Frankfort Unit School District #168 Update on School Safety Measures

February 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Matt Donkin – Superintendent 

WEST FRANKFORT – As part of the district’s on-going planning and work on security measures in our schools, Frankfort CUSD #168 continues to use various strategies and actions each day to keep everyone alert and aware of potential incidents that could happen. One of those random strategies and actions may involve searching with metal detectors.

Today, Frankfort Community High School is conducting searches with metal detectors as students are entering school. School staff was joined by members of the West Frankfort Police Department in our ongoing partnership to keep our schools safe and assist us in conducting the searches. There has been no active threat to the schools of the district today. Please be aware that we continue to ask our students and their families to report any concerns or information they may have. We will investigate information that we receive to its conclusion to insure the safety of our students and our staff.

This school district continues its emergency assessment and planning as we all ask ourselves across this community and across this nation what needs to be done to prevent future school incidents

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News

‘Security Dawgs’ look to earn collegiate cybersecurity berth

February 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Benton’s Steve Osborn part of the team as an alternate

By Pete Rosenbery – SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s “Security Dawgs” will host a section of the annual Illinois Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition on Saturday, Feb. 17.

EDX Unage

SIU is one of two sites to host the statewide, 11-team competition, which mirrors what students will see in the corporate technology world. The “Security Dawgs” will seek a third state title in six years. Also competing at SIU will be teams from John A. Logan College, Lake Land College Southeastern Illinois College.

Teams work to keep their site secure from hackers and unwanted cyberattacks, and are responsible for system maintenance, upgrades, and completing other requests, such as installing or upgrading a website in the simulated competition. Teams earn points based upon how successful they are at accomplishing the business tasks, in addition to identifying and stopping hacker attacks, and writing incident reports.

Team built on camaraderie, chemistry

The Security Dawgs return four members from last year’s team and have been practicing since the start of the fall 2017 semester. Several of the squad members were on the team that finished fifth out of 179 teams in the National Cyber League last fall.

“A big part of our plan for success is our camaraderie as a team,” Belle Woodward, an associate professor in the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies and faculty adviser for the registered student organization, said. “We’ve gotten really close as a team over the last year. I think that really helps when it comes down to that last rush of constant, daily practice. I couldn’t be more proud of how much work these guys have put in to learning for this competition, and not being afraid to embrace more things to do beyond it.”

Competition enhances students’ academic experience 

Woodward said the event gives SIU students a chance to receive a practical look into many of the skills they learn in class, defend against attackers in the competition, and reminds them that the end goal is making sure a businesses’ network is not interrupted.

“This is also a valuable experience in teamwork and commitment,” she said. “Many students who participate learn enough to be more than ready for even the hardest classes they’ll face at SIU, and have a leg up in real-world experience.” 

Cybersecurity event expects strong field

The Security Dawgs have a strong reputation in collegiate cybersecurity competitions. The team has won three state competitions, most recently in 2014, and finished second in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The team has advanced to the Midwest regional competition in seven of the last 10 years, including a wildcard berth in 2017.

The other state competition site is Moraine Valley Community College, which is hosting six more teams.

The top team in the state will advance to the Midwest regional competition, March 23-24, at Moraine Valley Community College. There they will face the top teams from Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Second-place in the respective state competitions will compete for a wildcard slot on March 10. The Midwest regional winner advances to the 11th annual National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition April 13-15 in San Antonio, Texas.

The Team

Security Dawg team members are:

ILLINOIS

  • Benton: Steve Osborn, information systems technologies, junior (alternate)
  • Centralia: Ronald DeBernardi, information systems technologies, senior
  • Hoffman Estates: Christian Scott, information systems technologies, senior
  • Marion: Trenton Taylor, information systems technologies, senior
  • Mattoon: Mark Blume, information systems technologies, senior
  • Northbrook: Ben Fairbanks, information systems technologies, junior
  • Oak Lawn: Jacob Kupres, information systems technologies, senior (alternate)
  • Pittsburg: Curtis McRoy, information systems technologies, senior (alternate)

FLORIDA

  • Naples: Thomas Birch, information systems technologies, senior

MINNESOTA

  • Sauk Centre: Brianna Yagow, information systems technologies, junior

MISSOURI

  • Imperial: Jesse Frawley, information systems technologies, junior (alternate)

