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Weather Alert

Weather Alert

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western
Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

&&

Weather Alert

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Illinois...

Big Muddy River near Murphysboro affecting Jackson County.

Big Muddy River near Plumfield affecting Franklin and Williamson
Counties.

.Very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 to 9 inches fell across the
Big Muddy River basin over the past week. This will keep river levels
elevated over at least the next week. Major flooding is forecast
to develop at Murphysboro this week with moderate flooding at
Plumfield. Crests are expected by Thursday morning at both locations.

For the Big Muddy River...including Plumfield, Murphysboro...Major
flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive
cars through flooded areas.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

&&

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...

* WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is
forecast. This approaches the flood of record.

* WHERE...Big Muddy River near Plumfield.

* WHEN...Until further notice.

* IMPACTS...At 34.0 feet, Many surrounding homes begin to flood.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 9:00 PM CDT Monday the stage was 27.7 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 32.8
feet Thursday morning.
- Flood stage is 20.0 feet.


&&

Cave-In-Rock Ferry owner responds to shutdown negotiations

  • Updated
  • 0
cave-in-rock-ferry
By Joe Rehana

HARDIN COUNTY, Ill. -- The owner of the Cave-In-Rock Ferry has responded amid ongoing negotiations with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). 

Lonnie Ray Lewis has owned and operated the Ferry since October 1994. Lewis issued a press release on Friday to make his stance on the ferry's possible closure clear. 

"I compromised significantly by accepting the contract price requested by the KYTC, even though I was advised that accepting that price could subject me to undue risk under the contract as modified by the KYTC," said Lewis. "All that I am asking is that the KYTC agree to abide by essentially the same basic contract terms that the Ferry and the KYTC agreed to in the July 1, 2018 Contract." 

Discussions are underway to suspend operations of the ferry.

The ferry has recently made news headlines after the KYTC said negotiations to continue the service have not come to a conclusion. The current contract expires on June 30, leaving the ferry's future unclear. 

Taking the ferry saves commuters hours by giving a direct path between Illinois and Kentucky across the Ohio River.

According to Lewis, the KYTC hopes to add terms to the new contract that Lewis describes as "unacceptable and inappropriate" for his business. 

"For 16 hours per day, seven days per week, for nearly 30 years, I have put my heart and soul to make sure that the Ferry is safe and operational for all to enjoy and benefit from," wrote Lewis. "My offer to continue operations under the terms of the prior contracts that both parties previously agreed to, at the price established by the KYTC, is very reasonable."

Lewis confirmed in the release that the ferry's last ride will occur at 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, if no agreement is reached. 

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