•December 14, 2016•

Members of the East Central Illinois Task Force and the Coles County Crisis Response Team executed a search warrant at 808 S. 9th Street in Mattoon December 6.

The search warrant was a result of a month long investigation into the distribution  of crack cocaine in Mattoon. Located in the residence were Ron R. Cole,  43, and Justin J. Sargent, 28, both of Peoria and Monica L. Bailey, 28, of Mattoon.  Read More

•December 14, 2016•

Hunters harvested a preliminary total of 79,429 deer during the seven-day Illinois Firearm Deer Season that closed Sunday, Dec. 4. That figure compares to the final total of 86,847 deer harvested during the seven days of the firearm season in 2015.

The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the firearm season Dec. 1-4 totaled 24,977, compared with 28,977 during the second season in 2015. The preliminary harvest total for the first segment of firearm season Nov. 18-20 was 54,452 deer, compared with the 57,870 deer taken by hunters during the first season in 2015.

Deer hunting opportunities remain available in Illinois this late fall/early winter:  Read More

•December 7, 2016•

Santa Claus is coming Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to noon to the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to stop in and see Santa. All who attend will receive a free photo print with Santa as well as some water safety items from Bobber the Water Safety Dog. Photos will also be made available for download on the Lake Shelbyville U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facebook page following the event. Read More

•December 7, 2016•

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges anyone who has not yet received a flu shot to get one as soon as possible. December 4-10 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national observance to highlight the importance of influenza vaccination. While many people typically get the flu vaccine in early fall, flu activity usually peaks between December and March, a time when people are with families and out in their communities.

“During the holidays, friends and families often come together to celebrate,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Although you may be in good health, people around you, like young children and grandparents, may be at higher risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. A flu vaccine is the best defense against getting the flu. If you don’t get the vaccine to protect yourself, do it to protect the loved ones around you.” Read More

•November 30, 2016•

As snow and ice season looms over Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Tollway are teaming up to remind motorists to be prepared and remember: “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” By taking steps to prepare for wintry driving conditions, the motoring public can do their part to make this a safe and successful winter driving season.

“Winter driving in Illinois comes with challenges that can be met if you are prepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Our snow and ice teams, as always, are ready for the worst this winter. We’re counting on the public to do its part as well by keeping safety a top priority when traveling.”

Throughout the winter, especially during adverse conditions, motorists should be practicing basic winter driving skills and building extra time into their schedules. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, all travelers are encouraged to follow a few simple rules and tips during the coming months:

• Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois.

• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions.

• Drop it and drive. Put down the handheld devices – it, too, is the law in Illinois.  Read More