TEXAS

  • Houston: Vincent Davis, computer science, senior

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment
BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has reported the following incidents/arrests:
1-29-18 at 1:10 pm Deputies responded to a neighbor dispute in Logan. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kristy L. Piazza age 37 of Logan for battery.
1-29-18 at 3:45 pm Deputies responded to a second dispute at a residence in Logan. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Kristy L. Piazza age 37 of Logan for battery and domestic battery, Asiah M. Kendrick age 22 of Marion for domestic battery and Amy Sue Abbott age 38 of Logan for battery. All three were transported to County Jail.
2-1-18 at 11:52 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on State Hwy. 14 in rural Mulkeytown. A 1999 Freightliner Semi-Tractor driven by Lendell M. Panzier Jr. age 51 of Waltonville was west bound on Rt. 14 behind a 1995 GMC Pick-Up driven by Rory D. Miskelley age 60 of Marion. The driver of the Pick-Up slowed to turn north into a business and was struck from behind by the Semi. There were no injuries. Lendell Panzier was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash and Rory Miskelly was ticketed for equipment violations (taillights and turn signals) and for operating an uninsured vehicle.
2-1-18 at 7:55 pm Deputies responded to a residential burglary in rural Benton in which in excess of $60,000.00 worth of jewelry and money were reported stolen. A large amount of the property has been recovered. The investigation is ongoing and several arrests are anticipated. The suspects are believed to have been involved in several crimes in both Franklin and Williamson counties.
2-1-18 at 8:15 pm the investigation of a suspicious vehicle report on Bessie Road resulted in the arrest of Tyler L. Wysong age 32 of Logan for no valid registration and for driving while license suspended.
2-3-18 at 2:58 pm Deputies responded to a domestic in rural Valier. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Terry G. Galloway age 55 of Sesser for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery, domestic battery and aggravated assault with a firearm.
2-5-18 at 2:07 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Scott Hargett age 57 of Thompsonville for possessing firearm ammunition without a valid F.O.I.D. card.
2-7-18 at 2:46 pm Deputies arrested Travis A. Lampley age 33 of Benton for unlawful violation of an order of protection.
2-7-18 at 8:11 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kacie E. Coulter age 28 of West Frankfort for an outstanding warrant for deceptive practice.
2-7-18 at 11:24 pm the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle on Logan Road resulted in the arrest of Zayne M. Grant age 20 Johnston City for driving under the influence, illegal consumption of alcohol and unlawful use of a weapon.
12-9-18 at 10:23 am the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle on Hamilton Pike Road in rural Whittington resulted in the arrests of Alan Schilling age 38 of Oklahoma City, OK and Amanda M. block age 40 of Birmingham, Al. Both have been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic syringe/needles and criminal trespass to land.
2-12-18 at 9:07 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Dennis W. Hanson age 37 of Logan for felony driving while license revoked.
2-13-18 at 9:45 am Bryan K. Braggs age 54 of West Frankfort was ordered into custody as a drug court sanction. Braggs was taken into custody and transported to jail. Prior to actually entering the jail, Braggs bolted and fled on foot. After a brief foot chase, Braggs was subdued and taken back into custody. Braggs was in custody for a class 4 felony and has now been charged with escape, a class 2 felony.
WARRANT ARRESTS
2-2-18 Adam M. Wiggins age 29 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated D.U.I.
2-3-18 Scott A. Mcallister age 21 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for retail theft
2-4-18 James M. Laur age 39 of Sesser. Failure to appear for domestic battery
2-5-18 Amanda L. Restivo age 34 of Elkville. Failure to appear for obstructing identification
2-7-18 Brandy M. Wilkerson age 38 of Salem. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance
2-7-18 Kacie E. Coulter age 28 of Herrin. Deceptive practice
2-7-18 Tanya M. Corssen age 47 of St. Louis. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-8-18 Michael A. Meinert age 41 of Benton. Criminal damage to property
2-9-18 Patricia K. Eaiheart age 49 of Steelville. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-9-18 David Williams age 38 of Sparta. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-10-18 Elva R. Arview age 47 of West Frankfort. Unlawful video taping
2-10-18 Miranda J. Key age 23 of Harrisburg. Failure to appear on traffic charges
2-13-18 Brittany D. Borgra age 32 of Benton. Contempt of court
2-13-18 Mark A. Roberts age 23 of West Frankfort. Possession of methamphetamine
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

IDOT pushes back Route 34 closure between Thompsonville and Galatia

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE – The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling on IL 34 near Thompsonville in Franklin County of an upcoming ROAD CLOSURE.

Beginning Monday, March 19, 2018,  Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 8:00 A.M., IL 34 approximately 1.75 miles east of Thompsonville will be closed to traffic.  This closure is necessary to facilitate the repair of a drainage structure. The road is expected to be open by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, March 30, 2018, Friday, March 2, 2018.

