Events on the schedule, but may change due to winter storm

Based on the weather forecast, Southeast Missouri will experience its first significant winter storm this season with a mixture of snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain all possible later today and Friday.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued until 6 p.m. Friday for Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Perry, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties in Missouri and nine counties in Southern Illinois.

The forecast means many plans could change in the coming days for scheduled events.

A story in today's paper highlights the Feed My Starving Children mobile food-packing event this weekend. Members of La Croix Church and others in the community have rallied around this event in recent years.

The three-day event begins Friday and continues through Sunday at the Osage Centre. It's expected that 3,400 volunteers will pack about 700,000 meals. Linda Watts, an event organizer, said volunteers should check the church's website for updates. However, the event is still scheduled to take place.

The Old Town Cape Downtown Christmas Open House was rescheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13.

Several events are scheduled locally. Read Page 2 in today's Southeast Missourian or visit semoevents.com for a listing of others. However, it's important to first consider safety before heading out.

Crews have already started routes to prepare the roads. If you don't have to travel, we encourage you to stay home.

The public safety personnel, road crews and other professionals who provide essential services are to be thanked for their efforts.

Look for updates on school closings, events and other winter storm coverage at www.semissourian.com.