By Rick HowlettWith the arrival of spring just around the corner, the Coast Guard is urging boaters on the Ohio River to exercise caution. Commander Andrew Tucci says it's been a particularly wet winter, making the river especially treacherous."Most significant is the current flow itself. Of course, there's also a lot of debris. As the weather gets nice people want to get out on their boats, we think that's a great thing. but make sure you're aware of what the current is doing, particularly if you're in a smaller boat. Always wear a life jacket and don't drink and boat," he said.Tucci says the Coast Guard can impose restrictions on private and commercial vessels if conditions warrant.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.