Region briefs 3/12

Weather Service to test storm warning system

The National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency will conduct a severe weather drill for weather radios at 1:30 p.m. today.

The drill will be broadcast on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio for the Emergency Alert System as a tornado warning .

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week for Missouri. There are on average 26 tornadoes a year reported in Missouri, causing an average of three deaths.

La Leche unit to start series on breast-feeding

The La Leche League will begin a new series on the advantages of breast-feeding for mother and child at its meeting Thursday.

The group holds monthly meetings at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Friends Lounge at St. Francis Medical Center, near the west side entrance.

The group also offers information and support for mothers with telephone helplines, a lending library, handbook and informal meetings. For information, contact Carol at 334-2705 or Liz at 794-2577.

Man drowns taking swim in frigid lake

WASHINGTON, Mo. -- An eastern Missouri man drowned while swimming in a lake, despite pleas from friends who urged him to get out of the frigid water, authorities said.

Robert Skaggs, 21, of Washington jumped into the Lions Lake Sunday.

-- From staff and wire reports