Environment

The National Weather Service is issuing flood warnings in Kentucky and Tennessee as the Mississippi River starts to slowly rise from northern floodwaters, but officials say the rising water should not have a significant impact.

NWS Meteorologist Marlene Mickelson in Memphis says the lower part of the Mississippi River will see elevated levels through the next two weeks.

U.S. Department of Agriculture loans and grants will help replace the troubled Grand Rivers wastewater treatment plant. The USDA’s Acting Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, John Padalino  said the $6-million allow for a new treatment plant and modified pump station. Grand Rivers Mayor Tom Moodie has said the current plant is underpowered and fails often.  Padalino said environmental impact studies have been completed to allow the project to move forward.

A partnership between LG&E and KU and a Kentucky company could help both the energy and agriculture sectors, Kentucky leaders announced Monday.

Kentucky company Charah  is opening up a facility in Louisville that will takeleftover gypsum from the Mill Creek Power Station and turn it into a sulfur product—such as fertilizers—for Kentucky farmers.

Beekeepers from across the Commonwealth are still looking for some way to stop the loss of their hives.  The Kentucky State Beekeepers Association stages its spring meeting in Richmond this weekend.  The nation’s agriculture industry is coping with a massive die-off of the essential insect.  Besides honey production, bees are essential to the pollination of some crops.  Currently, association Vice President Jim Coss says they’re scrutinizing farm chemicals.

Politicians and Anglers are teaming up to stop the U-S Army Corps of Engineers from installing barriers next to its dams on the Cumberland River which will keep boats from accessing the dam’s tail waters. Senators Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander and Rand Paul, and Congressman Ed Whitfield took part in a “Freedom to Fish Rally” this weekend at Barkley Dam to protest to Corps’ plan.