WINTER STORM WATCH TO GO INTO EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
An incoming storm system is bringing with it increased chances of winter weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the area that will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday night. Officials say that heavy mixed precipitation is possible.
Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 4 inches, and ice accumulations of two tenths to four tenths of an inch are possible with this system.
We also have heavy rain expected to begin this evening and tonight in the area.
Area Engineer Dave Wyman with the Missouri Department of Transportation says that this will make it hard to prepare the roads for the winter weather as any treatments used will just be washed away by the rain.
Some treatments will be attempted on minor roads that will not be the priority for snow plow crews at the beginning of the storm.
UPGRADES UNDERWAY AT KAY PORTER THEATER IN POPLAR BLUFF
A Poplar Bluff theater is in the process of receiving upgrades.
According to Poplar Bluff school officials, work is underway for the Kay Porter Theater to receive a complete overhaul of its control booth.
During its December meeting, the Poplar Bluff R-I Board of Education unanimously approved a bid to replace the theater’s audio, visual and lighting systems.
The late Kay Porter, a local philanthropist, left $1 million to the Poplar Bluff High School Drama Club among other entities in town when she passed away in 2005. Money from the fund is being used for the renovations.
Officials say that just shy of $200,000 remains in the fund.
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RIPLEY COUNTY WRECK
Two people were seriously injured in a wreck Monday in Ripley County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 87 year old William Plunk, of Doniphan, reportedly failed to yield on Highway 142 and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
Plunk, along with a passenger in his vehicle, suffered serious injuries and were transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.
SENIOR TAX CLINIC TO BEGIN TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY
An area organization is holding a tax clinic beginning today in Butler County.
The tax clinic by AmeriCorps Senior will be held at the Twin Towers on Hazel Street in Poplar Bluff for people who are 65 and older, low income, or 100 percent disabled.
A Tax Clinic will also be held in Carter County starting on February 2nd.
The clinics are by appointment only, for more information, call 573-686-8624.
TWO STODDARD COUNTY ROADS TO BE REDUCED TODAY FOR EDGE RUT REPAIRS
Two roads in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.
Missouri Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced between Route D and Missouri 114 from 8 am to 3 pm.
Route TT in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane from US 60 to County Road 642 between 8:30 am and 3 pm.
Both work zones will be marked with signs and motorists are urged to use caution while traveling near the area.
TREE TRIMMING PROJECT TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY ON DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD
Route J in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews trim trees along the roadway.
The work zone is located from Route WW to Teresa Drive.
Work will take place weather permitting, from 7 am to 3 pm through Thursday.
