Region briefs 3/6/08

Another winter storm watch issued for area

A winter storm watch has been issued for Southeast Missouri and the southern tip of Illinois, in effect starting tonight and lasting until late Friday night, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. A brief period of rain may kick things off tonight, and then change to snow. A lull in the precipitation is expected sometime Friday, followed by another round of snow persisting all Friday night. Strong, gusty winds are expected to accompany the storm, and could result in problems with drifting snow. A winter storm watch means the potential for at least four inches of snow within 12 hours, or six inches in 24 hours, exists. If the potential for heavy snow accumulation should become more certain, the watch will be upgraded to a warning. The weather service cautions that the storm could effect travel, especially along interstates 24, 57 and 55.

Man faces 8 counts of statutory sodomy

Michael Donahue, 2850 Whitener St. in Cape Girardeau, was charged Tuesday with eight counts of first-degree statutory sodomy. Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said the investigation began in October, when the sheriff's department received some illicit photographs taken of a young girl. Over the course of the next five months, investigators interviewed numerous people attempting to find the people responsible for producing the photographs. Investigators were lead to Michael Donahue, a previous tenant of the residence where the photographs were found. A physical defect on one of Donahue's hands matched with a hand in one of the photographs, and he eventually admitted taking the pictures. During the interview with authorities, Donahue allegedly admitted to eight incidents involving the same victim. The incidents occurred in Scott City between June and July. Walter said federal authorities have been contacted and are reviewing the case. Donahue is currently held in the Scott County Jail on $150,000 bond.

First Friday highlights DREAM Initiative

The monthly First Friday Coffee sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce will include a program on Cape Girardeau's participation in the DREAM Initiative as well as the presentation of Old Town Cape's annual awards. Cape Girardeau was selected in September 2006 as one of the first 10 cities statewide to participate in the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri Initiative. The program Friday will be a celebration of the first year of the initiative and a discussion of expectations over the coming two years. The Old Town Cape awards program will be part of First Friday because bad weather forced the cancellation of the organization's annual dinner. There will be four preservation awards and a volunteer award. The gathering begins at 7 a.m. Friday at the Show Me Center.

Humane Society will retain seized animals

KENNETT, Mo. — Forty-five animals seized by the state of Missouri with cooperation from the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department will remain in permanent custody of the Humane Society of Missouri, according to according to a decision made by Dunklin County Associate Circuit Court Judge John C. Spielman. On Jan. 11, the animals were taken from a former animal clinic owned and operated by Dr. Jonathan Wilson, a licensed veterinarian near Kennett, the Dunklin Daily Democrat reported.

— From staff reports