This afternoon on seMissourian.com

Red Cross closes last shelters; SEMA opens assessment centers

In a sign that the area is returning to some state of normalcy after the late January ice storm, the American Red Cross announced today that it has closed the last of its remaining shelters in Southeast Missouri.

The shelters had been set up to help people without power stay warm in the aftermath of the storm.

Today the State Emergency Management Agency has centers open in three Southeast Missouri communities to take damage assessment estimates. Look for information on the assessments soon on seMissourian.com.

Welty trial continues

The trial of one of the state's youngest murder suspects in history, Owen Welty, continues today in Clayton, Mo. Welty is accused of killing his neighbor in 2006 near Bloomfield, when he was only 13.

Look for updates from the Associated Press on this trial later today, and read the background of the case at seMissourian.com.

High winds, strong thunderstorms possible tonight

A high wind warning was issued early this afternoon for several counties in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, and strong thunderstorms are possible around the area tonight.

That's bad news if you have trees that were weakened by the recent ice storm.

Head to our weather page to get the latest weather information, including warnings and radar loop, from the National Weather Service.

Later today and Wednesday on seMissourian.com

Check back later for more on the damage assessments taking place in our area, David Knight's losing battle against Proposition A and a story on a Scott County woman charged with stealing from the county government.

Come back Wednesday for more on today's stories and a story on how Noranda's shut down due to the ice storm will affect your electric rates and information on a state legislator seeking a four-day school week.

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If you have questions or comments about seMissourian.com, contact me at msanders@semissourian.com or 388-3652.