Motorists should use the marked detour or seek an alternate route.

Message boards and signs will be in place to alert motorists of the closure.

For IDOT District 9 updates on twitter, follow us at https://twitter.com/IDOTDistrict9.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Thompsonville News

Marginal risk for severe weather this afternoon and evening …Special weather statement regarding gusty winds

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma has raised part of the Quad State region to a Marginal Risk of Severe Thunderstorms this afternoon and through this evening. The Marginal Risk area is along and north of a line from Owensboro Kentucky to Goreville and Chester Illinois. A broken line of showers, along with widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms is expected develop this afternoon over parts of southern Illinois along and north of the Interstate 64 corridor. A few of these storms could produce damaging wind gusts, especially in and near small bowing clusters of storms. In addition, a small and brief tornado cannot be ruled out through early this evening along a slowly approaching cold front. Small hail is also possible with a few of the storms. With existing river flooding, the rain associated with the cold front will only aggravate minor flooding that is occurring on some river systems in the Quad State region.

Special Weather Statement

…Strong Gusty Winds This Afternoon… While winds will average 15 to 30 mph out of the south or southwest this afternon, some isolated gusts to as high as 40 or 45 mph are a possibility. These strong winds and gusts will continue into early this evening, before diminishing off their peaks.

Expect these strong winds to impact area travel and outdoor work, so be advised, especially if driving a high profile vehicle. Also on area lakes, the southern orientation of the wind will create especially choppy wave heights for north to south running lakes, like Barkely and Kentucky, as well as all bodies of water, rivers and lakes.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…This Afternoon and Tonight There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms from mid afternoon to early this evening, mainly along and north of a line from Carbondale, Illinois, to Owensboro, Kentucky.

If a storm develops and becomes severe, damaging winds, is the primary severe weather hazard anticipated, although small hail is also possible. An isolated tornado would not be out of the question.

Otherwise, thunderstorms are forecast for the area in entirety through tonight, with locally heavy rainfall the primary storm related hazard. In addition, south to southwest wind speeds will average 15 to 30 mph this afternoon, and may gust up to 40 mph at times, until early evening. Flooding is occurring along the Green and Ohio rivers. Refer to those warnings and statements for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Light snow, possibly mixed with a little sleet and freezing rain, is expected Saturday morning. A dusting to a couple of tenths of an inch of snow is possible mainly in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, but any accumulations should melt by early afternoon.

A prolonged period of wet weather is forecast to set up over the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys next week. As such, the potential for flooding will need to be monitored in the coming days as we gain a better idea of where and exactly how much rainfall may occur. There is a chance of thunderstorms from Monday night into Tuesday night. Severe weather is not anticipated. Flooding is forecast to continue along the Green and Ohio rivers. Refer to those warnings and statements for details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotters should maintain alert status and monitor the latest forecasts for any updated information.

 

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

Amid massacre, a story of courage: Football coach stepped in front of bullets, reports say

February 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment

PARKLAND, FL – When a shooter opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County on Wednesday afternoon, reports emerged on Twitter of a football coach jumping in front of students to protect them from the shooter.

Coach Aaron Feis was initially said to be dead, eliciting tributes on social media. Subsequent posts, including by a fellow coach, said he was wounded but had survived the shooting.

But by 9 p.m., the hope that had been rekindled on Twitter was extinguished. Broward Sheriff Scott Israel announced that “a beloved football coach is dead.”

Please click on the link for the full story from Manny Navaro, Andre Fernandez, and Kyra Gurney of the Miami Herald.

http://www.mid.com/sports/high-school/article200170559.htmlamiheral

Filed Under: Featured, National News

SIU’s College of Business incorporates a focus on advanced analytics and artificial intelligence

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Kristi Mathis – SIU News Service 

SIU Media Services photo

CARBONDALE, Ill. – A College of Business research facility at Southern Illinois University has taken on a new, cutting-edge role and name: The Pontikes Center for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

It’s the first such university-affiliated center and it allows the business college to partner with corporations and businesses to offer a program that fulfills the need within various industries for big data and analytics while also providing a unique training ground and research facility for students.

In conjunction with this big change, SIU is also now offering for the first time an optional MBA concentration in analytics for managers.

A unique “think tank”

The Pontikes Center was originally established in 1989 by Kenneth Pontikes, a 1963 marketing alumnus, as an information management research center. But, the center now has a new and different focus to address current corporate and business student needs.

Jim Nelson, associate professor of management, said he’s thrilled to serve as the new director of the center which is essentially a “think tank” wherein faculty, staff and students will partner with industries to research, collect and analyze specialized data.

