(OLNEY)  A low pressure storm system will move east into Illinois with rain and storm chances today thru tonight before ending tomorrow night – some of the storms could have damaging winds & heavy rain – then we’ll dry out for a nice weekend coming up, plus dry thru the first half of next week – listen for updates.

(NEWTON)  Retired teachers say they’re gearing up for a fight against both the Senate & House plans for pension reform – the proposals ask retirees to accept a reduction in their annual pay raises, which officials say is “unconstitutional” – they’re also upset because they were never asked to the bargaining table to draft an acceptable plan – the Retired Teachers Association says it will file a lawsuit if the bill is signed into law.

(OLNEY)  Illinoisans are applying for gun permits faster that the state can keep up with – that’s according to the Illinois State Police, which received nearly 30,000 applications for Firearm Owners Identification Cards just in the month of April – the card is mandatory to own a firearm legally, plus is needed to purchase ammunition – the normal wait time is 30 days, but now some are waiting up to 100 days for their card.

(NEWTON)  Teenagers in Illinois are hitting the unemployment line more than most others across the nation – a recent study puts Illinois at number nine when it comes to out-of-work teens between the ages of 16 and 19 – the unemployment rate for that age group is 27.2% – experts say the state’s high minimum wage is why teens are having a hard time finding work, plus older workers are taking the jobs instead.

(OLNEY)  The City of Olney’s Board of Appeals met this past Monday night to consider three variance requests – the Board approved two requests unanimously  :  one at 619 West Main Street and the other at 107 East Bower Avenue  :  the Board denied the other request unanimously  :  at 427 North Morgan Street – the City’s Board of Appeals’ decisions are final and do not have to be approved by the Olney City Council.

(NEWTON)  At this week’s Board meeting, the Newton City Council was re-seated for another term  :  the Oath of Office was administered to re-elected Mayor Mark Bolander  :  the Oath was also administered to Aldermen Rick Lindeman of Ward 1, Jeff Ford of Ward 2, Robert Reisner of Ward 3, to Scott Bloomberg of Ward 4, and to Zoning Board of Appeals member Lee Volk  :  also, the Oath of Office included new City Clerk Rosetta York and Treasurer Connie Tate  :  the Council’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 21st.

(OLNEY)  The Oath of Office was administered a week ago yesterday to Olney’s newly elected Mayor, Ray Vaughn, while two City Councilmen were also officially seated – re-elected incumbent Bob Ferguson and newly elected John Mclaughlin – the new Olney City Council has its first meeting next Monday night.

(NEWTON)  There are two county board meetings on tap tonight  :  the Jasper County Board will meet tonight at 7:30 in the County Office Building in Newton  :  the Richland County Board will meet this evening at 7:00 in the County Jail Meeting Room in Olney – the Board’s Finance Committee will meet prior to the full Board’s meeting at 6:00  :  all of these meetings are open to the public as anyone can attend.

(OLNEY)  EJ Water Cooperative representatives will be holding an informational meeting next week, on Wednesday, May 15th, at Preston Township Road Commissioner Phil Kuenstler’s large outbuilding at his home at 5417 North Lakeside Road, Olney – the 6:00 meeting is for homeowners & landowners who may be interested in receiving water service in the areas around Borah Lake, Vernor Lake, and the north side of East Fork Lake – again that EJ Water Coop informational meeting next Wednesday night, starting at 6:00.

(OLNEY)  The next area blood drive is this afternoon at the First United Methodist Church in Olney from 1:00 until 6:00 – with all blood types very much needed to help replenish the low Midwestern blood supplies, all eligible and/or first-time donors are encouraged to get out and give the gift of life – remember, each blood donation can go to help anywhere from one to as many as three people – so by taking just a few minutes to give blood, you could be saving one to three lives, maybe the life of someone you know or love.

REMINDERS  :
    The Olney Public Library summer reading program “Have Book – Will Travel” is being planned at this time by the Library’s tour guides – the program’s for children ages Pre-K thru 7th Grade – the registration and sign-up for local children will begin this coming Monday – a library card is not needed to take part

    The Richland County Farm & Fair Association will have its annual “spring crash demo derby” this Saturday night at 7:00 in the Olney City Park – pit gates open at 3:00 – to register, call 618-392-0766

    The Olney Lions Club will host a “pork burger cookout and bake sale” this Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Wooden Key Hallmark Store in the Olney Centre, just east of Wal-Mart – stop by and help ‘em out

    The Newton Junior Women’s Club will host a “purse auction” tomorrow night starting at 6:30 – everyone’s welcome out to Parklanes in Newton – have fun, take part, & help out in the fundraising effort

    The Jasper County Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association will have a pork burger cookout tomorrow to support their local scholarship fund – it’s serving from 11:00 to 1:00 at the KC Hall in Newton – call ahead for carry-out orders at 618-783-2165 – the cost is at $3 per pork burger – check it out

    The East Richland Elementary School 5th grade classes will perform their music program “A New Day” tomorrow in the ERES dining hall, along with some special presentations – three classes will perform at 9:45 Friday morning while the remaining classes will perform at 2:00 – everyone is invited to attend

    The OCC Music Department will present its 7th annual Community Band Concert tonight at 6:30 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center – admission is free and all ages are invited to attend

    The Noble Farmers’ Market is today in the Noble Village Park from 3:00 to 6:00 – the West Richland FFA  will be there this evening with petunias, geraniums, hanging baskets, and more – all are invited

    The Newton FFA has a pork burger sale today with pick-up from 10:30 to 1:00 in the NCHS north parking lot – priced at $2.50 each, pre-orders can be made by calling 843-3276 or 553-8865 – all proceeds will go to the Quinn McClure family – donations will also be greatly appreciated

(OLNEY)  A weak high pressure ridge over the Upper Great Lakes region will give us plenty of sunshine today, however another storm system out west will move in with rain chances again by tomorrow afternoon and thru the day on Friday – although it appears to be a dry weekend coming up – stay tuned for updates.

(NEWTON)  School districts still are not off the hook when it comes to paying more toward teacher pensions – House Speaker Michael Madigan yesterday said it’s time to end the quote “free lunch” for downstate and suburban schools, which currently pay nothing for the retirement costs – Madigan will host a special meeting tomorrow to create a bill that would shift the pension costs to downstate school districts.

(OLNEY)  A plan to help sick people deal with their pain by using medical marijuana is moving thru the State Senate today – a committee will decide whether or not to send the bill to the floor for a full debate – supporters say the bill would create a highly regulated prescription system that only allows people with certain diseases to get access, such as those with AIDS, HIV, and MS – the House passed the bill in April.

(NEWTON)  Today thru Saturday is being recognized statewide as 2013 Arson Awareness Week in Illinois with the goal to encourage residents, schools, churches, & community organizations to take part in different year round activities to spread the word against arson – last year, the State Fire Marshall investigated 720 residential fires, a third of which were incendiary – for more details, logon at www.sfm.illinois.gov.

(OLNEY)  During this 2013 storm season, Richland County authorities are reminding all residents to be prepared for the possibility of severe weather conditions – while those in the City of Olney should be alert to the city’s outdoor warning sirens, those in the rural areas of Richland County must pay special attention to the weather at all times, especially thru the use of NOAA weather alert radios – plus, folks are urged to one of two websites to be better prepared in the event of severe weather over the next several weeks – go online at www.readyillinois.gov or check the National Weather Service site at www.weather.gov.Lincoln.

(NEWTON)  The Newton City Council met last night – the Council  :  accepted all bids for the Newton Street program – the total cost at $81,350  :  agreed to rezone the properties at 804 South Jackson Street,  1106 West Decatur Street, and 1108 West Decatur Street, all from SR-2 to B-1  :  approved a Health Care Provider Agreement with the Jasper County Health Department  :  on a pair of 7 to 1 votes, approved two dumpster reimbursements – $2,500 for 500 West Reynolds and $2,022 for 709-and-a-half Clayton  :  heard various committee reports  :  and took action after a nearly one hour long closed session to discuss the sale or purchase of real estate, personnel, & litigation  :  on a 6 to 1 vote with one Alderman voting present, the Council rezoned the property at 111 Water Street from SR-1 to B-1 – also donated $500 to remove a tree & recommended the Zoning Board of Appeals approve a ten feet setback on the east side of the property  :  the Newton City Council will have its next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 21st, starting at 6:00, at City Hall.

(OLNEY)  The City of Olney is reminding all residents and business owners that the City’s Municipal Code prohibits the placing of grass, leaves, garbage, refuse, or other debris in any of the city’s drainage ditches, openings to storm sewers, or in any public street – this includes blowing grass or cut weeds onto the streets while mowing – violators will be fined not less than $60 for each offense – the City of Olney is asking for cooperation in this matter to help reduce the cost of storm sewer cleaning as a result of grass, garbage, and other items that are washed from the city streets during heavy rain events – all cooperation is appreciated.

