BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY SNOWFALL EARLY NEXT WEEK
Bitterly cold temperatures are going to fall over Southeast Missouri this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures will drop to the single digits early Sunday and Monday mornings with the wind chill ranging from zero to negative 10.
Officials say that prolonged exposure to this kind of cold could result in frostbite if precautions are not taken.
Starting early Monday morning we also have chances of snow returning to the area. Weather officials say that they are monitoring two winter weather systems for next week. The first should be Monday into Monday night with the second forecasted for next Wednesday into Wednesday night.
According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook, accumulating snow and travel impacts are possible with these systems.
POPLAR BLUFF PEDIATRICIAN ARRESTED ON SODOMY CHARGE
A pediatrician from Poplar Bluff has been taken into custody on a sodomy charge.
Officials with the Dexter Police Department tell KWOC News that in December of last year, a male juvenile and his father came to the Dexter Police Department to report sexual allegations involving the juvenile and an adult male.
The juvenile said that he had been inappropriately touched in a sexual manner by his pediatrician, Dr. Joseph Fernando of Poplar Bluff.
In January a warrant was issued for Fernando for statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy - deviate sexual intercourse. Officials say that the victim was less than 14 years old.
Fernando turned himself into the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and is being held on a no bond warrant.
The investigation is continuing and anyone who has information regarding any concerns involving Dr. Fernando is asked to contact the Dexter Police Department at 573-624-5512.
NO TRAVEL ADVISORY ENDED FOR SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that the “No Travel Advisory” for southeast Missouri has been lifted.
Officials with Troop E of the Highway Patrol tell us that as of 8 pm last night, Southeast Missouri Troopers responded to 67 stranded motorists, 49 crashes, and 5 injury crashes on Thursday.
Motorists are still advised to drive cautiously as many major roads are still partly covered and minor roads could be covered as well.
You can find the latest road conditions on the Missouri Department of Transportation Traveler Information Map at MoDOT.org or through MoDOT’s smartphone app.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUES REPORT ON THIS WEEK’S ICE STORM
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued their report on the Ice Storm that occurred this week.
According to the report, ice accumulations ranging from a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch were reported along and east of Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri with lesser ice reported to the west of that area.
In addition to the ice, sleet amounts ranging half an inch to one and a half inches occurred across Southeast Missouri.
VACCINE CLINIC TO BE HELD TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF
Officials with the Butler County Health Department say that the Mass Vaccine Clinic today at the Black River Coliseum will continue as scheduled.
The Health Department says that at this time there are no plans for a second dose event and due to the type and storage of the vaccine, they are unable to reschedule appointments. However, things are subject to change.
There will be golf carts available to assist people from the parking lots to the front doors and the top drive will also be open so people can drop off or pick up someone receiving their vaccinations.
The Poplar Bluff Police Department is asking motorists to avoid the Coliseum area today from 8 am to 4 pm during the clinic.
BLOOMFIELD MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON SODOMY CHARGE IN STODDARD COUNTY
Authorities in Stoddard County say a Bloomfield man is in custody on a sodomy charge.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 45 year old Leroy Moxley was recently booked on two counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy – deviate sexual intercourse. The victim was reportedly under 12 years of age.
Officials say that Moxley’s bond was set at $25,000, cash only.
