Editor’s note: Since the Mississippi River reached its crest late last week, The Democrat will now do one midday update at approximately 3 p.m. each day until river worries wane. This update will replace the noon and 5 p.m. updates, however breaking news will be posted as it happens.

NATCHEZ — The Mississippi River is making a steady, but slow, fall at Natchez. It stands at 61.16 now, down from it 61.9 crest Thursday.

While there is no way to know for sure whether that number will continue to fall at a steady pace, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Justin Ward said he anticipates more good news.

The National Weather Service is predicting a river level below 61 feet by the end of the day Tuesday. By Friday the water should be nearing 59 feet.

Costs of things such as sandbags and employee overtime continue to rise, but under a declaration of emergency measures — which is currently in place for Louisiana — the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse up to 75 percent of the money states pay out.

A request for a federal declaration of disaster for Louisiana has been made, but until it’s approved, citizens and small businesses cannot receive aid.