Quite cold conditions coming for Friday, but things should warm just enough Sat in time for some light rains Sat night, especially Western KY. (NWS Paducah)

Special Weather Statement

Light precipitation falling this afternoon may pose a hazard early this evening, as temperatures plummet below freezing. A swath of rain changing to snow produced a dusting for some, mainly from southern Illinois into southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky. This was mainly on grassy surfaces.

Elsewhere lesser amounts occurred, but all of it got on area roadways, and if they remain wet as temperatures drop, do not be surprised to see some slick spots develop. This will be especially true for bridges and overpasses, and for a few hours after nightfall, when temperatures will quickly be below freezing. Winds will quickly dry things out overnight, but for a few early evening hours, be careful if traveling and look out for flash freezing of moisture on area roadways, as the cold air is incoming really hard and fast.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…This Afternoon and Tonight Light precipitation in the form of light rain or light snow, will be followed by temperatures falling below freezing fairly quickly after the precipitation ends. This will potentially create an icing hazard on area roadways, particularly after nightfall early this evening, before the precipitation on the ground is dried up by cold north winds. Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Wind chills may be at or slightly below zero early Friday morning. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible late Monday night into early Tuesday, which may result in impacts to travel. Minor accumulations of snow may occur Tuesday night as a low pressure system departs. .

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation will not be needed.

Sheriff Donald Jones would like to announce the receipt of the following grant.  Jones states that the addition of the K9 ballistic vest will help ensure the safety of K9 Diego.

BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Diego will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Diego’s vest is sponsored by Macy’s and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Macy’s”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K-9  Deigo, will receive bullet and stab protective vest.  (Photo Provided)

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,800 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.4 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

Wednesday’s weather map

This is from Luke Saeger, of The Storm Predictor.  “For the last few model runs, the “big snowstorm” is no more. New model data shows,system moving farther south and does not look to impact southern Illinois. If anything changes I will let you know.”

The high will be well above freezing at 42 degrees on Thursday.  There is a chance of precipitation on Saturday night, and a chance of snow showers Sunday.  -sd

Seven Day Forecast

BENTON – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has reported the following arrests/incidents:

1-19-18 at 2:00 pm Deputies responded to a road rage incident that occurred on Il. Rt. 34 west of Thompsonville. The investigation led to the eventual arrest of Rodrick S. Grief age 37 of Eldorado for criminal damage to property under $500.00

1-20-18 at 5:40 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Emma A. Couture age 20 of West Frankfort for domestic battery.

1-20-18 at 6:43 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Ewing Road ½ mile west of Log Cabin Road. A 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Ariel R. Moore age 27 of Sesser, rear ended a 2013 John Deer 32D Skid steer implement of husbandry. The Skid steer was east bound and lacked the proper lighting equipment and slow moving vehicle emblems required by law. The Skid steer was being driven by Linford W. Weaver age 33 of Benton. The driver of the Town and Country received major injuries and was air evacuated to a St. Louis area hospital. Four children were passengers in the Town and Country and two received major injuries. A four year old boy and a one year old boy were also air evacuated out to St. Louis area hospitals. An eleven year old boy and an eight year old boy received minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Linford W. Weaver received minor injuries but refused transport to a hospital. Linford was ticketed for a slow moving vehicle violation as well as not having the proper amber lighting on a slow moving vehicle.

1-22-18 at 6:50 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Sarah C. Couture age 18 of West Frankfort of criminal damage to property.

1-24-18 Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Mulkeytown. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Drake S. McKinney age 30 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery and felony criminal damage to property.

WARRANT ARRESTS

1-19-18 Spring P. Leonard age 19 of West Frankfort. Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine

1-19-18 Kelsey L. Cook age 26 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated battery

1-19-18 Kevin W. Biggs age 32 of Fairfield. Contempt of court

1-22-18 Jerry R. Dawson age 28 of Royalton. Violation of the sex offender registration statute

1-23-18 David B. Ray age 39 of Benton. Failure to appear for felony driving under the influence

1-23-18 Melissa M. Hayes age 34 of Benton. Failure to appear for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance