Drought and LPs - Potter enjoys a visit with WKMS

(Murray KY September 14, 2012) – Ivan Potter, an expert on the drought of 2012, discussed his findings on WKMS radio with Todd Hatton on the station’s newest offering, a show called “Sounds Good” a blend of music and local interview.

On the air, Potter explained the ramifications of extended drought on the local area’s economy.  He said that even with recent rains, sand bars continue to be an issue for large barges and their tows. He discussed Ingram Barge and the effect of the drought on their operation. He also described how industry affects river levels.

He called the drought a “national security” issue. When goods cannot move by river, they cannot swiftly get to market. Urban areas average three to five days of food stuffs before shortages begin appearing.

Monetary losses to twenty four West Kentucky counties, according to Potter, will be around two billion dollars.

(Photo at left) Before going on the air, Potter prowled through the station’s extensive collection of LP’s (that’s long playing records). The collection ranges from rock to country to folk with stops for opera and classical. Potter, an avid LP collector, who owns a turntable and uses it regularly to his wife’s dismay, was visibly impressed by what he found.

(Thanks to Matt Markgraf of WKMS for photos of interview and allowing us to republish them)