Road deaths up in Illinois, down across U.S.

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/statewide/road-deaths-up-in-illinois-down-across-u-s/article_5be6a116-8385-11e7-9a81-dfde586b5f2d.html

(Scott Bertman – Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Illinois is bucking a national trend by logging an increase in traffic fatalities.

According to the National Safety Council, preliminary estimates show road deaths in the state are up 4 percent in the first six months of the year, despite falling nationwide by about 1 percent.

Ken Kolosh, manager of statistics with the National Safety Council, says Illinois is seeing a large increase in what are called “vulnerable road user” deaths. The group includes pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Police investigating bootleg ‘Moonstock’ merchandise

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/news/20170820/police-investigating-bootleg-moonstock-merchandise

CARTERVILLE, IL – (Holly Kee, Benton News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

As J.B. Wells and his Walker’s Bluff staff strolled through the early crowd of about 5,000 at Moonstock 2017 on Saturday, they noticed some guests wearing shirts not part of their authorized stock.

“We asked one of the people where he got the shirt,” said Wells, the chief operating officer at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville.

Then his crew found at least two “guests” selling unauthorized memorabilia. “One guy had a black duffel bag and was walking around selling,” he said. “Another guy was selling out of a black trash bag.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Paducah businesses get a boost from the eclipse

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/36177035/local-businesses-excited-for-increased-traffic-as-eclipse-approaches

WPSD photo

PADUCAH, KY – (Bryce Mansfield and Omar Tellow, WPSD-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Many local community are seeing active streets and active sidewalks. Sunday marks one day away from the eclipse.

It’s a sight that business owners are happy to see.

Renee Hayden, owner of Curls and Cream, said there has been a diverse group of people coming through her doors

.
“We’re very excited. It’s super cool that people are coming to Paducah from around the world. We had folks here from Australia last night. We’ve seen people from Wisconsin, there are people here right now from New Jersey. They’re everywhere. They’re here visiting family and they’re also here on their own just to see the eclipse.” Hayden said.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Shawnee Forest jammed with visitors

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36176931/shawnee-forest-jammed-with-visitors

GOLCONDA, IL  –  (Dennis Turner, WSIL-TV. Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Garden of the Gods – WSIL photo

If you hope to see the eclipse from Garden of the Gods, you’re out of luck, at least for now.

According to State Representative Brandon Phelps, the park is closed until further notice.

Pope County Sheriff Jerry Suits tells us his deputies and national park rangers have had difficulties with crowds at the southern end of the Shawnee National Forest.

He says the National Park Service has had trouble with people setting up un-sanctioned campsites along roads and many small trail sites jammed with people.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Showers and thunderstorms this afternoon…forecasted to be after the eclipse

August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Here is a “snapshot” of the expected sky cover ending at 1 pm CDT today, beginning with the onset of the passage of the Solar Eclipse through the Quad State region. Persons at most locations should be able to see the eclipse during that time. However, there will be an increasing potential for afternoon showers and thunderstorms over southern Illinois and southeast Missouri, shortly after the passage of the solar eclipse through the area. If you are outdoors during and after the solar eclipse, have a plan to find shelter should showers and thunderstorms develop in your area. Cloud cover may change rapidly from moment to moment across the area today, so stay tuned!!! (NWS Paducah)

There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.  The rain chances for Carbondale is 80%.  For eclipse viewing, it seems Johnson County will be the prime spot for Southern Illinois.  Here in Franklin County, the further you go east the better.  According to the forecast, the Thompsonville area would be better than the west side.

For those in Carbondale I could see some repositioning to the Goreville and Vienna areas.  This might cause some additional traffic on Route 13, Interstates 57 and 24.

I will be monitoring the situation closely this morning.

The boundaries for the slight risk of severe weather tomorrow is areas from Route 45 east.  All of Southern Illinois is under a marginal risk.

Please stay hydrated if you are outside today. It will be another hot one.  The heat index will be between 100-105 again.

The eclipse will be a once in a lifetime experience.  Enjoy the show.

Below is a special weather statement from the national weather service, hazardous weather outlook and seven day forecast.

Special Weather Statement

…Heat Index Values 100 to 105 expected this afternoon over part
of the Quad State region…

Hot and humid conditions will be the rule today, regardless of the
passage of the solar eclipse through the region this afternoon, as
air temperatures top out in the lower 90s.

Heat index readings are expected to reach 100 degrees by noon over
Southeast Missouri. As temperatures rise into the lower 90s, heat
index readings above 100 degrees will build northeast across
southern Illinois and the Purchase area of West Kentucky, west of
the Land between the Lakes. Heat index values at or above 100
degrees will likely persist through 6 pm CDT today.

