ENHANCED CHANCE OF SEVERE WEATHER TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Residents in much of Southeast Missouri are looking at an enhanced chance of Severe Weather today.
KWOC News spoke with Rick Shanklin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, about today’s storm system.
“There is an increased chance of severe thunderstorms from about midday through early evening for Southeast Missouri.
Certainly the chances increase the further south you go, but even for our region, especially areas closer to the Arkansas/Missouri border, there is the potential for damaging thunderstorm winds, large hail, and even tornados.
Everyone should stay alert to the weather and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued or if severe weather is observed.
Our thunderstorm chances will diminish tonight as a cold front pushes east across the area.”
With the recent heavy rainfall we have experienced over the past few weeks, isolated flooding is also a concern.
ARKANSAS GOVERNOR SAYS NEW PHASE OF VACCINE DISTRIBUTION HAS BEGUN
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday that a new phase of vaccine distribution has begun in the state.
According to Governor Hutchinson, Phase 1-C has started, which means vaccinations are happening now for people aged 16 to 64 with health conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19.
Also eligible are essential workers in numerous industries, including Energy, Finance, Foodservice, Information technology and communications, Legal, Media, Public health/human services, Public safety, Shelter and housing, as well as Transportation and logistics
Some people residing in high-risk settings may also be eligible.
You can find a full list of people eligible for the vaccine at healthy.arkansas.gov.
BLOOMFIELD MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD MOLESTATION AND SODOMY WARRANT
Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested an area man on a child molestation warrant.
Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 38 year old David Carter, of Bloomfield, was recently arrested on a Stoddard County warrant for statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy and 3rd degree child molestation.
Carter was held on a $12,500, cash only bond.
DEXTER POLICE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTIN DWI CAMPAIGN THIS WEEK
Today is St. Patrick’s Day and the Dexter Police Department is reminding everyone who is planning to celebrate this year to not drink and drive.
According to officials, Dexter Police are conducting a DWI campaign through March 20th.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day weekend more than three out of five crash fatalities involved a drunk driver.
Officials say it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
POPLAR BLUFF STUDENT ARTIST NAMED FINALIST IN ART CONTEST
A first grader from Poplar Bluff has been named as a finalist in the 31st annual picture the music competition.
Lauren Chronister was chosen as one of the 100 finalists from over 6,000 participants in the competition, which is presented by the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association.
This year’s assignment was to listen to classical composer Florence Price’s “Juba Dance,” and draw what comes to mind.
The finalists will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on March 27th.
BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TODAY
Route N in Dunklin County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.
The section of Route N to be closed is located from Route Y to County Road 541.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 am to 4 pm.
