Category Archives: News Briefs

Cool and Rainy in May

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

The statewide average temperature for May was 61.9 degrees, 0.8 degrees below normal, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel with the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois. A few locations in Illinois reached 90 degrees, including Moline and Springfield. In mid-May, several locations reported temperatures below freezing, including Mt. Carroll with 29 degrees.

The statewide average precipitation for May was 5.22 inches, 0.62 inches above normal. The precipitation was heaviest in the central third of the state with a few drier areas around Bloomington and south of the Quad Cities. Danville reported the most rain for the month in Illinois with 10.19 inches. Henning came in second with 9.98 inches of rain. Read More

Passenger Rail Station in Downtown Pontiac Opens

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

Latest station in Chicago-St. Louis rail improvements will provide convenient travel option

Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn was joined by city officials and Amtrak to announce the completion of the new station in historic downtown Pontiac, the latest of several station improvements overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation along the Chicago-St. Louis passenger rail corridor.

The new station opened to Amtrak service Tuesday, June 6. Read More

Family Preparedness Plans Must Include Pets

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

Pets are cherished family members in many Illinois homes, so it’s important for pet owners to have plans to keep their pets safe during and after emergencies. Throughout National Pet Preparedness Month in June, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies will provide tips and information on pet emergency preparedness.

“More than half of the homes in Illinois have at least one pet,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “Emergency situations can be very stressful, particularly for pets who don’t understand what is happening. If your family includes a dog, cat, hamster or other furry, feathered or scaly friends, don’t forget to include their unique needs in your home emergency plans.” Read More

Mural Artists Selected Includes Sullivan Talent

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

After much deliberation and discussion, the Decatur Area Arts Council Public Art Committee announced the final decisions for the 2017 Decatur Mural Project.

Three artists were selected to move forward with their designs at various locations including Nick Beery of Sullivan, 200 block W. Main St. sponsored by Lockhart’s Barber Shop; Eric Weatherford of Decatur, 100 block of S. Oakland St. sponsored by Michael and Susan Vitale and Ron English of Beacon, N.Y., 730 E Cerro Gordo St. sponsored by Tate & Lyle. Read More

Canvas Camp Art Day for Kids

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

Canvas Camp Art Day for Kids is coming to the Masonic Temple in Sullivan 9-11:30 a.m. July 10-13.

Local artist and teacher Molly Reeder Faust will show kids from first through sixth grades how to create paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures. Read More

Decatur Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Institute Receives Funds

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

A check for more than $22,000.00 was presented to Decatur Memorial Foundation and DMH Cancer Care Institute  from E.ON North America, a developer, builder, and operator of more than 3,000 MW of renewable wind, solar and energy storage generation across the U.S.

The check was presented to the Foundation through an employee giving memorial campaign in memory of former E.ON employee Michael Radford.  Read More

At Social Security: Every Day Is Internet Security Day

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager

Being safe online is important every day. There may be days devoted to internet security awareness, but you need to be careful every time you go online.

Do you know what it takes to be safe online? You probably connect daily to get information, shop, socialize, or work. Every time you go online, you need to avoid the risk of theft or fraud. Here are some tips to use while visiting the Social Security website and the other websites you use.

• Use Strong Passwords--Strong passwords have at least eight characters and include capital letters, numbers, and non-letter characters. These passwords make it harder for someone to hack your account.  Read More

Supreme Court Justices To Attend Unveiling Of Historical Marker For Scott Bibb In Alton

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

A State Historical Marker will be unveiled in Alton on Monday, June 19th to honor Scott Bibb, an African American who successfully fought in the Illinois Supreme Court for the desegregation of schools in what became known as the Alton School Cases in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Supreme Court Justices Anne M. Burke and Rita B. Garman will be attending the dedication ceremony. Also attending are John Lupton, Executive Director, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, and members of the Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Committee; Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Hon. Neil Cohen, and Scott Szala, J.D.

With the assistance of Lewis and Clark Community College, the Illinois State Historical Society sponsored and erected the historical marker. The Society maintains markers statewide regarding subjects of historical significance to Illinois. Read More

Pastor to Speak

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

Jonathan Creek Christian Church will host a one evening revival at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10 at the church.

Pastor Andrew Columbia will share his story of how he went from being a New York City police officer during 911 to someone who has become an international speaker and evangelist.  Read More

Monarch Butterfly Growth Changes IDOT Mowing Approach

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2017•

To help revive the shrinking populations of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, the Illinois Department of Transportation is adjusting its mowing routine along state highways this spring and summer.

The approach, part of IDOT’s overall effort to encourage green and sustainable practices in all its programs and projects, will help to re-establish types of plants that are food sources for bees, butterflies and other insects that are native to Illinois.

“As one of the largest land owners in the state, IDOT appreciates its tremendous responsibility to act as stewards of the environment,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “This simple change in our maintenance obligations will have little impact on the traveling public, but will give a big assist to Mother Nature at no cost to the state.” Read More