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Weather Alert

Weather Alert

.Showers and storms have produced 2 to 5 inches of rainfall across
most of the Quad State since Wednesday. A few isolated zones have
received as much as 8 inches as of early this morning. Another 4 to
8 inches of rainfall forecast through Sunday will result in a
particularly dangerous flooding and flash flooding situation.

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Flash flooding and flooding caused by excessive rainfall is
expected. With 2 to 8 inches already fallen and another 4 to 8
inches forecast, a particularly dangerous situation is likely to
develop.

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

* WHEN...Through Sunday morning.

* IMPACTS...
...This is a particularly dangerous situation...

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams,
and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams
may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded.
Extensive street flooding may develop. Flooding may occur in homes,
businesses and other locations not normally subject to flooding.
Roadways may wash away near creeks and culverts.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Multiple rounds of locally heavy rainfall over several days
will result in extreme forecast amounts of over 1 foot of
rain that will cause the risk of flash flooding and flooding
to rise markedly and create a particularly dangerous flooding
situation.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor later forecasts and be alert for Flash Flood and Flood
Warnings. Be prepared to take action when flooding develops.

&&

Weather Alert

...The National Weather Service in Paducah KY has issued a Flood
Warning for the following rivers in Illinois...

Big Muddy River near Plumfield affecting Williamson and Franklin
Counties.

Big Muddy River near Murphysboro affecting Jackson County.

.A multi-day heavy rain is headed toward the region lasting through
Saturday. Three days of rainfall is incorporated into the forecast
but it still does not include the entire event. The Big Muddy River
has started to rise and increases in crest forecasts can be
expected. Now is the time to prepare for major flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

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

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

&&

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT UNTIL FURTHER
NOTICE...

* WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Big Muddy River near Plumfield.

* WHEN...From late Friday night until further notice.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 10:30 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 12.5 feet.
- Forecast...The river will rise above flood stage early
Saturday morning to 30.7 feet early Monday afternoon. It will
then fall early Wednesday morning. It will rise to 30.2 feet
Wednesday evening. It will then fall again but remain above
flood stage.
- Flood stage is 20.0 feet.


&&

FOB Rush: A Community-Based Intervention for Veterans Opens in Makanda

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Makanda, IL - On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Project Diehard opened the doors of its new initiative, FOB Rush, located at 189 Haven of Love Drive. The grand opening showcased the facility’s initial operating capabilities and the ongoing enhancements designed to nurture the lives of its residents.

Project Diehard’s Mission

Project Diehard’s mission is to raise public awareness about veteran suicide and to assist veterans in coping with the stress and difficulties of transitioning from active-duty military to civilian life. The organization received a 20-acre donation of land in Makanda, which it is using to establish FOB Rush. The base will provide veterans with shelter for up to a year, assist them with obtaining services through the VA, teach trade skills, and foster camaraderie. The organization’s goal is to create a FOB in all 50 states and they are currently in the process of obtaining funding to establish a 100-acre Fort Hope in Western Kentucky.

Senator Fowler: Project Diehard helps “address this crisis head on�

During the opening ceremony, Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler emphasized the importance of addressing the crisis of veteran suicide. “As a society, it is imperative that we use our collective responsibility to address this crisis head on. First and foremost, we must break the stigma surrounding mental health within the military community,� Fowler said. He added, “Seeking help should never be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather an act of strength. We must encourage an environment where veterans feel safe and supported in discussing their mental health challenges such as here at Project Diehard.�

A comparative analysis of veteran suicide rates in the Heartland using  reveals significant disparities among states in our region:

  1. Missouri: Reports the highest rate with approximately 0.047% (188 suicides out of 400,000 veterans).
  2. Tennessee: Follows with about 0.039% (177 suicides out of 450,000 veterans).
  3. Kentucky: Shows a rate of approximately 0.033% (98 suicides out of 300,000 veterans).
  4. Illinois: Records the lowest rate at roughly 0.024% (155 suicides out of 650,000 veterans).

A Veteran’s Perspective

Brian Gibson, the founder of Project Diehard and a U.S. Army veteran, understands that isolation is a common experience for veterans returning to civilian life. “I served in the United States Army for over 20 years with multiple combat tours as a combat medic. Who better to take care of veterans than an old broke down Army medic?� Gibson said.

He also highlighted the role of alcoholism in veteran suicide, stating, “Alcoholism is a leading factor in veteran suicide. I self-medicated with alcohol. I tried to drown my demons.� Gibson said he has lost more comrades to suicide than to combat, which is why he is so passionate about providing a safe, secure place for veterans.

Substance abuse is a prevalent issue among veterans, contributing to both the risk of suicide and the development of mental health disorders. Key statistics include:

  • Over 80% of veterans with Substance Abuse Disorders abuse alcohol.
  • Veterans are more likely to misuse prescription pain relievers than the general population.
  • Mental health disorders like PTSD and depression are common among veterans with SUDs.
  • Nearly 25% of veterans suffer from PTSD.

Sources and Further Reading

  • Veteran Addiction - Veteran Statistics: 
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse - Substance Use and Military Life: 
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  

o   PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans: 

o   Veteran Suicide Data and Reporting: 

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