Governor Pat Quinn today released a new report that forecasts continued major export growth for the Illinois coal industry due do the state’s large volumes of coal, competitive prices, and access to prime water and land transportation routes. Illinois coal output rose last year against the tide of shrinking U.S. production, as global demand for Illinois coal soared. Quinn's five-year-plan is to double exports by 2014.

“Illinois coal is in high demand overseas and we have the resources and infrastructure to take advantage of this opportunity for economic growth,” Governor Quinn said. The governor claims Illinois' rail lines and river ports provide the state with an export advantage over other states in the region.     

After peaking at 30.24' and creating moderate flooding conditions, the Wabash River in Mount Carmel continues to drop.

As of Wednesday morning, the Mount Carmel river guage is down to 28.7'.  That's still considered moderate flooding, but the trend is for water levels to continue to drop through next week.

Mount Carmel will see the Wabash drop to 24.8' by Saturday, which is considered minor flooding.  By next Wednesday, May 8th, the river is forecast to be below flood stage at 18.5'.

One person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a crash between and pickup truck and a car around noon Monday.

It happened on IL Route 1 at the intersection of County Road 1325 East.

The White County Sheriff’s Office says the pickup turned into the path of a Buick, killing the driver.  A passenger in the car and the driver of the truck were flown to an area hospital.

The names of those involved have not yet been released.