Missouri - As cold temperatures return to the state, it is important for Missourians to plan for the threat of severe winter storms and the dangers these storms can pose.

To help get ready, the National Weather Service, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri's local emergency managers are joining forces to promote Nov. 20 as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Missouri.

Because Missouri’s winter weather can be difficult to predict and can quickly become severe, people are encouraged to begin preparing now, before winter sets in. Among the preparations Missourians can make are:

·   Creating a family emergency plan and an emergency kit with bottled water and food that can be prepared without cooking in case of a power outage. Kits should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit. 

·    Making sure all heat sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves and oil heaters function properly. If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and that your generator functions properly. Only operate generators outdoors.

·    Creating a winter car kit. This includes a blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.

·    Exercising caution when shoveling snow or pushing a car out of snow banks and avoiding unnecessary travel when driving conditions are poor.

·    Making sure cell phones are charged before driving in foul winter weather and ensuring that important emergency numbers, such as *55 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, are saved for fast dialing in case of emergencies on state highways. 

It is also important for people to stay current on weather forecasts and to understand key National Weather Service terms:

·    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 Web sites:

·    National Weather Service - St. Louis Winter Weather Awareness Page: www.crh.noaa.gov

·    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. 

You may contact your local NWS office for interviews about Winter Weather Awareness Day or for additional information:

St. Louis: (636) 441-8467
Kansas City: (816) 540-6021
Springfield: (417) 869-4491
Paducah, Ky: (602) 744-6424

Dexter, Missouri - Every day patients across the country rely on blood donated through the American Red Cross. While the need is ongoing, the supply isn’t always — especially during the holiday season, when many regular donors are busy with holiday activities. Donors of all blood types are currently needed to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.

As part of the Give Something that Means Something winter campaign, blood donors can invite a loved one to follow in their footsteps or let someone know they gave in his or her honor with a customized postcard.

Donors simply take a photo of a Red Cross moment, whether it’s relaxing on a donor bed, enjoying a post-donation snack or meeting a blood recipient, then upload the photo and add a message at rcblood.org/holidaypostcard. The “postagram” will be mailed anywhere the donor chooses, courtesy of the Red Cross and Postagram.

The Dexter Rotary Club will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, November 25th from noon - 5 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church.

Eligible donors can help the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply around the holidays. Appointments can be made by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Dexter, Missouri - State of Missouri Endangered Person Advisory

The Dexter Police Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing person incident that occurred at 1101 West Grant Street at 11:00 A.M. on November 13, 2013.

Missing Is:

Gracie May Stephens a white, female, age 14

Vehicle Information:

None

Possible suspects or associates are believed to be:

None

The endangered missing person:

Gracie May Stephens, is a white, female, age 14, hgt 5'2", 113 lbs, blond hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, last seen wearing a maroon coat and black pants.

Brief circumstances regarding the Endangered Missing Person incident

On Wednesday, November 13, 2013, Gracie Stephens was reported missing because she did not return to class after lunch. Gracie Stephens was seen via camera's walking south leaving the Dexter High School campus after lunch and has not been seen since. There is no vehicle description or possible destinations.

Anyone seeing the missing person, suspect, associate, or vehicle, or anyone having any information related to the endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Dexter Police Department at 573-624-5512.

Written by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri- Moonlight Madness will take place in Downtown Dexter tonight from 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.  Many stores in the downtown area will be participating in this event, as well as other area stores that are not located in Downtown Dexter.

This is the perfect time to begin your Christmas shopping, as many stores will be offering great sales for the upcoming holidays!

The Welcome Center (Old Depot) will be open Friday evening during the Moonlight Madness until 9:00 p.m.  They will be coffee, refreshments, and restrooms available to the public. They will also have tables and chairs for relaxing if the weather is chilly!

Come out and support our community as you shop and enjoy the great sales!

Missouri - The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that school is in session. Every week day across the state, our young people are traveling to and from school. In 2012, three persons were killed and 353 people were injured in 886 school bus crashes in Missouri. Missouri schoolchildren are placed at risk needlessly when drivers do not stop for a school bus stop arm. It's important that drivers remember and observe state law pertaining to school buses and vehicle operation.

Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. It is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. However, drivers must obey the stop sign, stop arm, and flashing lights of a school bus.

The school year is far from over. Thousands of Missouri's children are going to school every day. It is critical that drivers be alert. It is imperative that parents talk to their children about being alert—whether they walk, bike, drive, or ride—when traveling to school each day. Students walking to school should use sidewalks, be aware of their surroundings at all times, and observe marked crosswalks. All drivers need to pay attention. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio are distractions and can lead to a traffic crash. Drivers must pay attention and observe all traffic laws. Even before a school bus turns on its red or yellow flashing lights, drivers should be vigilant—the school bus may be stopping or turning at some point.

It's up to all of us to ensure that our children arrive at school safely. Please, watch for school buses and schoolchildren. Do your part.

Shown in the photo is Mrs. Dee Wamble, Bus Driver for Dexter Public Schools.  Thank you for keeping our students safe on the road!