“There are universities with analytics programs but we are different because we combine analytics with artificial intelligence,” Nelson said. “Artificial intelligence is extremely important in making sure the analytics works well. It can recognize change in the playing field and adjust to keep the data relevant,” Nelson said.

Focus on Artificial Intelligence as an important part of data collection

In a highly competitive marketplace, companies are always looking for that extra edge to assure their longevity, productivity and profitability, and that’s why analytics is so important, college officials said.

Adding the artificial intelligence component enables researchers to collect the very specialized data industries need to make wise choices while saving time and money that might otherwise be spent wading through large pools of data to hone in on the information that is most applicable to their business needs.

“Our programs will focus on providing executives a working knowledge of analytics. Business leaders of today need to know how to work with analytics experts and interpret the data,” Nelson said. “I am excited to be part of a program that will prepare our students to work in some of businesses’ fastest growing fields.”

Board includes analytics experts from major players in the field

Nelson’s first goal has been establishing an advisory board, networking extensively with potential corporate partners to bring on board analytic experts from eight target industries: engineering, finance, health care, human resources, insurance, manufacturing, logistics and retail.

The inaugural board for the center includes:

  • Niki Allen, director of the office of the CIO and chief of staff to Ted Colbert, The Boeing Company chief information officer and senior vice president of information and analytics
  • Andy Greenberg, analytics principal at Edwards Jones
  • Ian Stewart, senior vice president of revenue cycle at Presence Health
  • Jim Boudreault, executive director and global head of data science and intelligence for CME Group
  • Alex Perez, director of data science at NIKE Inc.
  • Dan Organ of Caterpillar Inc.

The board also includes Terry Clark, dean of the College of Business; Kristen Kordecki, director of corporate and foundation relations for the SIU Foundation; and Nelson.

The board will help shape the courses students take through the center to assure they acquire the knowledge and training to positively impact businesses. Board members will also speak to classes and interact with students online via videos.

New MBA concentration in analytics for managers

In addition, preparations are underway for the college’s new MBA concentration in analytics for managers, a program that will prepare graduates for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields.

SIU will continue to offer the traditional MBA degree as well as an option for a concentration in agribusiness economics. But, beginning this spring, the college is offering a completely online MBA program with a focus on analytics, assuring graduates are trained to identify, sort and understand what is important within the endless streams of information available in the world today.

Improving technology offers vast potential for business

According to Nelson, the world’s computer power doubles about every 18 months, meaning we have about 100 times the computer capacity available today for the same cost as what was available in 2007.

That means the potential to store 100 times more data and process it 100 times faster than just a decade ago. Companies can find additional data storage in the cloud. But, sifting, analyzing and interpreting all of this data is what really matters and that’s what the new Pontikes Center and MBA analytics concentration are all about.

Students will learn to decipher big data

Students will develop an understanding of all of the tools available for analyzing big data, including analytics techniques and artificial intelligence, which has increased productivity and the quality and complexity of analytical models.

“Corporate executives and managers make strategic decisions based on data so company marketing efforts reach the customers most likely to respond,” Nelson said. “Business finance and accounting officials need to know where to invest and how to analyze the results. Analytics is critical to success in every phase. That’s where SIU’s analytics program comes in. We’re addressing the human side of analytics.”

More information

For more information about the Pontikes Center for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence or the new analytics courses, contact the SIU College of Business at 618/453-3328 or by email at info@business.siu.edu. Or, find details about the center and the MBA analytics concentration online.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Kevin Smith named new Thompsonville Postmaster

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

PJCSSR Image

THOMPSONVILLE – A familiar face will be the head of the operations at the Thompsonville Post Office beginning  March 3rd,

Life-long resident Kevin Smith, has been named as the new Postmaster. He has been with the US postal service for nearly a quarter of a century, spending the last 15 years as a city carrier in West Frankfort.

Smith also serves as President of the Thompsonville Community Unit District #174 Board of Education, is the scorekeeper and PA announcer for Thompsonville High School Basketball, and teaches a young adult Sunday School class at Thompsonville First Baptist Church.

He also spent a decade coaching junior high basketball in Thompsonville.

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

KFVS-TV’s Carly O’Keefe: ‘No smoking gun’ in terms of causes of crashes on I-57

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

MARION – In a well publicized investigative report, released from the noon news anchor on KFVS-TV on the 6:00 p.m. newscast last night, O’ Keefe conducts several interviews about the barrage of crashes on I-57.

During last summer, it was a daily occurrence.

