Winter's Caboose?

As promised by the National Weather Service, Wednesday's snowfall was approaching five inches by early evening Wednesday, shutting down schools, canceling most southern Illinois tournament basketball games and closing some rural roads. The Jackson County Sheriff's Department at 3:30 p.m. had to close Rt. 149 west of Murphysboro to Highway 3, then reopened it later. Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 made the decision Wednesday afternoon to close schools again on Thursday--as did most districts in the region. The Perry County Courthouse and government building closed at 11 a.m. and sent employees home. Banterra Bank in downtown Du Quoin closed at 2 p.m. Some downtown stores closed early. State Police, city police and county deputies provided several motorist assists. The forecast for Thursday is snow ending with a slight warming and temperatures back into the 50s by Sunday.