State Police honor Scott’s Law Day
SPRINGFIELD – Motorists are reminded they should move over for vehicles on the shoulder every year on this date in Illinois. Scott’s Law Day is every December 23rd in honor of Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago
Proper Christmas Tree disposal important
LISLE – A dry Christmas tree after the holidays have ended can quickly become a fire hazard, so authorities urge that once the tree shows signs of drying out it should be disposed of. Homeowners should never
Area health departments remind everyone about food safety this holiday season
OTTAWA – Area health departments are reminding everyone responsible for cooking holiday meals or dishes to be mindful of proper food handling procedures. The CDC notes that although anyone can get a foodborne illness, pregnant women
State Police honor Scott’s Law Day
SPRINGFIELD – Motorists are reminded they should move over for vehicles on the shoulder every year on this date in Illinois. Scott’s Law Day is every December 23rd in honor of Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago
Red Cross offers safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays
CHICAGO – The American Red Cross is offering safety tips to prevent house fires over the holidays. They suggest besides testing your smoke detectors each month, that you should also use caution when heating your home, especially
Turkey Preparation Key to Safe Thanksgiving
OTTAWA – With Thanksgiving approaching the CDC wants to remind those in charge of cooking to be aware of some tips to keep the holiday safe and healthy. They say that you should thaw your turkey in
A look back at the tradition of the ‘Turkey Pardon’
WASHINGTON – A long standing tradition at the White House is the yearly tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey. Claims vary as to who began the tradition, from Abraham Lincoln to Dwight Eisenhower, but the most documented
Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires
SPRINGFIELD – Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, with four times the average number occurring. Ranges and cook-tops account for almost three out of every five home fires reported involving cooking, with
Great American Smoke Out event Thursday
OTTAWA – This Thursday, smokers will be challenged to quit for the day as part of the Great American Smoke Out. The LaSalle County Health Department is in on the movement sponsored by the American Cancer Society
114th anniversary of the Cherry Mine Disaster
CHERRY – It was 114 years ago today on November 13, 1909 over 250 men and boys died during fire in Bureau County in what was to become known as the Cherry Mine Disaster. A coal car
State agencies remind residents to prepare for winter weather in November
SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging all Illinoisans to make safety a priority as winter returns to the state. To help Illinoisans prepare for the changing weather, IEMA and the NWS developed a Winter
IEMA encourages Illinois residents to prepare for earthquakes
SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of the earthquake risk posed by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management agencies are preparing for the annual drill this week. “While
Putnam County Special Olympics to send bowler to Sectional
In August the Putnam County Special Olympics team traveled to the Cherry Valley Bowling Alley in Rockford to compete in their bowling skills competition. Matthew Schennum took home a gold medal and is advancing to Sectionals in
Anniversary of Infamous Crime in LaSalle County
UTICA – Today is the 30th anniversary of one of the most infamous crimes the area has seen, and State Police and the FBI are still looking for new information. 21 year old Tammy Zywicki, a college
Back-to-School is time to review emergency preparedness plans
SPRINGFIELD – As students go back to school this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends that all families review their own emergency plans and school safety plans. Whether your children are in school, on a bus,
Free boating safety class to be offered at Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
OTTAWA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer free safe boating class at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. The class is open to everyone age 11 and older. Students under age 16 should be accompanied
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds everyone to practice water safety around pools
SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds everyone to practice water safety around pools as the summer heat continues. The number of pools installed in backyards drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning
Free boating safety classes to be offered at Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
OTTAWA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer free safe boating classes at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. The classes are open to everyone age 11 and older. Students under age 16 should be accompanied
Be mindful to vets, pets and children with special needs this Fourth of July
CHICAGO – As we celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks, it’s important to be mindful of our military veterans, children with special needs and even our pets. The Department of Veterans Affairs warns loud blasts
IDPH provides swimming safety tips for the holiday weekend
SPRINGFIELD – Whether at the beach, on the lake, or in a swimming pool, the Illinois Department of Public Health offers the following safety precautions for recreation this upcoming holiday weekend. They say you should always supervise