Below this jumped out at me when I viewed the story last night.

“When you approach an urban area, you ramp up your alertness, and we want drivers to do the same in this corridor,” said IDOT District 9 Program Development Engineer Carrie Nelson.

Nelson is referring to a 53-mile stretch of Interstate 57 south of Marion at the Interstate 24 split north to the Interstate 64 interchange in Mt. Vernon.

Believe it or not, IDOT traffic counts show that stretch of I-57 in the heartland is as busy as I-80 near Chicago.

Please click on the link below for the full story and video from Carly O’Keefe from KFVS-TV.  Along with her interview of Nelson, she interviews, ISP trooper Joey Watson,  and State Representatives Dave Severin and Terri Bryant. -Steve

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/37487213/idot-no-smoking-gun-causing-crashes-on-i-57

 

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

SIU receives 115-pound black carp specimen for invasive species study

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Tim Crosby, SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers this weekend received what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis.

The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries, said Gregory Whitledge, associate professor of zoology at SIU.

SIU took possession of the fish Friday, after the fishers contacted the university. SIU manages a program funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that pays commercial fishers for black carp that they catch and turn over to the university for scientific research.

Zoologists hope new specimen will shed light on an invasive species

Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate student Hudman Evans stands with what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis. The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries. (Photo provided)

During the weekend, researchers, including graduate student Hudman Evans, who is writing his master’s thesis in zoology on the invasive black carp issue, removed key organs and tissue samples that will tell the scientists much about the individual and its population. SIU also cooperates with the U.S. Geological Survey and IDNR on the research.

Evans said he became interested in fisheries as a middle school student and became interested in black carp after searching for graduate school opportunities. So far, his research has included capturing specimens and examining their diet in order to determine if they are eating the same prey as native fish species.

“This specimen will contribute diet analysis data to my project and also shed light on how black carp diets change as they get older and grow to bigger sizes,” he said.

 

Black carp initially meant to control parasites

Black carp initially were brought to the United States from their native China as a potential means of controlling parasite-carrying snails that were damaging aquaculture fish in the southern states. At some point, however, some of them escaped – possibly during flooding events – and made their way to the Mississippi River.

The first wild black carp were caught in the river during the early 2000’s. But during the last five years, commercial fishers increasingly have reported catching them in nets along with the game fish they are seeking. It’s a worrying trend Whitledge said, and one that SIU is on the vanguard of investigating.

“We have several projects going with the black carp, as well as Asian carp, another invasive species,” Whitledge said. “We hope this fish will tell us more about how black carp might impact native species, how big the potential population is, their range and how fast they are expanding.”

Fish of unusual size

Typically, only commercial fishing outfits catch the fish, as its location and feeding habits lend it more to those practices than the typical rod-and-reel angler. Whitledge said the enormous specimen is certainly the largest ever brought in for scientific research, and quite possibly the largest ever caught in the United States.

When he heard about the catch, Whitledge said he was excited.

“I wanted to get a look at it because it’s much bigger than anything we’ve seen so far,” he said. “I’m curious to find out all we can.  We knew they were capable of growing this big, but this is one that is large enough that it is still quite an event. “

SIU at the vanguard of invasive species research

SIU is playing a leading role in finding out more about the problems it and the Asian carp might cause. As such, the university has received about 150 specimens caught all up and down the Mississippi River during the last few years.

“We are sitting here in the heart of the range into which these fish are expanding,” Whitledge said, adding that he and others also are working with funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In particular, scientists are concerned about the invasive species impact on native mussels, a favorite food that also are listed as threatened or endangered. As a bottom-feeder, it also likely competes for food with popular game fish, such as catfish.

“So looking at their diets is important,” Whitledge said.

Looking at a range of factors to learn more

To determine the specimen’s age, researchers will closely examine the specimen’s otoliths, bony anatomical structures in its ear, which forms tree-like rings at certain intervals as it grows.  The oldest such specimen so far identified was 16 years old, but Whitledge said this specimen’s size indicates it may be older than that one.

“This is the largest individual so far, so one thing we’re trying to understand is how old they get and how that might impact the size of the potential population,” he said.

Scientists also will analyze the chemical composition of this fish’s otoliths using mass spectrometry methods to try to determine where the fish spent most of its time. They also will examine the fish’s reproductive system and its overall health and growth rate, which might tell them how well the species is doing in the Mississippi River.

In China, the fish lives in larger rivers and tributaries, so the Mississippi River would seem an ideal habitat. While they can live in still waters such as ponds or lakes, the species requires flowing water to successfully hatch its eggs.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, State News
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