Seven Day Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 58. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 84. Light south southeast wind.
Sunday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Light and variable wind.
Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Light west wind.
Tuesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Light north wind.
Wednesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

A 48-hour Inexperienced Miner training for surface and underground miners is coming to Rend Lake College next month. The five-day class will meet from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 through Thursday, Sept. 21, and from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

The cost of the class is $165, and attendees must pre-pay and pre-register. All training courses will be held in the Coal Mine Training Center on the Ina campus. For more information or to register, contact Sally Heathcoat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 2373.

 

from George O’Connor, Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost

O’FALLON IL – Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) met with his opioid task force at the Katy Cavins Community Center in O’Fallon on Thursday to examine existing data and develop recommendations to create and implement policies at the federal, state, and local levels to curtail the opioid epidemic. Rep. Bost received input from law enforcement officers, first responders, educators, and treatment specialists on current efforts to fight the opioid epidemic and ways that these efforts can be improved.

“The number of families affected by the opioid crisis in our communities are staggering,” said Bost. “But we have to remember addiction doesn’t care about your race, gender, income or political leanings. The people battling addiction are moms and dads, sons and daughters, neighbors and friends. One of the main takeaways from this task force meeting was that we have our work cut out for us. Legislators, law enforcement, educators, and treatment specialists can’t solve the problem alone. We’re all working towards the same goal of eradicating the opioid scourge, but better coordination is needed among these groups. That is exactly why I hosted this task force meeting—to create this vitally important open dialogue.”

Task Force Participants:

Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12)
Dr. Kari Karidis, Crisis Interventionist and Recovery Support, Companion’s Companion
Chief Master Sergeant Scott Boothe, Illinois State Police, Narcotics
Dr. Andrea Taylor, Clinic Director, VAMC St. Louis
Karin Zosel, Legislative Affairs Director, Illinois Department of Justice
Percy Menzies, Assisted Recovery Centers of America
Special Agent James Shroba, US Drug Enforcement Agency

New activities for fairgoers to see and experience at 11-day fair

Press Release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture

DU QUOIN, IL – Countless new and free entertainment options have been added to the schedule of the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair.  Here’s a preview of some of the new activities you can check out during the annual 11-day festival:

Cirque Extreme – This new show combines live modern music, the most beautiful costumes, theatrical set, concert lighting and sound to wow audiences.  These award winning Cirque artists will have you amazed with their world class talents and skills.  Acts include the Globe of Death, the Legendary Wheel of Steel, the Aerial Extreme Swing, the Tower of Chairs, and Aerial Fabric routines.

Remote Controlled Micro-Racing – Start your engines!  This interactive attraction appeals to all ages.  Everyone can be involved either as a driver or as a spectator cheering on their favorite racer to victory lane!  64 racers each session, 192 racers daily.  Step right up for a chance to win daily trophies and prizes.

The Alley Cats – Tight infectious harmonies, universal humor and unbelievable acappella energy have made The Alley Cats America’s premier doo-wop group.  Bringing their own contemporary style to tunes from the 1950’s and 1960’s, they have scored fans of all ages while breathing new life into everyone’s favorite doo-wop classics.  Their engaging wit, humor and camaraderie radiates from the stage as they relate directly to the crowd with jokes, stories and audience participation.

Hooper the Hypnotist – Back by popular demand, Hooper the Hypnotist is an exciting and motivating entertainer with an extremely funny and fast-paced show where volunteers become stars.  Want to see your best friend turned into Lady Gaga?  It can happen!  Just check out Hooper’s shows!  It’s always fun and never humiliating.

Chicago 6 – Join us for a free concert by the Chicago 6 on Friday, August 25th at 8pm following the Twilight Parade. This band was formed by three members of the Super Bowl winning 1985 Chicago Bears defensive line in 2012. They now travel the state performing great classic rock hits, including songs from ZZ Top, Smokey Robinson and John Mellencamp.
Dueling Pianos International – A second free performance is slated to take place in the Grandstand on Wednesday, August 30th at 7:30pm. This is sure to be the most energetic, interactive entertainment you’ve ever experienced!  You will be wowed by their showmanship, vocal ability, musical skill and work ethic.   Join us in the grandstand for a night of musical requests and sign-a-longs.

