Winter weather cause for many accidents, school closings, death

SIKESTON - Winter weather has once again disrupted travel in Southeast Missouri, none more damaging than a two-vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a Sikeston woman Wednesday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 9:55 a.m. on Interstate 55 at the 74-mile marker, six miles north of Sikeston. Tammy A. Parker, 40, of Sikeston, lost control of her northbound vehicle on the snow-covered roadway. The vehicle skidded across the median into the path of a southbound vehicle driven by Raymond W. Burns, 47, of Bethalto, Ill.

A passenger in the Burns vehicle, Richard B. Hill, 44, of Alberta, Canada, sustained minor injuries.

Parker was pronounced dead at the scene by Scott County Coroner Scott Amick. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Many other minor accidents were reported on I-55 on Wednesday during a snowfall that affected most of the Bootheel.

The winter weather continued early this morning as icy roads in Sikeston caused numerous minor accidents.

Schools throughout the area were again impacted by winter weather. Many schools did not open Thursday or closed early due to the icy conditions. In Sikeston, schools did remain open however students who did not attend due to the weather were given excused absences.