Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
WHITTINGTON – Sesser and Benton firefighters are responding to semis wrecked in the median on I-57 at the 75 mile marker. This could involve slowdowns in traffic both directions.
If you do not have to travel, don’t. I know some travel is necessary to work etc. -sd
First of all this will be updated frequently.
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for… Perry County in south central Illinois… Union County in southern Illinois… Pulaski County in southern Illinois… Johnson County in southern Illinois… Williamson County in southern Illinois… Jackson County in southern Illinois… Alexander County in southern Illinois… Franklin County in south central Illinois… Scott County in southeastern Missouri… Perry County in southeastern Missouri… Cape Girardeau County in southeastern Missouri… * Until 900 PM CST *
At 354 PM CST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rain were moving into the warned area. Close to 5 inches of rain have fallen over the past four days or so. Rainfall rates around one-half inch per hour are developing over the region. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly. * Some locations that will experience flooding include… Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Marion, Sikeston, and Herrin. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are likely in the warned area through early this evening. Rapid rises in water levels will occur. This is a potentially life-threatening situation.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Tornado Watch for portions of Eastern Arkansas Southern Illinois Western Kentucky Southeast Missouri Northwest Mississippi West Tennessee * Effective this Saturday afternoon and evening from 315 PM until 900 PM CST.
COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Widespread damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 75 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…A line of intense thunderstorms over central AR will track rapidly eastward across the watch area this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds and a few tornadoes are the main threats. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 70 statute miles north and south of a line from 10 miles west southwest of Walnut Ridge AR to 30 miles northeast of Fort Campbell KY. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).
We’re continuing to monitor the potential for severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening. The primary concerns include damaging winds and flooding rains, with a smaller risk for a few tornadoes. Do you have a way to receive warning alerts and a plan of action to seek shelter in case severe weather threatens today? (NWS Paducah)
As long as the temperature remains in the low 50’s the chance of severe weather, especially tornadoes for this region lessens. The further south you go, or if you are south of the cold front, the tornado chance increases.
If the sun comes out and it warms up quickly into the 60’s is when we will be under the gun.
We will still be monitoring the situation. Follow the website’s Facebook page for info on the upcoming weather from area meteorologists.
Below are the statements issued by the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky has issued a * Flood Warning for the Big Muddy River near Plumfield. * from late Sunday night to late Wednesday night.
* At 10:00 AM Saturday the stage was 17.9 feet. * Flood Stage is 20.0 feet. * Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by Monday morning and continue to rise to near 21.1 feet by Tuesday morning. * Impact…At 20.0 Feet…Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly bottom land and surrounding low lying area.
Flood Watch Until 6:00 a.m. Sunday
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT… The Flood Watch continues for * All of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and western Kentucky. * Through late tonight.
* Showers and thunderstorms will be on the increase today, peaking in coverage and intensity later this afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches. With ground conditions already saturated, any additional rain from thunderstorms will only worsen existing areal flooding. Additionally, heavier rainfall rates from strong thunderstorms could easily produce dangerous flash flooding.
* Additional rains will aggravate already ongoing flooding of area rivers and tributaries across the region. Smaller streams and creeks not currently in flood will fill up and overspill their banks quickly, heightening the flood threat. In addition, elevated water levels in low lying and poor drainage areas, as well as waters that may not yet have receded from antecedent rainfall, may lead to more road closures due to high water crossings.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Heed all flood warning signs, and never cross a flooded roadway. Turn around and don`t drown! Remember it is harder to see rising waters at night. Seek high ground immediately if you encounter an area with rising waters.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .
DAY ONE…Today and Tonight There is a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds will be the main hazard. There is a risk of a few tornadoes as well. The areas with the highest probability for a tornado or two are southeast of a Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff Missouri line into far west Kentucky, mainly west of the Lakes, and the southern tip of Illinois.
Additional rainfall of up to 2 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible, will result in an additional flooding risk across the region today into tonight, especially across southeast Missouri into west Kentucky. A Flood Watch remains in effect through tonight for the entire region.
With stronger thunderstorm activity, Flash Flooding will be possible. Updates and details on continued river flooding can be referenced on the latest flood warnings and statements. .
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Sunday through Friday Updates and details on continued river flooding can be referenced on the latest flood warnings and statements.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation will be likely this afternoon and evening. Additional heavy rainfall and flooding reports are requested.
Seven Day Forecast
We’re continuing to monitor the potential for severe thunderstorms late Saturday afternoon and evening. The primary concerns include damaging winds and flooding rains, with a smaller risk for a few tornadoes. Do you have a way to receive warning alerts and a plan of action to seek shelter in case severe weather threatens this weekend? (NWS Paducah)
A band of showers and a few thunderstorms will continue to produce moderate to heavy rainfall through at least midday as they stream over far southeast Missouri, much of west Kentucky and the southern tip of Illinois.
After a brief dry period this afternoon, more showers and thunderstorms will develop and lift northeast across the region tonight. Heavy rainfall and worsening flood problems can be expected. Please refer to the Flood Watch for details. Minor to moderate flooding continues or is imminent for the Ohio and Green Rivers, as well as parts of the Mississippi, Big Muddy, Patoka, and Wabash Rivers.
