News

Union Co. school consolidation issue could appear on ballot

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011, 2:05pm

The question of whether to consolidate four school districts in Union County could soon be on the ballot.

According to Anna Jonesboro H.S. Superintendent James Woodward, in the next two to three weeks, one of two things will happen:

1) The school boards for all four districts (Anna #37, Jonesboro #43, Lick Creek & Anna-Jonesboro High School) will vote on a resolution to consolidate all four districts into one. If all of the districts approve the resolution, it will go to the Regional Superintendent and the State Superintendent of Schools for approval. If everyone gives it a green light, it will be on the ballot in November.

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Send us your memories of 9/11

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011, 12:42pm

(KFVS) - We all have a story about where we were and what we were doing on September 11, 2001.

Share your stories with us about where you were, what that day inspired you to do and what it means to you 10 years later. We'll use your stories on-air leading up to and on the anniversary of 9/11.

You can comment below with your thoughts or send them to news@kfvs12.com.

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IEMA launches "Illinois Homeland Security Vision 2020"

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Sunday, September 4th, 2011, 10:00am

IEMA launches "Illinois Homeland Security Vision 2020"

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Illinois' homeland security officials recently launched an initiative to help shape the state's homeland security preparedness and response policies into the next decade.

As part of Governor Quinn's commitment to public safety and the state's observance of National Preparedness Month, the IEMA announced they will launch a statewide, grass-root effort to engage residents and organizations in development of the state's strategy for dealing with current and emerging threats and risks and response to disasters.

“Ten years after the tragic events of 9/11, Illinois’ homeland security program is recognized as one of the best in the nation, and we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken, who also serves as the state’s Homeland Security Advisor. “But the terrorist threat in ever-evolving and our program must continue to rise to meet those challenges.

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IDPH: Sept. is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, 10:00am

IDPH: Sept. is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding people that September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

IDPH says newborn screening, parental education and comprehensive care can reduce this debilitating illness.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting 70,000 to 100,000 and millions more worldwide. The disease primarily affects people of African and Mediterranean ancestry and is also prevalent in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Since 1989, the Illinois Department of Public Health has diagnosed more than 2,900 newborns with sickle cell disease," said IDPH Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "Newborn screening, parental education is critical to saving lives, especially in families that have a genetic history of the disease."

According to IDPH, the disease is estimated to occur in one in 500 African-Americans and about one in 1,000 Latinos.

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Illinois announces start of home heating assistance enrollment

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Friday, September 2nd, 2011, 7:34pm

Illinois announces start of home heating assistance enrollment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy Assistance announced Friday that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on September 1.

Officials say for the first time, some LIHEAP clients will have the option of choosing between the traditional Direct Vendor Payment (DVP) plan or the new Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). PIPP is available to eligible LIHEAP clients who are customers of Ameren Illinois. Under PIPP, eligible clients will pay a percentage of their income, receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill, and receive a reduction in overdue payments for every on-time payment they make by the bill due date.

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IDOT announces lane closures over holdiay weekend

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Friday, September 2nd, 2011, 10:39am

IDOT announces lane closures over holdiay weekend

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced road work will be suspended where possible over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“With heavy traffic expected as usual during the holiday weekend, IDOT is providing a list of closures in advance to help motorists plan their trips,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “With less construction and heavy equipment in use this weekend, traffic congestion can be reduced, and safety and traffic flow will continue to improve.”

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, September 2, IDOT says it will suspend all non-emergency road work and open up as many lanes as possible through midnight on Monday, September 5. According to IDOT, some construction zones will continue to have lane closures in effect because of the nature of some of the projects.

IDOT is urging drivers to slow down, obey posted speed limits and drive with caution through work zones.

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IDNR reminds public that drunk boating is drunk driving

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Thursday, September 1st, 2011, 11:22am

IDNR reminds public that drunk boating is drunk driving

UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police would like to remind the public to stay safe over the holiday weekend and CPOs will be stepping up enforcements across the state.

IDNR says CPOs will be looking for people operating under the influence in an effort to keep the public safe on Illinois waters.

“Many consider Labor Day to be the unofficial end to the summer boating season and with good weather thousands will take to Illinois rivers and lakes to celebrate this weekend,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief, Rafael Gutierrez. “It’s important to remember to celebrate responsibly. Wear a life jacket and always have a designated skipper on board if you are going to be consuming alcohol.

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