The rest of the Quad State region will see heat index values top
out in the upper 90s this afternoon.

If you are planning to be outside today for an extended period of
time, be sure to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Look
for opportunities to get out of the heat from time to time, and
into the shade or in an air conditioned building.

Keep watch on those with you that may be susceptible to or
unaccustomed to the heat and humidity, typical for late August in
this region.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees will be possible
across southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and the Purchase
area of West Kentucky between Noon and 6 pm CDT.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop near the I-64
corridor in southern Illinois and southwest Indiana, as well as
the foothills of southeast Missouri around 1 pm and work southward
into west Kentucky during the early evening. Another round of
thunderstorms are expected after midnight near the I-64 corridor.

Some of the thunderstorms in southern Illinois and southeast
Missouri may produce isolated wind gusts between 40 to 55 mph
during the afternoon. Locally heavy rain and lightning will also
be a hazard with these thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday

The Storm Prediction Center continues outlook a Marginal to
Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms for the entire area for
Tuesday and Tuesday night. The Slight risk of Severe Thunderstorms
stretches east of a line from Benton Illinois and Benton
Kentucky, and includes all of southwest Indiana, most of the
Pennyrile region of west Kentucky, and part of southeast
Illinois.

Damaging wind and Hail will be the primary hazards Tuesday
afternoon and evening. Locally heavy rain, capable of producing
isolated flooding, may be possible during the evening.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Skywarn spotter activation may be requested for Tuesday and
Tuesday night.

Seven day forecast

Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 3pm and 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10am and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday Night
Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 80. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. East northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 3 to 5 mph.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Comedy King Jerry Lewis Has Died at 91, His Agent Confirms

August 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Comedy King Jerry Lewis Has Died at 91, His Agent Confirms

Paramount Pictures photo

LAS VEGAS, NV –  (Alexis Loinaz and Char Adams, People Magazine.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Comedy king Jerry Lewis, whose manic style amused generations of moviegoers on both sides of the Atlantic, yet whose popularity often confounded critics, has died, his agent confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 91.

Las Vegas Review Journal columnist John Katsilometes confirmed the news on Twitter on Sunday, writing that Lewis’ rep told him in a statement that he died at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday morning in his home in Las Vegas

In June, the actor was hospitalized in Las Vegas after developing a urinary tract infection, the latest in a history of health issues. In June 2006, Lewis suffered a mild heart attack in San Diego. Still, his manager told PEOPLE at the time, “He’s doing very well. He’ll be standing on that stage at the [Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association] telethon on Labor Day.” In its time, the annual fundraiser, which Lewis started in 1966 (he stopped hosting as of 2010), is said to have raised more than $2 billion for medical research

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News

RLC Day Tours focus on two St. Louis neighborhoods

August 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer

Experience two popular neighborhoods in St. Louis like never before with two Day Tours through Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division. In October, visit the historic Victorian streets in Lafayette Square, and in November, learn about St. Louis’ Italian heritage at The Hill.

The Downton Abbey in Downtown St. Louis tour will make stops in Lafayette Square neighborhood and at the Campbell House Museum to take participants back to the opulence of the 1880s. After a five-year, $3 million restoration at the Campbell House Museum, participants will tour one of the most accurately restored 19th century buildings in America.
Lunch will be served at Mary Ann’s Tea Room before stopping by Lafayette Square to see the rows of Victorian homes, often referred to as the “painted ladies.” A tour of a private home and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Lafayette Square Park are included in the tour price of $145. Charter bus transportation, lunch and gratuities are also included.

Attendees will depart from the Ina campus at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2 and will return that evening at 6:30 p.m. Participants can also board the bus at the Mt. Vernon MarketPlace at 8 a.m., with a return time of 6 p.m. All attendees must pre-register by Wednesday, Sept. 6.
The following month, visit famed Italian neighborhood The Hill during the Shop n Sample St. Louis tour. Stops on this tour include Chris’ Pancakes, J Viviano & Sons Grocer, and a tour at the Herbia Soap Factory. Lunch will be served at Favazza’s Restaurant on The Hill. The afternoon will be spent exploring St. Louis’ newest chic place to shop: IKEA.

Lunch, tour fees, gratuity, and charter bus transportation are included in the $120 fee. Participants can get on the bus in Ina or Mt. Vernon, at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. respectively, on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The bus will return to Mt. Vernon by 6 p.m. and to Ina by 6:30 p.m. Attendees must pre-register by Sunday, Oct. 29.

