Ill. rural, small town fire departments to receive grants

Friday, September 30th, 2011, 3:38pm

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday that 90 state communities will get more than $677,000 in federal grants for fire protection districts and fire departments. The grants will be used for new equipment and training.

"This important program boosts public safety by helping many of Illinois' rural and small town fire departments upgrade their equipment and training," Quinn said. "Homeowners and business owners throughout the state will benefit from this assistance to their local firefighters."

The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program reimburses 50-percent of the costs for providing training and acquiring equipment for local firefighters.

Volunteer Fire Assistance Program grant awards:

Alexander County

McClure/East Cape Girardeau - $7,982.50

Franklin County

Valier FPD - $7,600

Jackson County

Dowell FD - $1,441

Vergennes FD - $400.95

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Deadline Saturday to make swimming pool drains safer

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, September 30th, 2011, 12:41pm

Deadline Saturday to make swimming pool drains safer

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health says they will be closing licensed swimming facilities on Oct. 1 if they do not meet with state suction entrapment regulations.

The IDPH says roughly 85 percent of all licensed swimming facilities in Illinois have already complied, but there about 500 municipal, park district, school and hotel pools that have not.

In December 2007 the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was signed into law, mandating the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enforce mandatory pool drain regulations for all pools and spas.

Starting in 2008, the IDPH issued six memoranda to all licensed swimming facilities that addresses regulations.

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IDOT urges schools to participate in Walk to School Day

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, September 29th, 2011, 1:21pm

IDOT urges schools to participate in Walk to School Day

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Board of Education are urging schools across the state to participate in International Walk to School Day on October 5.

The event started as a community demonstration in Chicago and grew into a worldwide effort. It will be celebrating its 15th year.

“International Walk to School Day is the perfect opportunity for many of our kids to break from their normal routines and have a little fun in the process,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Getting young people interested in walking and biking is so important to establishing lifelong, healthy habits. Events such as these are great first steps in that process.”

IDOT says more than 140 schools across Illinois have registered as of this week. Participating schools are encouraged to instruct students on the basics of pedestrian and bicycle safety before Oct.

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Annual pumpkin fundraiser for St. Mary's

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, 5:03pm

Annual pumpkin fundraiser for St. Mary's

ANNA, IL (KFVS) - St. Mary's Catholic Church High School youth group will host their annual pumpkin fundraiser October 1 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fundraiser will be at the Old Rindo Farm on Highway 146 in Anna.

You can pick your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or choose from the pumpkin trailer. Mums and fall displays are also available.

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Heartland Football Friday schedule 9/30

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, 11:51am

Here is the tentative Heartland Football Friday schedule for September 30th.

Missouri Games

Dexter at Charleston
Sikeston at NMCC
Cape Central at St. Charles West
Vashon at Jackson
Portageville at Scott City

Illinois Games

Sparta at Anna-Jonesboro
Belleville at Marion
Du Quoin at Carterville

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The best part of waking up...

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011, 11:35am

JONESBORO, IL (KFVS) - Viewer Jay Lopez took a beautiful picture of Wednesday's sunrise on Highway 146 east in Jonesboro.

Lopez says he took the picture around 6:30 a.m.

Send us pictures from your community to cNews and we'll feature them on your county site. Don't forget to include the time and location of the photo, along with your name.

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IDPH: Wednesday is World Rabies Day

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011, 12:53pm

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Health says Wednesday, September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global campaign to spread the word about rabies prevention.

The theme this year is "Working Together to Make Rabies History." It was founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alliance for Rabies Control to bring people from around the world together.

“Rabies can be prevented through increased awareness and education about the disease, as well as pet vaccinations,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “Preventing and controlling rabies starts at the community level. World Rabies Day is an excellent time to talk with a veterinarian about pet vaccinations and learn what animals typically transmit rabies and how to avoid them.”

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals.

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