State News

Forest Service seeking committee members to advise on recreation site fees

Tuesday, December 5 by Jc Tinsley

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking volunteer committee members to advise the agency on recreation fee changes at national forest sites throughout the northeastern United States. Vacancies exist for four current positions and four “back-up” replacement positions on the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory...

Illinois Farm Bureau: Sluggish Farm Economy Continues to Concern Illinois Farmers

Tuesday, December 5 by Jc Tinsley

Considering continued weakness in the farm economy, 33 percent of Illinois farmers surveyed expect the overall financial health of their farms to decline in 2018. Fifty-nine percent said they expect it to remain the same as in 2017. The answers are in response...

Governor notes farmers’ contributions at Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting

Tuesday, December 5 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner today addressed the importance of agriculture to Illinois’ economy before an audience of hundreds of Illinois farmers and agribusiness leaders gathered at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago.He...

Shawnee National Forest annual notice of seasonal closures

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

Winter is on its way, temperatures are cooling, and Shawnee National Forest is closing some of its recreation sites and roads for the season. For trail enthusiasts, please remember the seasonal wilderness trail restriction prohibiting stock use between December 1 and March...

Gov. Rauner kicks off yearlong celebration of Illinois Bicentennial

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

Today, Gov. Bruce Rauner and leaders of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission officially kicked off the state’s yearlong 200th birthday celebration at Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier. Illinois Bicentennial will pay tribute to the people, places, and things that are being...

Army National Guard soldiers welcomed home after Puerto Rico deployment

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

About 155 members of the Illinois Army National Guard returned home to a warm welcome today at the Peoria Air National Guard Base after a four-week deployment in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.Gov. Bruce Rauner, Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes and Illinois Emergency Management...

Rep. Severin met with the Japanese Consulate in Mt. Vernon

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) joined area leaders to meet with Japanese Consul General Naoki Ito on Wednesday, November 29, for a dinner in Mt. Vernon.The Consul General was in town to tour businesses in Southern Illinois and see...

One Simple Thing You Can Do For Healthy Holidays

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

Influenza (flu) activity is starting to increase across the country just as friends and family are coming together for the holidays. Getting a flu shot is the best line of defense when it comes to protecting yourself, and those around you, from getting the...

Jeanne Ives Officially Announces Candidacy For Governor

Monday, December 4 by Jc Tinsley

State Representative Jeanne Ives officially announced that she will run for Governor of Illinois on the Republican ticket at a hometown gathering in Wheaton, Illinois.

IEMA Highlights Holiday Safety in December

Friday, December 1 by Jc Tinsley

With the holiday season in full swing, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies are offering tips to help people stay safe now and into 2018. “Throughout December, we’ll offer tips to help people safely enjoy the holiday season, as...