United States – Blue Light Week is a national campaign to honor police officers that have died in the line of duty. YOU can participate by flipping a switch!
This is the first ever “Blue Light Week” and it is the hopes of many that it will become a annual nationwide event. From January 1st through January 7th change out your light bulb on your porch to blue! Turn it on at night and leave it on each night.
A former Virginia policeman who wanted to start something positive for the law enforcement community created the campaign.
Please join them throughout the week and support your local law enforcement as well!
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.
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.
Focuses on Preparing NOW for Severe Winter Weather
Missourians encouraged consider and prepare for all winter weather hazards when making their plans!
This week’s frigid temperatures and forecasts calling for accumulating snow are excellent reminders that it’s time for Missourians to think about and prepare for winter weather. When winter does arrive, it will bring an assortment of potentially dangerous conditions for which Missourians should be ready to deal with. That’s why the National Weather Service has set Nov. 19 as Winter Weather Awareness Day.
“Missourians should always be mindful of the dangers associated with severe winter weather and be prepared for driving on snow and ice-covered roads, losing power and heat at home, and understanding frostbite and hypothermia,” said Ron Walker, director of the State Emergency Management Agency.
Winter Weather Awareness Day is sponsored by the National Weather Service, along with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri’s emergency management directors.
Here are some of the winter storm preparations Missourians should make:
· Create a family emergency plan and an emergency kit. These kits should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit.
· Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.
· Make sure alternate heat and power sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves, oil heaters and generators function properly, are safely operated and that adequate fuel is on hand. Carbon monoxide detectors should be properly installed throughout the home. Only operate generators outdoors.
· Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle, that cell phones are charged and important emergency numbers are saved for fast dialing in an emergency. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call for help.
· Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
People should also be aware of the weather forecast and understand the different terms the National Weather Service uses when issuing weather advisories:
· Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours.
· Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.
· Ice Storm Warnings are issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
Additional information about winter weather and preparedness tips can be found at the following websites:
· National Weather Service - St. Louis Winter Weather Awareness Page: www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=winterday
SEMA: www.sema.dps.mo.gov (Click on "Severe Winter Weather" in the "Plan and Prepare" section.)
Missouri Dept. of Transportation's Travel Information Map: www.modot.mo.gov
Missouri Ready in 3 Program's Weather Preparedness Page: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/weather.php
Missouri Ready in 3 Program also provides free family safety guides to help prepare your family and household: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/pdf/familyguideenglish.pdf, or call (573) 526-4768 to order a free family safety guide. The family safety guide is available in several languages.
