CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - Building Healthier Communities: A Leader's Forum will be held on Tuesday, February 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center.

Approximately 150 leaders from Alexander, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Randolph, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, and Union Counties will learn about the connection between improving health and the economic development of the community. They will also receive suggestions for improving health through changes in the workplace which make the healthy choice the easy choice. And finally, community leaders will learn about some exciting projects already underway that are having a positive impact on this community.

The keynote speaker is Ms. Laura Minzer of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. She will be talking about why worksite wellness is so important.

(KFVS) - The Illinois State Board of Education says the number of Illinois graduates who take AP exams during high school has more than doubled in the last decade, with low-income and minority students continuing to make record gains toward closing the achievement gap on these rigorous tests.

In 2012, more than 26,400 graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, with 17.6 percent of these students coming from low-income backgrounds, according to the 9th Annual AP Report to the Nation.

“The AP program complements our state’s focus on college and career readiness by giving students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school and acquire the knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in challenging postsecondary course work,” said State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch. “Increased participation and significant achievement gains by students of all backgrounds show that our efforts are paying off.”

(KFVS) -  The Illinois Sheriff's Association announced it will be awarding $53,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2013-2014 academic year.

According to the association, the scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois.

There will be no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. The only limitations are as follows: