MURPHYSBORO, IL – Current Benton Coach Ron Winemiller, and past legendary Benton Coach Rich Herrin at the Southern Illinois Coaches Association Meeting last night. (Used by permission by the voice of the Saluki’s, Mike Reis)
Plasters Grove Church after the eclipse
August 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment
THOMPSONVILLE, IL- The Plaster’s Grove Free Will Baptist Church between Thompsonville and Akin after Monday’s eclipse. (Chrystal Osburn photo)
WSIL Preview: Red Devils hopeful for consecutive playoff appearances
August 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36170010/red-devils-hopeful-for-consecutive-playoff-appearances
SESSER, IL- (Sean Conway, WSIL-TV. Please click on the link for the full story and video. Here is an excerpt below)
WSIL photo
With preseason practices coming to a close, many high school football teams have their eyes set on the regular season and dreams of playoff contention.
Last season, the team made their first playoff appearance in four years, before an early first round exit.
“I think our biggest challenge is us stopping ourselves, and not being able to finish games. Because last year we had problems with that. Some games we weren’t able to finish. We had good leads on teams and we just let it slip. So I think the problem is us holding ourselves against each other,” said Red Devil fullback/linebacker Jayon Malone.
The Eclipse in Nature
August 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment
by Steve Dunford
I was curious yesterday how the eclipse would affect wildlife, animals and the temperature change in general.
At my vantage point in West Frankfort, I noticed around 12:50 p.m. the cicadas and crickets began to holler and chirp. The birds were going to their nests. A few minutes the wind began to pick up, then there was a stillness like nightfall.
The Lake of Egypt before totality yesterday. (Photo from Bob Wilson, co-owner of Wilson McRenyolds Funeral Home in Marion, and Stone Funeral Home in West Frankfort)
I wrote a piece yesterday discussing some things that I thought would be really cool to experience during the event. One of those was to be on a local lake. At one time, I used to I have read several accounts on social media that stated that fish began to feed and flop like they do in the evening before dark. They began to jump close to and during totality, after the eclipse, the fish calmed down.
In the building that I live in, there are some people that have service dogs. There is one that I pay close attention to is a black and white Shih Tzu. At one time I had a dog like that. I know they are very smart and sense things.
Around 1:00 p.m., I noticed that it was running in circles. The other dogs seemed slightly agitated and a little nervous. Close to totality they became very calm.
Jagger’s Doggie Day Care in Mt. Vernon is a sponsor of this page. They committed to keep the dogs indoors during the eclipse. I talked with Connie Olson, owner and operator with her husband Randy this afternoon. She said on a normal day there are a lot of dogs that sleep in the afternoon because they play hard in the morning. Yesterday, because they were thinking it was nightfall, 95% were asleep.
I mentioned that I would love to been on a farm, to see how the livestock acted. Even though I grew up on Main Street in Thompsonville, our neighbor across the road that lived there until I was about 14, Gene Lager, had cattle.
When there was a bad storm or other changes in nature, I always would remember they would act strange. I would have liked to compare notes from my childhood or the times I have helped farmers out from time to time as a teenager in what I noticed.
The roosters did crow. At first I said I was more interested in the things of nature. However, “God’s Light Show” was the greatest thing I ever experienced.
WSIL areal footage from yesterday’s eclipse
August 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36185376/aerial-footage-from-eclipse-day
WSIL-TV photo
NOTE: This is a brief, but incredible video shot by a drone yesterday of the gathering at Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass, and Walker’s Bluff in Carterville.
God’s awesome light show
August 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
by Steve Dunford
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalms 19:1, KJV)
Picture of totality in West Frankfort
WEST FRANKFORT, IL – From 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 P.M I monitored the sun every few minutes. It was incredible to see the sun disappear by increments.
For the first time in all of our lifetimes, we were able to experience a total eclipse.
Again, there will be one on April 8,2024 crossing Southern Illinois
At 1:00 p.m. I was honestly surprised how much daylight there was. The wind was starting to pick up.
Over the next few minutes by 1:10 p.m. the temperature began to drop by ten degrees. The crickets started to chirp, and there was a dusk feel.
In the next ten minutes it was pitch black. I was able to take a quick shot in totality without missing the show. There was more of a spherical look than I expected. It was one of the most incredible things I have witnessed in my life.
Images like we witnessed today, scream the majesty and power of an almighty God.
Feel free to share your experiences in your own words.
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.
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.
