¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý

Skip to main content
You are the owner of this article.
Edit Article Add New Article
You have permission to edit this article.
Edit

Weather Alert

Weather Alert

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CDT /1 AM EDT/
TONIGHT TO 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s are
expected.

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

* WHEN...From midnight CDT /1 AM EDT/ tonight to 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.


&&

Illinois crashes down after Illinois Police patrols increase

  • Updated
  • 0
Illinois State Police squad car

An Illinois State Police squad car is pictured in a file photo. This week the agency agreed to hold more public hearings on its assault weapon registration process, although the existing emergency rules governing the process will remain in effect. 

 Capitol News Illinois file photo by Jerry Nowicki

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois State Police switched up tactics in 2023, resulting in fewer interstate crashes and shootings. 

ISP credited the change to an increased number of patrols around the state in a press release Thursday. Data given showed the numbers were down over 30%. 

“As an agency, we’ve become more nimble and focused on data, making decisions based on where the greatest threats to public safety emerge, rather than following the same old pattern or habits,� said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Over the past several years, we have really demanded more of ourselves, making the tough decisions, executing, and empowering the most effective law enforcement tool there is � the well-trained, professional, crime-fighting trooper. Challenges remain, but we are headed in a good direction.�

Below is a breakdown of data provided by ISP:

  • Interstate shootings -- 32% decrease from 2022
  • Fatal Crashes -- 7% fewer than 2022
  • Arrests -- 3% increase since 2022 (6,543 total in 2023)
  • Guns Recovered -- 12% increase from 2022
  • Vehicles Recovered -- 7% increase from 2022
  • Over $4.5 million in illicit criminal currency 
  • Over 10,000 pounds of illegal drugs in 2023

The ISP credits this positive trend in data to a reworking of its officers. In 2023, 11 Troops were formed that were dedicated to patrolling. This allowed more officers to be on scene, ready to respond to 911 calls as they came in. 

Technology advancements were also cited as a reason for the positive changes. 

“ISP saw a growing problem in Illinois, used data and first-hand expertise to efficiently address problems, and achieved results—the absolute model of what state government can and should do for its citizens,� said Governor JB Pritzker. “The decrease in fatal expressway shootings and crashes is an important step on the road to a safer Illinois, and I thank ISP for their innovation and dedication to advancing this work.�

Tags

Recommended for you