on site for modifications.
The closure will be located from Marvin Street to Morgan Street.
ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.
The section of roadway to be reduced is located from U.S. Route 60 to Route A.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm daily, through Friday.
