(OLNEY)  High pressure over the Midwest, will bring dry weather and seasonal temperatures to the region through the midweek. For continued weather updates, keep the station tuned right here.

(NEWTON)  The month of July was one of the hottest on record in Illinois - however, State Climatologist Jim Angel says this past month does not compare to the summer of 1936 - temperatures fell just shy of the 1936 record for the month of July, averaging 81.8 degrees, that's only just over 1 degree below the record - while forecasters are predicting more hot weather for the month of August, climatologists say Illinois is on pace to log one of the warmest years ever.

(OLNEY) Safety is priority at this year's State Fair.  Officials say they've upgraded several of their safety plans, including staying in the loop on weather forecasts.  They've partnered with the National Weather Service and will get morning briefings each day of the fair.  And in the event of poor weather, fairgoers will hear an announcement over the loud speakers urging them to seek shelter in a secured building.  The fair starts this Thursday and runs through August 19th.

(NEWTON) Illinois is getting tougher on those involved in human trafficking and forcing the vulnerable into prostitution - Governor Quinn signed a law Saturday that strengthens the ability of prosecutors to target those behind what he called "a trafic trade" - the measure also offers greater protection to the victims, plus it expands the definition of "serious harm", and it lengthens the statute of limitations for prosecuting those who exploit minors - the National Human Trafficking Resource Center says Illinois generates the fifth highest number of calls to its hotline.
 

(OLNEY)  Congressman John Shimkus is making several stops today in the 19th Congressional District - the Collinsville will make three farm drought visits, getting a firsthand look at the damage in downstate Illinois - those visits are planned for the areas around Metropolis, Galatia, and Norris City - the Congressman will then finish up the day with an evening speaking engagement at the Edwards County Farm Bureau in Albion - the U.S. House of Representatives is currently on vacation for the rest of this month.

(OLNEY)  The City of Olney announces a street closure for later this week - North Ludlow Street, from West Main Street to West Butler Street, will be closed from 7:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon this Wednesday and Thursday - it's also during this time of street repair, that all vehicles or trailers must be removed from the public right-of-way during Wednesday and Thursday - again, that's the section of North Ludlow Street, from West Main to West Butler - the City appreciates the patience of citizens at this time.

(OLNEY)  Authorities in Richland County, as well as neighboring areas, have lifted the “burn ban” that had been in effect for the past several weeks – due to recent rains, the following Fire Protection Districts & Fire Departments say its now okay to burn openly outdoors, but with common sense : Olney Fire & Olney Fire Protection : Noble-Wakefield Fire Protection District : Claremont-Bonpas Fire Protection District : West Salem Fire Protection District : and Christy Fire Protection District : authorities remind folks that all fires should be supervised – fire officials will continue to monitor the conditions & re-issue the ban if needed.

(NEWTON) It's a fundraising effort coming up this Friday night at Newton Community High School as Eagle Pride Bingo will feature Longaberger, Thirty-One, Pampered Chef, and Tupperware items in the school cafeteria - while doors will open at 6:00, the bingo games get started at 7:00 - there will also be a theme basket raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and a variety of other raffles available - Eagle Pride will be taking orders for football window decals, yard signs, personalized fleece blankets, rain ponchos, and stadium cushions thru September 28th - there will also be plenty of concessions - all are invited out to support Eagle Pride this Friday night at NCHS.

REMINDERS  :  
     Motorists are reminded that Higgin Switch Road, between Olney & Noble, is closed from U.S. Route 50 south – the concrete box culvert replacement work is expected to be complete within the next 7 to 10 days – all motorists should observe the barricades and signs until that project is complete

    The Jasper County Wild Turkey Chapter of the NWTF will have its annual “Hunting Heritage Banquet” this coming Friday, August 10th, at the KC Hall in Newton – doors open at 5:30, with dinner at 6:45, & live auction at 8:00 – plenty of raffles, artwork, guns, & more – call Jason for tickets at 618-562-2345

     Upcoming blood drives  :  this afternoon, from 12:30 to 5:30, at the Olney City Park Community Building, sponsored by the Richland County Farm Bureau  :  this coming Thursday, from 1:00 to 6:00, at the KC Hall in Newton  :  all types of blood are very much needed – all eligible donors are urged to donate

     The Noble Chowder is set for this Saturday in the Noble Village Park - the serving of chowder and other food starts at 11:00 and continues until its all gone - also includes chicken sandwiches, pork burgers, hot dogs, pie, cake, and more - plenty of good food and more in the Noble Village Park

    The Ladies Auxiliary will host another "taco night" this Friday night at the Olney VFW with serving from 5:30 to 7:30, or until sold out - plus a bake sale and 50/50 drawing with all proceeds to benefit Team Tucker in next month's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk"

    The Newton Community High School will host a "freshmen" and "new student" orientation night this Thursday night in the high school auditorium, starting at 7:00 - obviously, the night is for all incoming first year students and parents at Newton Community High School