•April 19, 2017•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager

One of the greatest gifts you can give a grandchild is the gift of financial literacy. Helping them save money early in life and showing them how to make wise spending decisions goes a long way toward a bright financial future. As they get older, they may want to save for special purchases or their college education. You can encourage them when they get their first job to begin saving for the future, including their retirement.

Planning for the Future with my Social Security: Read More

•April 12, 2017•

With spring cruising in and motorcycle season shifting into top gear, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police remind motorcyclists to “Gear Up–Ride Smart” to ensure their safety before taking the first ride of the season. The annual campaign urges riders to take precautionary measures before getting back on their bikes by conducting pre-ride safety inspections of their equipment and refreshing their skills with a motorcycle training class offered by IDOT.

“Motorcycles are only on the road for part of the year, yet account for almost 14 percent of all traffic fatalities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “By choosing the proper safety equipment, performing routine safety checks and brushing up on their skills, riders can make 2017 safer for motorcycles.”

Proper protective gear is essential to safe riding. Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear the right safety equipment and accessories, including high-visibility (Hi-Viz) clothing, eye protection, gloves, jackets, pants, boots and a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, at all times. Drinking alcohol and riding is to be avoided at all costs.

Illinois is one of two states that offer free motorcycle training classes to licensed residents. Since the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program began in 1976, more than 400,000 riders have learned the basics of motorcycle riding or taken advantage of the opportunity to learn more about motorcycle safety.

The program is available throughout the state for all skill and experience levels. Classes teach riders how to safely operate a motorcycle and sharpen their knowledge and riding skills. The program is funded by Illinois motorcyclists through a portion of their license and registration fees. For more information, visit StartSeeingMotorcycles.org.

“Riding a motorcycle is a perishable skill, even for the most experienced riders,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “We strongly encourage all riders to attend a motorcycle safety course and take the necessary precautions to ensure they are visible to other motorists by wearing DOT-approved helmets and protective body wear, such as boots and gloves. Remember, alcohol and motorcycle riding do not mix. So, Gear Up–Ride Smart, and stay safe.”[/s2If]

•April 12, 2017•

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is encouraging all Illinois households to take steps to prepare themselves in the case of a home fire incident. The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends having a working smoke alarm and a specific plan for your family in case of emergency.

“Planning and prevention are essential to saving lives in a fire incident,” says Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Because of the speed with which fire becomes uncontrollable, families should practice their response plan in advance and be prepared to implement it.”

Illinois law requires every household to have smoke alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and to have at least one on each floor of the home. Read More

•April 12, 2017•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has set the campground opening dates for 2017.

Forrest W. “Bo” Wood Area 5 is now open on a first come, first served basis.

Walleye group camp at Lone Point Recreation Area opened April 7. Restroom facilities may be utilized at the boat ramp; however, shower facilities are not available until the full campground opens. Campers may register and pay using the honor vault system at both facilities.

Campground Season Dates and Fees: Coon Creek Campground will be open May 4-October 9.

Forrest W. “Bo” Wood Campground open April 20-October 29. Read More

•April 12, 2017•

By Katie Gingerich
ALAH FFA Reporter

The Women Changing the Face of Agriculture conference was held Friday March 10 at the University of Illinois. Five ALAH FFA girls attended this conference including Bri Smith, Janette Comstock, Makenna Green, Taylor Powell and Katie Gingerich.  Read More