Ice Left 1,400 Without Power

What was suppose to be rain with a chance of a two-inch snow quickly turned into a full-blown winter storm Wednesday morning, toppling trees and power poles across Perry County, closing many schools in the area and places like the county's government building and courthouse.

At one point, Ameren reported 1,400 Du Quoin-area homes and businesses without power. At press time on Wednesday night, 40 residents were still without power.

A tree fell through power lines on Grant Street near the Marshall Browning Hospital interrupting power on the northwest side of Du Quoin.

Du Quoin Street Department personnel worked alongside Ameren crews to removed debris. Water department staff members spent the morning at wastewater lift stations because of the power outages. Water was over Rt. 51 in several places and certainly in low lying areas of the county.

The Perry County Courthouse and government building were closed at noon Wenesday and were to reopen at 8 a.m. today. District 300 Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly expected Du Quoin schools to be open Thursday.

Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi set up city hall as a warming center for families who did not immediately regain power.