Please see the latest river flood warnings and statements for further details. .
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday Widespread showers and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall are expected Saturday and Saturday night.
The Flood Watch continues until 6 AM Sunday. Please refer to the watch for details. The potential for severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and a tornado threat exists late Saturday afternoon through the evening hours. The storms will most likely be in a line on or near a cold front that will move eastward across the region.
Minor to moderate flooding continues or is imminent for the Ohio and Green Rivers, as well as part of the Mississippi, Big Muddy, Patoka, and Wabash Rivers. Please see the latest river flood warnings and statements for further details. .
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation is becoming more likely Saturday afternoon and evening. In addition, reports of heavy rainfall and flooding would be very helpful today through Saturday night.
The Flood Watch continues for * All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * Through late Saturday night.
* Periods of showers and thunderstorms will produce another 2 to 4 inches of rainfall through Saturday night. Isolated higher amounts will be possible. With saturated soil, the result will be worsening areal flood problems and the potential for flash flooding, especially Saturday afternoon and evening.
* The main flooding concern initially will be along small streams and creeks that feed into already swollen rivers across the region. Elsewhere, elevated water levels in low lying and poor drainage areas may lead to standing water across some roads that typically flood. However, a line of strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening may result in more significant flash flooding over much of the region.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
BENTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is looking for qualified candidates to fill student vacancies for the 2018 summer recreation season. Rend Lake offers a great work experience opportunity for students pursuing a career in the field of biology, outdoor recreation, or law enforcement.
Student Trainee positions are available at the GS-02 level for graduating high school seniors and college students. Job openings are available for positions in the areas of Interpretive Services, Visitor Assistance, Facilities/Grounds Maintenance, and Environmental Stewardship at an hourly rate of approximately $11.68. During the summer term employees will work a 40-hour schedule. Candidates may be required to work a combination of days, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts.
The vacancy is available online at www.usajobs.gov under the job announcement number. Applicants must create a USAJOBS account, build a profile, and create a resume. The job announcement can be located by entering the announcement number into the “keyword” search query on the homepage. Applicants are strongly encouraged to call the Rend Lake Project Office at (618) 724-2493 for any questions or assistance in applying for these positions. This announcement closes on March 8th and complete application packages must be received on or before this date to be considered. The announcement number is SWGI186073391554PI .
Basic Requirements and Qualifications are:
• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school, at a qualifying educational institution on a half-time or full-time basis pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
• Minimum education requirement of high school diploma or GED.
• Good academic standing with a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
• Transcripts and proof of enrollment/acceptance letter.
• Detailed resume showing eligibility for this position.
• Required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Must be at least 18 years old
Direct link to the announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/491509100
A large area of precipitation will continue through the morning hours for the Quad State Region. Mainly rain is expected over west Kentucky, with a rain/snow mix expected across the rest of the region. Some snow accumulations are expected, mainly on grassy surfaces. (NWS Paducah)
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY…for the following counties in Southern Illinois. Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton- White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson
* WHAT…Snow. Accumulations of up to two inches are expected. * WHERE…Portions of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois.
* WHEN…Until noon CST today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
As rain spreads northeast across the region, some wet snow could be mixed in this morning. There is even a chance of some minor snow accumulations in the hilly terrain of southeast Missouri, mainly north and west of Cape Girardeau. Up to an inch of slushy accumulation is possible on grassy areas. Any snow will melt this afternoon as temperatures climb into the 40’s.
…Excessive rainfall is likely across the region during the upcoming week…
Multiple weather systems will produce a combined several inches of rainfall from Sunday night through the middle of next week.
Another round of rainfall is possible next Friday into next weekend. The areas that should receive the heaviest rainfall include southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and possibly southwest Indiana. Slightly lower totals are forecast across west Kentucky.
The excessive rainfall may impact our major rivers and their tributaries. If you live in river bottom lands, keep up to date on the latest forecasts. Low lying, poor drainage areas may experience flooding as well.
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .
DAY ONE…Today and Tonight
Rain and some wet snow will occur this morning. Some wet snowflakes could be mixed with the rain anywhere across the region early this morning. The best chance of any minor snow accumulations will be across portions of southern Illinois and southeast Missouri, mainly north and west of a Cape Girardeau to Carbondale line. Any accumulations will be mainly on grassy areas, possibly up to an inch. Temperatures will rise into the lower 40s this afternoon, melting any snow that does accumulate.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN.
..Sunday through Friday A prolonged period of wet weather over the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys next week could result in the potential for some flooding. The potential will become more clear as we gain a better idea of where and exactly how much rainfall may occur. Flooding is forecast to continue along the Green and Ohio rivers. Refer to those warnings and statements for details. .
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation will not be needed.
The FBI raiding Ziegler City Treasurer Ryan Thorpe’s home in August. Photo Taken by William McPerson of the West Frankfort Gazette.
BENTON – WSIL-TV reports that former Zeigler City treasurer Ryan Thorpe will entertain a guilty plea tomorrow in Federal Court in Benton.
Thorpe is being charged with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of embezzlement after stealing $315,000 from the city.
The court date is set for March 1st.
Here is the story from WSIL-TV this evening.
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37510019/former-zeigler-treasurer-to-plea-guilty-to-federal-charges
