IDOT receives almost $3 million for flood-related road damage

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, January 9th, 2012, 6:24pm

IDOT receives almost $3 million for flood-related road damage

(KFVS) - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello says the 12th Congressional District is eligible for federal funding as part of a $2,961,793 grant to the Illinois Department of Transportation from the Federal Highway Administration.

"We must continue to invest in our transportation infrastructure," said Costello. "It not only creates jobs, but it ensures that we can move goods to market and fuel economic growth. We have a massive shortfall in this type of investment, so this Emergency Relief funding fulfills an important need. I will continue to support these efforts."

Costello says the money will be used to reimburse the state for repairs made to road damage in the 12th, 15th and 19th Congressional districts incurred as part of flooding last spring.

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You can nominate someone in your life for Heartland Heroes

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Saturday, January 7th, 2012, 11:30am

You can nominate someone in your life for Heartland Heroes

(KFVS) - Right here in the Heartland there are many individuals that go "above and beyond" and give so much of themselves.

There are people who you never forget, they touched your life in some way by giving of themselves, they are HEROES…

Because of the positive footprints they leave behind, KFVS wants to present their stories through feature segments which honor those who stand out as our "Heartland Heroes."

Help us by telling us their stories. We'll select four stories to feature in February.

To submit your Heartland Heroes, you can click here to fill out the form online. You'll have to scroll down to confirm your age first.

You can click here for the official rules.

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Indoor cannabis grow operation discovered in southern Ill.

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Friday, January 6th, 2012, 6:12pm

ANNA, IL (KFVS)-

Drug agents discovered an indoor cannabis grow operation Friday in Anna.

Michael Viscuso, 62, of Anna and Kathryn Viscuso, 52, of Anna were arrested.

Following a narcotics investigation, officers with the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group say they searched a home in the 600 block of Casey Lane.

Officers say they found an indoor cannabis grow operation and seized around 140 cannabis plants from inside the home.

The investigation is ongoing.

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The reality of unemployment numbers in southern Illinois

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Friday, January 6th, 2012, 10:52am

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KFVS)-

The number of those without a job in the Heartland may finally be on the decline. Recent jobless numbers show unemployment dropped in nearly every county in southern Illinois. But how well do the numbers reflect reality? Heartland News hit the road to find out.

Richard Key, who lives in Metropolis says he has not had a steady paycheck for the past two years. That's until he recently started work at Ft. Massac State Park cleaning up flood debris.

"It's extremely hard to find work," Key said. "Anybody that can come out here and get a job is very fortunate."

Key is one of more than 40 people who are working thanks to flood cleanup dollars. Still when it comes to unemployment in the southern seven counties of Illinois, most face double digits with Alexander County having the highest.

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Heartland sports scores 1/5

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Friday, January 6th, 2012, 9:18am

Here are Heartland basketball scores from Thursday Jan. 5th.

H.S. Basketball

(Boys)

Notre Dame---81
Dexter---53

(Girls)

Poplar Bluff---50
Cape Central---42

East Prairie---56
Puxico---30

Cobden---44
Meridian---41

Notre Dame---73
Fredericktown---20

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Kids & Families invited to Christmas Bird Count

Submitted by Alycia Dobrinick on Thursday, January 5th, 4:39 pm

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Families from across Southern Illinois are invited to take part in a 100 year old tradition, the Christmas Bird County.

It will take place on Saturday, January 7th. If you'd like to participate, just meet at the Refuge visitor center at 9:00 a.m. Kids will learn how to use binoculars at the binocular boot camp. Binoculars will be loaned out to participants.

After the camp, kids will divide into teams and head out into the field with volunteer experts. They'll count and record all of the species of birds they locate.

Then, everyone will meet back at the visitor center for snacks and hot chocolate. They'll also tally their results.

For more information, contact the Refuge Visitor Center at (618) 998-5933.

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