All of the above acts and shows are included in the cost of admission.  Most of the above shows take place multiple times a day, so be sure to check our website or daily schedule for show times.

The 2017 Du Quoin State Fair will take place August 25 – September 4 in Du Quoin, IL. Plan your visit today by visiting to our website at www.duquoinstatefair.net.

Press Release from the Illinois State Police, District 13, DuQuoin IL

DuQuoin, IL — Illinois State Police (ISP) is again providing additional security to fairgoers at the 2017 DuQuoin State Fair.

The DuQuoin State Fair is expected to draw thousands of visitors,” said ISP District 13 / 22 Commander, Lieutenant Michael Alvey.  “The fair is an opportunity for families and friends to take advantage of the celebrations with safety in mind,” he added.

The Illinois State Police will have officers assigned to the State Fair to provide public safety with walking patrols, gate security, monitored surveillance cameras, and undercover officers.

The DuQuoin Fire Department and area ambulance services are also prepared for emergency medical services during the event, and the First Aid Station is located on the north end of the Grandstand.  Fairgoers are reminded to stay hydrated as the DuQuoin area is expected to have moderate heat and high humidity throughout the fair.

The ISP Safety Education Tent is located on Hayes Avenue across the street from the First Heat building.  Parents / caregivers are encouraged to stop there on the way into the fairgrounds and obtain a free armband for their small children.  Should they become separated from their kids, this will enable Troopers to reunite them quickly with their caregivers.

Fair attendees are reminded, under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, Illinois law prohibits concealed carry license holders from possessing a firearm on any DuQuoin State Fairgrounds property to include the parking lots.  Violators will be subject to arrest and fines in accordance with the Firearms Concealed Carry Act.  For additional information please read the Act from the Illinois General Assembly’s website:  http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3497&ChapterID=39   or visit the Firearm’s tab of the ISP’s home page located at http://www.isp.state.il.us/ for an FAQ section.

Additionally, we want to remind attendees of the Unlawful Use of Weapons statutes concerning the possession of illegal weapons on DuQuoin State Fairgrounds property.  A complete list of prohibited items can be found on the Illinois General Assembly’s website:  http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+24&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=68600000&SeqEnd=72000000

While we do not anticipate any issues, we are prepared and want to encourage the public to come and safely enjoy all the fair has to offer!  Fairgoers are also asked to do their part as well in making the event a success for everyone attending.  If they should see something out of the ordinary, they are encouraged to report it to the nearest Trooper on the grounds, call the Illinois State Police at (618) 542-2171, or if it is an emergency, call 911.

by Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL –   Rend Lake College’s Community and Corporate Education Division has a slew of hobby classes to help kick off September. Anyone interested will have the opportunity to hit the bullseye, get fit, learn to crochet or make a work of art.

Leading things off is Beginning Archery. Students in the class will be introduced to the sport of archery over a four-session introductory class. Participants will learn about the sport, its equipment, proper form, safety and skills. Equipment will be provided, and the program will follow the National Archery in Schools Program. The course is only for students from 6th to 8th grade.

The cost of the class is $18 and it meets from 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19 and 9/26 at the Pinckneyville Jr. High Gymnasium.

Body Toning (previously known as Aerobics) is a full-body conditioning and strengthening workout, improving functional strength, flexibility and coordination. It is excellent for improving vital core strength. Strengthening and toning are an essential part of any fitness regime. Students in the class will use free weights, and all fitness levels are welcome.
Classes run every Monday and Wednesday from 9/6 to 11/29 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Benton Middle School Choir Room. The cost of the class is $69.

