Stoddard County, Missouri - A St. Francois County man is missing, last seen six weeks ago just west of Advance in the Sturdivant/Arab area.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office, Kenneth Willard, 53, was last seen with blue jeans, shirt with a pocket on it and hunting boots.
He's from St. Francois County, but has a family farm in the northern part of Stoddard County.
Willard is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, heavy build with blue eyes, brown hair and tattoos.
According to the sheriff's office, a camper was set up and a car was in the area of the family farm.
They say he was reported missing on Sunday, Dec. 14 by family.
If you see Willard, please contact the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office.
The girls are 9-year-old Corbyn E. Erwin and 7-year-old Celsie E. Erwin.
Authorities believe they may be in the company of their stepfather, Damon Jones, 37, of Johnston City.The entries for Celsie and Corbyn in the Statewide and Nationwide computer database have changed from “Missing” to “Missing/Involuntary” and a request for an Amber Alert has been sent to the Illinois State Police.
Jones is most likely driving a white 2006 Chrysler van with an Illinois Temporary Registration 823R204.
Corbyn is 4'8" tall and 80 pounds with brown eyes and hair.
Celsie is 4'2" tall and 60 pounds with hazel eyes and hair.
Damon Jones is 5'8" tall and 140 pounds with brown eyes and hair.
The girls were last seen at home around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14th.
There has been no contact with Jones or the girls since then.
If anyone has any contact with Damon Jones, Corbyn Erwin, or Celsie Erwin contact the Williamson County Sheriff's Office at 618-997-6541 or your local law enforcement agency.
United States of America - Each year on December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed across the nation. This day is a day to honor all those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor. There were more than 2,500 Americans that lost their lives or were wounded on that solemn day.
It was on August 23 of 1994 that United States Congress by Pub L 103-308, designated December 7, of each year, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also sometimes referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
Traditionally the Flag of the United States is flown at half-staff, until sunset, to honor those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes thundered over Hawaii, dropping bombs in an unprovoked act of war against the United States.
The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans.It nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, but it could not shake our resolve. While battleships smoldered in the harbor, patriots from across our country enlisted in our Armed Forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and security for which their brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice.
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the souls lost 73 years ago, we salute those who responded with strength and courage in service of our Nation, and we renew our dedication to the ideals for which they so valiantly fought.
In the face of great tragedy at Pearl Harbor — our first battle of the Second World War — our Union rallied together, driven by the resilient and unyielding American spirit that defines us. The millions of Americans who signed up and shipped out inspired our Nation and put us on the path to victory in the fight against injustice and oppression around the globe. As they stormed the beaches of Normandy and planted our flag in the sands of Iwo Jima, our brave service members rolled back the tide of tyranny in Europe and throughout the Pacific theater. Because of their actions, nations that once knew only the blinders of fear saw the dawn of liberty.
The men and women of the Greatest Generation went to war and braved hardships to make the world safer, freer, and more just. As we reflect on the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, we remember why America gave so much for the survival of liberty in the war that followed that infamous day.
Today, with solemn gratitude, we recall the sacrifice of all who served during World War II, especially those who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families they left behind. As proud heirs to the freedom and progress secured by those who came before us, we pledge to uphold their legacy and honor their memory.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2014, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth year.
BARACK OBAMA
The U.S. and Missouri flags on all state and local government buildings in Missouri will be flown at half-staff on Sunday, Dec. 7 to commemorate those who died or were wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. A 1996 state law designates the date as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and directs that on that day, flags be flown at half-staff by all state agencies and political subdivisions of the state.
“As the Greatest Generation passes on, we must never forget the sacrifice that Americans from all walks of life made in that unified effort to defeat tyranny,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day reminds us of not only of their sacrifice, but also of the sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in uniform throughout many generations – including those who are serving now.”
Some wildlife, like squirrels, will spend time stocking up and storing food sources before the cold hits. Black bears eat as much as they can in advance to store up the necessary fat they need to survive. Still others are subject to what’s available throughout the cold months, which takes a toll on their energy levels and can make surviving the winter a game of chance.
Angela Pierce, a naturalist at the Missouri Department of Conservation Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, said we can help these animals conserve some of their energy by helping to provide their three basic needs throughout the winter months: shelter, food and water.
“Making a shelter is as easy as making a brush pile,” Pierce said.
Larger limbs and branches can be piled and then filled in with dried leaves and grass. Fallen trees can be left for the winter, also, to provide a place for wildlife to shelter in from the wind and elements. Real Christmas trees are great items to recycle for wildlife shelter, she said, by simply placing them outside after the holidays.
“These shelters provide cover for ground-foraging birds, rabbits, chipmunks, hibernating reptiles, amphibians and insects,” Pierce said.
To help provide food in the winter months, high-fat suet and sunflower seeds can be provided to winter songbirds. High-fat food sources help the birds to build up their energy sources.
Pierce also said providing warm water on a daily basis will save animals from using their energy to search for unfrozen water sources. She recommends either replenishing water daily, or purchasing a heater for bird baths or backyard ponds.
By taking a few steps to help wildlife find shelter, food and water throughout these cold months, we can help make their chances of survival much higher. To find more resources on winter wildlife, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov.
