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National Safe Boating week runs through May 24

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 9:00am
National Safe Boating week runs through May 24

(KFVS) - Illinois Conservation Police are gearing up to help ensure the public’s safety on Illinois waterways throughout the year as part of the observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24.

As in year’s past, CPOs are asking boaters to ‘Wear It!’ while boating this season.

The ‘Wear It!’ message is a simple, straightforward and easy message to understand. Everyone on board a boat should wear a life jacket from the time they get on until the time they get off the vessel.  It could literally save their life.  

“Fastening a flotation device takes just seconds, but that action can save the rest of your life. Life jackets aboard a boat are only effective if they are worn,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. 

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28th Annual Fishing Expedition for Special Populations May 8

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, 7:00am
28th Annual Fishing Expedition for Special Populations May 8

(KFVS) - The 28th Annual Fishing Expedition for Special Populations is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at Bleyer Lake.

Bleyer Lake is located about 1.5 miles south of Midland Inn, just off of County Club Road.

Over 1,300 special population youngsters and adults, volunteers and staff will line the shores of Bleyer Laek for this event. They will spend the day fishing and will be provided a picnic lunch. All of the fishing equipment is provided free of charged to the participants.

The participants will come from Southern Ililnois schools and sheltered worshops in Jackson, Williamson, Union and other surrounding counties. The event begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help participants with their fishing equipment, bait fishing hooks and encourage their efforts. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or school official.

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Hospice of Southern Illinois to host Spring Fling Trivia Night

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, 11:25am
Hospice of Southern Illinois to host Spring Fling Trivia Night

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Hospice of Southern Illinois is hosting a Spring Fling Trivia Night on Saturday April 20 at 6 p.m.

The event will be at Local 318 Operators Engineer Hall, 3310 Water Tower Road in Marion.

A Fazoli’s spaghetti dinner will be available for $6 per person.

The cost to play is $120 per table with a maximum of eight people per table.

There will be cash prizes for top two tables, special prize for best decorated table, and dessert silent auction of baked goods.

Attendees can also bring their own food and beverages to snack on during the event.  

If interested, contact Jennifer at 618-997-3030 or jvinyard@hospice.org.

Hospice of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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U of I Extension sponsors 4-H Summer Camp

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, 11:12am
U of I Extension sponsors 4-H Summer Camp

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) -  According to University of Illinois Extension, the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, Illinois is the perfect place for your child to experience the finest in summer camp life. 

They have traditional and innovative programs, professional staff and comfortable facilities await campers at 4-H Memorial.

Summer youth camp is open to all youth ages 8-16 years.  Following with the 4-H mission to foster positive youth development through a “learn-by-doing” philosophy, campers experience a five-day, four-night camp full of activities and learning.  Swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, singing, volleyball, softball, the list goes on and on!

Four summer youth camps will be operated June and July. 

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2013 consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois waters

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer
Saturday, March 16th, 2013, 1:36pm
2013 consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois waters

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) -The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Saturday the 2013 consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois waters.  This year, new advisories are being issued for the following lakes and rivers:

  • Crab Orchard Creek, Jackson County
  • Powderhorn Lake, Cook County

IDPH says several less-restrictive advisories have been issued this year.

The Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program screens fish samples from approximately 40 bodies of water each year for contamination from 14 banned pesticides, industrial chemicals and methylmercury.  The program is a joint effort of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the departments of agriculture, natural resources and public health.

The fish are collected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and tested by IEPA.  IDPH issues an annual consumption advisory based on the IEPA test results.

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Williamson County Tourism Bureau wins Governor’s Conference award

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Monday, March 11th, 10:58 am
Williamson County Tourism Bureau wins Governor’s Conference award

MARION, IL (KFVS) - The Williamson County Tourism Bureau was award the 2013 Illinois Governor’s Conference Award for Best Leisure Collateral.

The award was given Feb. 27 at the annual Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism.

The conference was held at the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont Illinois.

The bureau’s annual Fishing Guide was chosen among many entries for the best in the state.

For your FREE copy of the 2013 Williamson County Fishing Guide contact the bureau office at 618-997-3690 or visit the website www.visitSI.com.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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Repairs set to begin on Wolf Creek Causeway

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Thursday, February 28th, 11:29 am
Repairs set to begin on Wolf Creek Causeway

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge announces that repairs to the handicapped accessible fishing pier on Wolf Creek causeway are set to begin March 6. 

The pier, on the west side of the causeway, was damaged during the May 8, 2009 storm and had to be removed.

Erosion has also been an issue on the west side of the causeway for many years.

The upcoming work will restore the pier and its access ramp to a safe and usable condition.

“Anglers are one of our largest user groups and supporters of the Refuge” said acting refuge manager, Kevin Sloan. “We are happy to be getting this project underway to restore access for our disabled and senior anglers” he continued.

The work will require temporary closures to the causeway when heavy equipment is in use.

The contractors will do their best to limit inconvenience to visitors by keeping one lane open to traffic as safety restrictions permit.

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