During the second week in September, interested learners can take advantage of Crochet for Beginners. This offering will introduce students to basic crochet stitches and techniques. Participants will learn how to read a pattern, crochet in the round and attach pieces of crocheted work. Over the duration of the course, students will complete at least two products. A list will be provided to students prior to the start of class, so they know what supplies need to be purchased.
The class costs $40 and will meet from 4 – 6 p.m. Wednesdays from 9/13 – 10/4 in the Learning Resource Center, Library, on the Ina campus. Participants should be over the age of 12.
With three, separate options, there will be more than a few chances to take part in Fun with Acrylics. Students will have the opportunity to try their hand at painting with no previous experience necessary. The instructor will guide students through a step-by-step process to create their very own masterpiece to take home. The September painting will be fall themed; October will be Halloween/Thanksgiving themed, and November will be Christmas/Winter themed. Students will utilize acrylics on a 16×20 stretched canvas. All supplies will be provided.
The class costs $15, plus a $10 supply fee at the class. The first class will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. Sept. 12. The second class will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. on Oct. 10, and the third class will be from 6 – 9 p.m. Nov. 14. All classes will take place in the Learning Resource Center, Room 103, on the Ina campus.
For high school juniors and seniors, there will be a SAT Prep course offering. The course is designed to teach reading, English, science and math skills needed to do well on the SAT test. Test-taking skills will be emphasized. Students must purchase Barron’s SAT 2016 Edition text, which will be available at the first session.
The cost of the class is $89 (plus $20.27 for the textbook). The class will meet in six sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday from 9/9 – 10/14 in the Rend Lake College MarketPlace Campus, Room 344.
Fall Wreath Making will teach student how to make a mesh wreath. Students will be able to create a one-of-a-kind, fall-themed wreath to adorn their home or give as a gift.
The cost of the class is $10 with an additional $25 supply fee. The class will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 in the Rend Lake College Murphy Wall Pinckneyville Campus, Room 101.

Second annual event will kick-off the 2017 Du Quoin State Fair

Press Release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture,  DuQuoin State Fair

DU QUOIN, IL – The Moo Moo Classic is making its return to the Du Quoin State Fair in 2017 after the success of the inaugural event last year. This is a free event to the public and serves as the opening of the Du Quoin State Fair.

On Thursday, August 24 at 3 pm in the livestock arena near the Exhibition Hall come watch as local celebrities for the title of Du Quoin State Fair Milking Champion! For this competition, each competitor will have three minutes to get as much milk as they can out of a real dairy cow. This takes skill and extreme trust with the animal.

“We are excited to bring this event back to the Du Quoin State Fair,” says Assistant State Fair Manager, Tibretta Reiman. “As a dairy farmer, I love being able to share this with the community and be able to kick-off the fair with a fun, exciting, family event.”
Paulette’s Concessions, located next to the Expo Hall, will be open for business, so you can get your first sampling of fair food to put you in the mood for all that the Du Quoin State Fair has to offer.

“This is a free event that is open to the public,” said State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon.  “There’s no charge to park, there’s no charge at the gate.  We encourage all families to come out, enjoy dinner, and a fun show at the Du Quoin State Fair.”

While you are on the grounds, stop by the Grandstand and pick up a seasonal parking pass, admission ticket booklets, carnival armbands, or concert tickets.  Purchasing these items in advance can save you time at the Du Quoin State Fair.

The cost for carnival armbands will increase slightly when the fair starts on Friday, August 25th.

These armbands can be purchased prior to the fair at the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office ticket window.
• Before the Fair: $20
Armbands are available for purchase at Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand Box Office
• During the Fair:
Armbands $25 (Good for one day of unlimited rides!)
Individual Tickets: $1/ticket (Most rides require 3-4 tickets)
Sheet of 22: $20
In addition, admission booklets contain 11 adult admissions that can be used any day of the fair.  These are perfect for families or a group of friends who plan to take in a night at the fair for dinner or concerts.  These admission booklets cost $22 and can be purchased at the cash office in the Grandstand.

Start planning your visit to the Du Quoin State Fair today.  New information is being added daily to the Du Quoin State Fair website.  You can learn more about the 2017 fair by connecting with us via social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DQStateFair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DQStateFair
The Du Quoin State Fair runs August 25 – September 4 in Du Quoin, IL.