MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS GOVERNORS ADDRESS STORM Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has activated the State Emergency Operations Center for round-the-clock operation in response to the winter storm bearing down on the state.
Nixon encouraged Missourians to stay on top of the weather, drive cautiously, and check on the elderly and others who may need help.
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe is also declaring a statewide emergency because of the wintry storm.
Beebe declared a statewide disaster on Thursday afternoon.
The governor's office says that combined with additional proclamations, the disaster declaration will ease restrictions on utility crews, fuel haulers and propane deliveries during the wintry storm. WHERE TO FIND ROAD CONDITIONS ONLINE
The winter weather is causing dangerous road condition throughout southeast Missouri this morning, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking everyone to only travel if absolutely necessary.
Before heading out on the road you can check road conditions online at Modot.org or on the Missouri Department of Transportation mobile app.
Anyone interested in receiving text message updates from the Poplar Bluff Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office should text “63901” to 888777; and information will also be posted to the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Twitter account.
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING WRECK IN IZARD COUNTY
A Violet Hill man has died as a result of a wreck Thursday in Izard County.
According to the Arkansas State Police, 75 year old Paul Zerby was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck off of Spring Hill road. Zerby was driving south on Spring Hill road when he reportedly ran off the side of the road and hit a tree.
The Arkansas State Police report says that there was freezing rain at the time of the wreck. KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTING
Kennett authorities are investigating a shooting incident that happened earlier this week.
According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched Tuesday to the to the Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in reference to a subject whom had came in after suffering a gunshot wound.
Following an investigation at a residence on Harrison Street, officers believe that the shooting was only an accidental discharge of a firearm. Officers reportedly discovered an undisclosed amount of substances believed to be Marijuana and Crack Cocaine at the residence however.
The name or current condition of the shooting victim was not released.
Kennett Police say the investigation is ongoing. SIKESTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GIVES TIPS FOR GENERATOR USAGE
With freezing rain and snow often comes power outages and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety has released some tips for what to do when you are using a generator while the power is out.
Sikeston DPS says to never use a generator indoors on in enclosed spaced, for example garages, basements, or crawl spaces. Make sure that your generator has three to four feet of clear space on all sides and that there is adequate ventilation.
You should also ensure that your generator is placed far away from doors, windows, and vents as this could allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.
You can also look into installing a CO detector in your home.
Symptoms of CO poisoning are dizziness, headaches, nausea, and tiredness. If you believe you have CO poisoning, seek fresh air immediately and contact Sikeston DPS before you re-enter the structure.
The agency also wants to remind you to never use a barbeque grill in your home for heat. MAN FACING CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT
A Delta man is facing charges following his arrest on Wednesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Jordan D. White was arrested Wednesday night in Cape Girardeau County. White was arrested on felony charges of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, and domestic assault.
White is also facing a charge of careless and imprudent driving. MARIJUANA AND HEROIN FOUND IN PEMISCOT COUNTY HOME
Multiple types of drugs were recently found in a southeast Missouri home.
Authorities in Pemiscot County say that ecstasy pills, illegal prescription pills, five grams of cocaine, and two pounds of marijuana were found during a search on Wednesday.
According to KAIT, Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell said that there will be arrests made, pending formal charges. CONVICTION UPHELD IN 1998 KILLINGS
The Arkansas Supreme Court says it will not set aside the conviction and life term given to a Randolph County man in the 1998 slayings of a family of four from Dalton.
Billy Dale Green said a judge should have stopped his 2012 trial at least four times, but justices said Thursday any errors were cured by instructions given to the jury.
Members of Green's family testified Green left his house one night in 1998 saying he had to "clean up a mess" created by his son, Chad Green. Carl and Lisa Elliott and their two children were killed that night.
Billy Green said his son killed the family but that he only helped cover up the crimes. A jailhouse informant said Billy Green admitted killing the Elliotts' 8-year-old daughter.
