WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON
Our first significant snow of the season is expected today.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of Southeast Missouri which will be in effect through this afternoon.
The advisory says that total snow accumulations of around one to two inches are possible today.
Officials say that wind chill temperatures tonight into tomorrow morning will be in the single digits to just below zero across most of the area.
TEENAGER PLEADS GUILTY IN ADVANCE MURDER CASE
A teenager has pleaded guilty in a Stoddard County murder case.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells KWOC News that Evan Schrader, of Benton, entered a guilty plea on Monday to the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree for the January 2020 homicide of Robert Harwood in Advance.
At the time of the homicide, Schrader was 15 years old. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 2nd and Oliver says Schrader faces up to a life sentence for each of the charges.
Oliver added that there are two other co-defendants charged in the homicide of Robert Harwood. One of those co-defendants, 43 year old Joshua Herron, is scheduled for a jury trial beginning on April 26th.
MISSOURI TO HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
The state of Missouri will be officially honoring first responders who were seriously injured while working.
Governor Mike Parson announced Wednesday that the state will begin honoring first responders who are seriously injured in the line of duty as they carry out their official responsibilities.
The Missouri Red, White and Blue Heart Award will be awarded for injuries sustained on the job, beginning with the year 2021.
The new award is intended to recognize first responders who sustain injuries that require long-term treatment by a medical professional and involve considerable loss of time from duty.
In cases in which a first responder is killed, the award will be presented to a family member.
MODOT URGING EXTRA CAUTION FOR ANYONE TRAVELLING DURING WINTER WEATHER
With snow in the forecast followed by bitterly cold temperatures, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution, anticipate a slower commute, and consult road conditions before you leave.
Equip your vehicle with a winter weather emergency kit before you travel in bitter cold temperatures. Include any necessary medications, a phone charger, a blanket, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and a flashlight.
Before you travel, check all current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also reminding motorists to make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present.
ONE FLOWN FROM THE SCENE OF A WRECK IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
An Indiana man was flown from the scene of a single vehicle wreck Wednesday in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 22 year old Mario Mosley, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was driving on Southbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County when his vehicle ran of the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, and overturned.
Mosley suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital.
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ACCEPTING CHRISTMAS TREES FOR RECYCLING
If you are still wondering what to do with your Christmas Tree, the US Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake would like to hear from you.
The Corps of Engineers is accepting Christmas trees through January 15th at the Redman Creek boat ramp. The drop-off location is marked with a sign.
Officials say that once the trees are deposited at the collection site, they become property of the Corps of Engineers for use in establishing fish shelters and small game habitats.
For more information, contact Natural Resources Specialist John Daves at (573) 222-8562.
