State News

Firewood Cutting Opportunity at Rend Lake

Friday, November 25 by Jc Tinsley

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake would like to announce the opportunity of a Firewood Cutting Special Use Permit. Firewood cutting is for personal use only, commercial use or resale is prohibited. The timeframe for the firewood cutting season is November... Read More.

Secretary of State Offices Closed for Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 23 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of Thanksgiving.Facilities open Tuesday to Saturday will reopen on Saturday, November 26th. Offices and facilities open Monday to Friday... Read More.

Illinois State Police preparing for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period

Wednesday, November 23 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, would like to remind motorists that the ISP is gearing up for the beginning of the holiday travel period. The ISP will be stepping up enforcement patrols as the holiday driving season begins. The... Read More.

Illinois State Police to Watch for Distracted Drivers in Work Zones

Tuesday, November 22 by Jc Tinsley

Officials with the Illinois State Police (ISP) announce that additional officers will be patrolling work zones as the construction season comes to an end. Although officers will be enforcing all traffic laws, they will primarily focus on motorists who are violating... Read More.

Shawnee National Forest Employee of the Quarter, Eric Stead

Tuesday, November 22 by Jc Tinsley

Shawnee National Forest recently recognized Eric Stead as Employee of the Quarter for his woodworking skills in making wooden plaques for employees departing the forest in either retirement or other employment. His efforts, done on... Read More.

Red Cross Issues Safe Cooking, Travel Tips as Thanksgiving Approaches

Tuesday, November 22 by Jc Tinsley

Thanksgiving is almost here – a time when many people will travel home to visit loved ones and households will prepare the holiday feast. The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to have a safe holiday.“Cooking is the... Read More.

American Red Cross Has Steps to Heat Your Home Safely

Friday, November 18 by Jc Tinsley

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures cooler, signs that it’s the time of year when many people turn the heat back on in their homes. It’s also the time of year when the number of home fires goes up, often times... Read More.

Illinois unemployment rate increases to 5.6%

Friday, November 18 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate in October edged up to 5.6 percent and nonfarm payrolls increased by +2,200 jobs over the month, based on preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and... Read More.

Governor Rauner Declares First Annual State Day of Service

Thursday, November 17 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner today announced that April 22, 2017, will be the first annual State Day of Service in the state of Illinois.Throughout the past few years, many volunteer groups have expressed an interest in helping out at various state... Read More.

Native American market at Cahokia Mounds Nov. 25-27

Thursday, November 17 by Jc Tinsley

Looking for unique holiday gifts? Need a dose of artistic inspiration? The annual Native American Holiday Market at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site offers both this Thanksgiving weekend – Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27.More than 30 Native American artists,... Read More.