Special Weather Statement

..Light Dusting of Snowfall Christmas Night…

A light dusting of snowfall is forecast with spotty snow showers
Christmas night. A half inch or less is expected, but with it
falling in much colder temperatures, this could create a few slick
spots on roads and walkways.

Christmas night travelers are advised to slow down, allow
a little extra time to turn or stop, and use your low beam
headlights to increase your visibility to others.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday

A chance of light snow or flurries is forecast across all or a
part of the area Tuesday, Thursday afternoon and evening, Friday
night, and late Saturday night into Sunday. However, the potential
for impactful accumulation remains low at this point.

Seven Day Forecast

Mugshot of the erratic driver and his sleigh taken by a drone, over Creek Nation Blacktop between Zeigler and Royalton. He should be making his way through the entire county soon.

The Franklin County Sheriffs Department, Central Dispatch in Christopher, and other law enforcement agencies, are taking a lot of calls, regarding an erratic driver.

The driver is described as a heavy set older gentleman, with white hair, and a long white beard.  He is also wearing a red suit.

The vehicle is a sleigh, pulled by eight tiny reindeer and led by a fawn with a shiny nose.   With the snow flurries that is flying throughout the county, that will help with his visibility.

He is a jolly man, and he has been reported, going rooftop to rooftop, sliding down the chimney with a full bag of toys.  He stays for a few minutes at each house.  The bag is empty handed, and he always goes back to his sleigh munching on a cookie.

While in the air he has been reported to be saying Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!!!!

The law enforcement agencies, stated the man is neither armed or dangerous.  He is spreading love and cheer to each house he visits.

The authorities stated for him to pay a visit, all boys and girls need to go to bed soon, if they aren’t  already.

There will be further developments to this story early in the morning.

Christmas Eve travelers should be prepared for a little precipitation today. In the north, especially along the Interstate 64 corridor, a light dusting upwards to an inch is possible, mainly on grassy surfaces. Further south, the snow mixes with rain and little impact is expected. Air and ground temperatures will be above freezing this afternoon, but holiday travel caution is still advised in case untreated or elevated road surfaces present a slick patch or two. (NWS Paducah) 

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for up to one inch for the counties in Southern Illinois for Route 13 north.

If you plan on traveling today, there is a winter weather advisory out for the counties north of I -70.  Snow accumulations around 2″- 4″ is possible, with 3″ -5″ north of route 74.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and be careful if you are out and about. -sd

Southern Illinois Fire Incidents photo.

PINCKNEYVILLE –  The Pinckneyville Press and the website Southern Illinois Fire incidents is reporting that several fire departments on the scene at the Grecian Steak and Seafood House, just south of the square in Pinckneyville.

Further updates will be provided when available.

Here is further information from WSIL=TV

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37133066/pinckneyville-restaurant-destroyed-by-fire

WHITTINGTON –  Franklin County Emergency Management Agency reports that Interstate 57 Northbound is blocked off at Exit 77 (Sesser) due to a traffic crash in Jefferson County.

More information will be shared when it becomes available.

7:45 statement released from the Illinois State Police

The northbound lanes of I57 are currently closed at mile post 90.5 due to a 2 vehicle, single fatality crash. All north bound traffic is being diverted off of I57 onto IL Route 154 at mile post 77 while first responders are investigating and cleaning up the scene.

11:30 update –  The northbound lanes is not open at the 77 mile marker (Sesser exit).  It is my understanding the northbound lanes are still closed at the 83 mile marker (Ina Exit) and will remain closed for several hours.  =sd

The accident happened at the 90 mile marker which is just south of the 57/64 split.

Here is the latest from WSIL-TV at 4:30 p.m.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37131702/crash-on-i-57  

Crash report from the Illinois State Police

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 13

WHAT: Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

CARTERVILLE –   On Friday, President Donald Trump signed the Republican tax plan into law, making it the biggest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in three decades.

It’s also the president’s biggest legislative victory, by far.

“I consider this a bill for the middle class and a bill for jobs,” said President Trump.

While polls show most American don’t approve of the tax plan, Republican Illinois Congressman Mike Bost expects that to change soon.

Please click on the link below as WSIL-TV’s Brandon Richard discusses the tax plan with Congressman Bost.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37130399/congressman-bost-predicts-tax-law-will-become-more-popular

Mt. Vernon register news photo

MT. VERNON –  Three youths were arrested Monday in connection with the Kendrick Paper Stock Co. warehouse fire.

According to Mt. Vernon Police Det. Jeremy Reichert, arrest warrants were issued for the three suspects by the state’s attorney. The warrants charge them with arson, but Reichert said it was not their intention for the building to burn down.

“These kids had no clue how serious things could get,” Reichert said.

Please click on the link below for the full story from Brett Templeton of the Mt. Vernon Register-News

http://www.register-news.com/news/three-arrested-in-warehouse-fire/article_2e1f1e8c-e6a1-11e7-ab21-435bc5aee82f.html

Benton, IL – It is after Christmas and you need to take the tree out of the house. What can you do with it now?  How about helping out some fish with a new home for the holidays. .The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake are asking for your old Christmas trees to improve fish habitat.     Donated trees will be bundled together to create underwater fish structures. These structures serve a variety of purposes such as providing feeding areas for fish of all sizes, refuge for small fish, and excellent fishing spots for anglers.

Christmas trees can be dropped off at any of the following three Rend Lake boat ramps or parking lot locations: Sugar Creek parking lot, located at the intersection of Licata and Mine 21 roads; Dam West boat ramp, located on the west end of the main dam; or Jackie Branch boat ramp, located north of Rt. 154 across from the Barren Township building. Christmas trees will be accepted at these locations until January 16, 2018.  If you are closer to Mt. Vernon, Christmas trees may be recycled at the areas designated by signs at the Veterans Park women’s softball field; Forest Avenue; Optimist Park, 903 Pace Avenue; or Airport Park, 1101 Airport Road until January 5, 2018.

Two additional collection locations have been added through a partnership with the Marion Park District.  The first location will be in Ray Fosse Park, which is located just north of Route 13 on the east end of Marion.  The collection point will be located in the “Goofy Golf” parking lot, just behind the swimming pool, at 519 Parish Ave.  The second collection point will be located at the northernmost picnic