River levels may slow down boats

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Mississippi County officials are entering a request with the Coast Guard to slow boats down on the Mississippi River.

During the regular County Commission meeting Thursday, Commissioner Homer Oliver asked the county's emergency management director, Danny Harris, to enter the request to reduce wave wash from boats on the river along "the whole length of Mississippi County."

Asked by Harris about the time frame for the boat speed reduction, Oliver said it is needed "right now through [Friday] for sure because that's when it's supposed to crest."

After researching mile markers along the river, county officials determined the boat speed reduction is needed from the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to the P. Field pumping station.