South Central Illinois' Winter Outlook... Cold and Wetter than Usual

South Central Illinois could see another colder and wet winter, similar to last year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the Winter Weather Outlook for the 2011-2012 season. NOAA predicts colder and wetter conditions in the North, and drought conditions continuing in the South, with warmer and drier conditions. Meteorologist Gary Schmocker of the National Weather Service in St. Louis says the area could experience near-normal temperatures with precipitation slightly above average. He says there is a possibility that this winter may not be as extreme as last winter. However he states precipitation will be above average east of St. Louis, heading into South Central Illinois, Indiana, and the Ohio River Valley. "If this outlook verifies, then areas towards Salem, Illinois verses St. Louis may have a little of a higher likelihood of getting above normal precipitation for the winter", said Schmocker. South Central Illinois experienced significant sleet and freezing rain from a winter storm last February. Schmocker states there could be some significant cold air outbreaks this winter, and he says it's hard to tell when they will occur. He says we are heading into a weak-to-moderate La Nina pattern just like last winter. La Nina is the cooling of the Pacific Ocean that affects the weather. However he states it could be a weaker La Nina than last year. Schmocker says last year's La Nina pattern was stronger, and that the area experienced below normal temperatures and above normal snowfall across the Missouri-Illinois area. "It's very hard to say about snowfall because sometimes you could get one big snowstorm and that could make a world of difference. When you look back at averages, it only takes one big snowstorm to sometimes create above normal snowfall for the winter", said Schmocker. He says the St. Louis area saw 30 inches of snow last year, above the average of 18 inches. Schmocker says the St. Louis weather service office forecasts a week ahead. Long range forecasting is done by NOAA and other weather service bureaus. Jpjr6

Marion County Police Beat for Friday, October 21st, 2011

A 19-year-old Iuka man is being held in the Marion County Jail after he allegedly tried to purchase a truck with a check stolen from his parents. Delbert Dagg was arrested for forgery after the bank was called that had been presented the check and learned it had been taken earlier. 20-year-old Joshua Clark of U.S. 51 South in Centralia remains in custody on an outstanding felony warrant. 23-year-old Steven Myers of Frazier Avenue in Wamac is being held on a warrant for failure to appear on a DUI charge. 39-year-old Cassandra Quick of East Dwebie in Waltonville posted bond after being arrested for alleged driving under the influence and possession of cannabis. 54-year-old Billy Wofford of North Vine in Sandoval posted $150 bond after being arrested by Sandoval Police for alleged disorderly conduct. The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of a gun from Jason Hodge of Nation Road in rural Salem.  lwdAA

Mt. Vernon Man Arrested In Connection With Walnut Hill Home Invasion

A 23-year-old Mt. Vernon man is being held in the Marion County Jail following an early Friday morning home invasion in Walnut Hill. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say Marquise Shackleford of College Avenue allegedly entered the Kalee Wodochek and Lenzi Tomblinson home on Jefferson Street, threatened the occupants with bodily harm and reportedly destroyed the TV and other personal items. Shackleford had left the scene after sheriff's deputies were called, but was picked up later by deputies. He was arrested for alleged home invasion and felony criminal damage to property. Shackleford is also being held for alleged domestic battery and felony criminal damage to property following an earlier incident with Wodochek on October 14th. Shackleford is accused of getting into Wodochek's car at the Industrial Tavern and then pulling her hair and breaking her phone as she attempted to walk away on foot towards the Centralia Police Station. Wodochek eventually made it to the police station, but Shackleford was not located on the charges until his arrest on the new charges early Friday morning.  MzUAd