MAN ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CHARGE

Authorities in Stoddard County have taken a Sikeston man into custody on a sexual misconduct charge.

The Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tells KWOC News that 38 year old Matthew Acosta, of Sikeston was recently booked on charges of 1st degree sexual misconduct and failure to register as a sex offender.

Acosta’s bond was set at $7,500 and officials say that he has bonded out.

TWO INJURED IN STODDARD COUNTY MOTORCYCLE WRECK

Two people were injured over the weekend in a Stoddard County motorcycle wreck.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Saturday afternoon at Highway 114 and County Road 785 when a motorcycle lost control and hit a guardrail.

A passenger on the motorcycle suffered serious injuries while the driver received moderate injuries. Both were transported to an area hospital.

MULTIPLE PROJECTS UNDERWAY TO REPAIR DAMAGE FROM THE 2017 FLOOD

Multiple projects are underway in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area to repair damage from flooding in 2017.

According to the National Park Service, road repairs will be completed at Powder Mill Campground and along Peavine Road near Big Spring. Trail repairs are also planned for the Lower Welch Spring trail and the River’s Edge trail near Big Spring Campground.

Work to replace the footbridge on the Alley Spring hiking trail began last week and is expected to take approximately two months. The previous wooden bridge is being replaced with a more sustainable steel bridge that is several inches higher than the original, to reduce the chance of future flood damage.

Replacement of the nearby pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River is also planned but has not yet begun.

Officials say that the projects are all expected to be completed prior to summer 2022. The length of time needed to complete work at each site is dependent on the complexity of the repairs, weather, and river conditions.

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD

Route MM in Dunklin County will be closed early this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge repairs.

According to MoDOT, the section of roadway to be closed is located from Route J to County Road 122.

Weather permitting, work will begin today, with completion anticipated tomorrow. A signed detour will be in place.

BUTLER COUNTY TORNADO SIREN TEST CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Possible inclement weather today has caused the cancellation of a planned safety test.

Butler County Emergency Coordinator Robbie Myers tells KWOC News that due to the possible rain today, they will not be doing the normal monthly tornado siren test.

The test is usually conducted on the first Monday of every month.

STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Multiple people in Southeast Missouri have been struck by vehicles this year and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is wanting to take this week to focus on pedestrian safety.

“Every Step Counts” is a campaign this week that is geared toward pedestrians and drivers, educating both about being alert and what to watch out for to ensure everyone is safe.

Preliminary data from 2020 indicates 128 pedestrians were killed and 316 others were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes. The top contributing factors for pedestrians involved in these crashes were failure to yield, alcohol or drug impairment, and distraction or inattention.

Keep the following pedestrian safety tips in mind anytime you walk:

Drivers and pedestrians need to make eye contact with each other. Don’t assume that the other one has seen you.
If your vehicle is stranded, remain in the vehicle with your seat belt on. If you must exit a stalled vehicle alongside the roadway, do so on the opposite side of traffic and do not attempt to walk across the oncoming traffic.
Only cross at an intersection or crosswalk. Stepping out from between parked cars or other obstacles by the road can keep a driver from being able to see you and stop in time.

Look left, right and then left again before crossing an intersection or crosswalk. You always want to double check the lane that you’ll be entering first.
Be aware of drivers even when you are in a designated crosswalk. Drivers can look and use their mirrors, but there are always blind spots.
Avoid walking while wearing headphones. You won’t be able to hear if a car is coming.
Always wear brightly colored clothing for visibility when exercising alongside a roadway.
Always walk against the flow of traffic rather than with the traffic.
Always be cautious when exiting parking lots and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
Always put your cellphone down and don’t look at it when driving or walking. Stay alert to all the challenges of the road.