To learn more about these Day Tours or to pre-register, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or commcorped@rlc.edu.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Veterans Airport: Eclipse Weekend to be ‘the busiest we have ever seen’

August 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/news/20170818/veterans-airport-eclipse-weekend-to-be-the-busiest-we-have-ever-seen

MARION, IL (John Homan, Marion Republican.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Motorists making their way past Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois this weekend and Monday may see a plethora of planes of various colors and sizes parked on taxiways, grassy fields and even the east/west runway, says airport manager Doug Kimmel.

“This (eclipse weekend) will undoubtedly be the busiest weekend and Monday in terms of number of aircraft here at the airport we have ever seen,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see up to 200 aircraft here – from small single-engine planes that seat a couple to larger corporate jets that may seat up to 20.”

Kimmel said Midwest Aviation is coordinating the housing of planes at the airport. He said the airport doesn’t stand to benefit all that much financially.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Stay well hydrated today and tomorrow…storms Tuesday….awesome weather at kickoff Friday

August 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Here is the expected sky cover at 1 pm CDT, during the passage of the Solar Eclipse across the Quad State region on Monday, August 21st. As we approach eclipse day, the accuracy and confidence of this forecast will improve. Stay tuned! (NWS Paducah)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a while since I have commented on a forecast.   With the stretch of mild weather it has not been necessary.  The heat index today and tomorrow will be between 100-103 degrees.  This is just below the criteria of a heat advisory being issued, which is between 105-109 degrees.  Anything over 110, an excessive heat warning is issued.

Tuesday, there is a chance of storms with an approaching cold front.  Most of Southern Illinois is under a marginal risk of severe weather (level 1 of 5)  Points east of Route 45 is under a slight risk (level 2 of 5).

The weather played havoc with a lot of high school football games last fall.  There is a picture perfect forecast for week 1.  The high on Friday will be around 80 with the low around 60.

Below is the special weather statement from the National Weather Service in Paducah regarding the heat, the Hazardous Weather outlook and the seven day forecast.

Special Weather Statement

…Afternoon heat index values around 100 degrees expected this
afternoon and Monday afternoon…

For travelers and residents alike, hot and humid conditions will
be the rule for the afternoon hours this Sunday and Monday.

All of the Quad State region, including southern Illinois,
southwest Indiana, west Kentucky, and southeast Missouri will see
heat index values in the middle and upper 90s each afternoon.

For those of you living in southeast Missouri and southern
Illinois, heat index values could range between 100 and 103
degrees by the middle of the afternoon on both days.

If you are planning to view the solar eclipse or participate in
other outdoor activities, then please bring along plenty of water
to keep hydrated. If you have any opportunity to do so, take
breaks in the shade or in an air conditioned building.

Isolated thunderstorms will be possible today and on Monday over
parts of the region. Unfortunately, any rain or cloud cover will
do little to lessen the heat and humidity.

Storms will move through the region on Tuesday and will eventually bring
cooler temperatures to the Quad State region during the latter
half of this week.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast for part
of the outlook area today. Any storms that develop should remain
below severe levels.

Heat index values will top out around 100 degrees mainly during
the afternoon hours across southeast Missouri and southern
Illinois.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Monday through Saturday

Isolated afternoon thunderstorms are forecast for part of
southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois on Monday. These storms
should remain below severe limits.

Heat index values will top out again near 100 degrees mainly
during the afternoon hours on Monday across southeast Missouri
and southern Illinois.

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are forecast Tuesday through
early Wednesday morning. These thunderstorms are expected to move
slowly southeast in a broken line through the outlook area. Some
of the storms will likely become severe late Tuesday afternoon and
evening, with damaging winds the primary hazard, followed by
isolated large hail. Heavy rain will be a greater hazard during
the evening hours.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of Severe
Thunderstorms for Tuesday and Tuesday night, extending from
Benton Illinois and the Land Between the Lakes northeast into
parts of southeast Illinois, southwest Indiana, and the Pennyrile
region of west Kentucky. A Marginal risk of severe thunderstorms
covers the remainder of the outlook area Tuesday and Tuesday
night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Skywarn spotter activation may be requested Tuesday afternoon and
evening.

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind 3 to 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 79. North northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind around 6 mph.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Just a reminder …….All Franklin County schools are closed tomorrow

August 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Steve Dunford

Because of the eclipse, all Franklin County Schools will not be in session tomorrow.  This was a decision by each individual district.

West Frankfort and Thompsonville were the first two to close.  The rest of the districts followed suit in the next couple of weeks.  The decision by all was made in early July.

Safety was the biggest concern of school officials.  First, daylight will not be fully restored at dismissal time.  Second, it would be hard to adequately supervise each child with eclipse glasses.  Third, if traffic projections hold true, it would have been hard to navigate buses on state highways, especially State Routes 148 and 37.

If you will be around children tomorrow, please make this an educational experience.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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