With the holidays coming up fast, Black Friday will be here before we know it.

Every year we hear about the craziness at big name stores like Walmart, Target, etc. As a change of pace, we want to hear from local, small businesses and others in the community!

Will you be having any Black Friday sales or deals? If so, what are they? What are some tips you can give to people in your community wanting to shop more "local?"

If you're a local restaurant, will you have different hours and specials to cater to the Black Friday shoppers?

Is anyone in the community: churches, community centers, etc. offering babysitting for those that will be out in the early a.m. for shopping?

You can e-mail Amber Ruch, County News Web Producer at aruch@kfvs12.com. The information you provide will be featured online and on-air. Make sure to include a picture or two of your business!

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - As thousands of families and children prepare to enjoy the Halloween season, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds residents to be vigilant and follow the necessary fire safety precautions when entering haunted houses.

The fire marshal says these amusements can present special hazards that make them particularly vulnerable to fires if applicable fire codes are not followed.

Haunted houses are considered "special amusement buildings," which means the structure is temporary, permanent, or mobile and conveys people through a walkway. Often these temporary structures are built with combustible materials such as plywood and cardboard.

OSFM calls on local enforcement agencies and haunted house owners and operators to follow safety code guidelines.

MARION, IL (KFVS) - The city of Marion announced Wednesday that the Star Bond project will now be known as Boulder Creek on The Hill.

Millennium Development named the project after Boulder Creek in Colorado.

"When people hear the name Boulder Creek at The Hill, we hope they will consider, not just the shopping, but the many outdoor activities Southern Illinois has to offer," said Chad Holland with Millennium Development.

The group says Boulder Creek is a popular recreational spot for many outdoor activities and they hope Boulder Creek at The Hill will become a destination location where families will enjoy the activities in the retail and recreational complex.

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