(NEWTON)  The Jasper County School District and the Jasper County Education Association will co-host a special retirement reception this evening for eight District retirees in the NCHS Cafeteria, from 4:00 to 6:00 – the public is encouraged to attend to help recognize these men & women for their many years of service to the School District and to the students of Jasper County – the retirees include Sandy Zumbahlen, Dena Weber, Cindy Rife, Greg Kepley, Susan Ikemire, Shirley Holsapple, Sharon Ghast, and Phil Benefiel.

(OLNEY)  The Farm Service Agency reminds those involved in the Conservation Reserve Program that maintenance & management activities on CRP acres must be completed outside the primary nesting season which continues now thru August 1st – those with issues that require immediate attention must contact their county FSA office for permission prior to performing any spot spraying or spot mowing on CRP acreage – failure to do so could result in contract termination – contact your county FSA office for more information.

(NEWTON)  Effingham County authorities are continuing their investigation into the stabbing death of an Effingham man early yesterday morning – 52 year old Ted Debany was taken to St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead after the incident occurred at about 2:00 early Tuesday morning – taken into custody yesterday afternoon was 51 year old Charles Douglas Yoder of Beecher City and at this time charges are pending – the Effingham Police are being assisted by the Coroner’s Office & State Police.

REMINDERS  :
    There’s more Richland County blood drives coming up  :  next Monday afternoon at the Christian Church in Noble from 2:00 to 6:00 : this Sunday morning at the St. Joseph Church in Olney from 8:00 to 12 noon : tomorrow afternoon at the First United Methodist Church in Olney from 1:00 to 6:00 : all blood types are needed

    The Richland County Farm & Fair Association will have its annual “spring crash demo derby” this Saturday night at 7:00 in the Olney City Park – pit gates open at 3:00 – to register, call 618-392-0766

    The Olney Lions Club will host a “pork burger cookout and bake sale” this Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Wooden Key Hallmark Store in the Olney Centre, just east of Wal-Mart – stop by and help ‘em out

    The Newton Junior Women’s Club will host a “purse auction” this Friday night starting at 6:30 – everyone’s welcome out to Parklanes in Newton – have fun, take part, & help out in the fundraising effort

    The Jasper County Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association will have a pork burger cookout this Friday to support their local scholarship fund – it’s serving from 11:00 to 1:00 at the KC Hall in Newton – call ahead for carry-out orders at 618-783-2165 – the cost is at $3 per pork burger – check it out

    The East Richland Elementary School 5th grade classes will perform their music program “A New Day” this Friday in the ERES dining hall, along with some special presentations – three classes will perform at 9:45 Friday morning while the remaining classes will perform at 2:00 – everyone is invited to attend

    The OCC Music Department will present its 7th annual Community Band Concert tomorrow night at 6:30 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center – admission is free and all ages are invited to attend

    The Newton FFA has a pork burger sale tomorrow with pick-up from 10:30 to 1:00 in the NCHS north parking lot – priced at $2.50 each, pre-orders can be made by calling 843-3276 or 553-8865 – all proceeds will go to the Quinn McClure family – donations will also be greatly appreciated

(OLNEY)  That massive low pressure system off to our southeast continues to spin clouds up into our region of Illinois, although the rain chances will diminish thru today into tonight – then some sunshine is expected with a dry Wednesday, but maybe rain again Thursday & Friday – stay tuned for weather updates.

(NEWTON)  GOP Party Chairman Pat Brady is expected to step down today – the announcement will reportedly come thru a news release late this afternoon – Brady has been under fire since last fall after announcing his support for same-sex marriage – several Republican lawmakers have called for Brady to resign, claiming he could no longer represent the GOP with views that strayed away from the platform.

(OLNEY)  Part of the new Mississippi River bridge will be named after “Stan the Man”, that is if Missouri lawmakers have their way – a bill to name a section of the new structure for the late Stan Musial was given final approval yesterday – meanwhile, lawmakers on the Illinois side of the bridge wants it to be named the Veterans Memorial Bridge – a promise made by many lawmakers to Veterans groups all over the state.

(NEWTON)  Governor Quinn has announced that federal grants worth $28 million will be distributed to qualifying community groups that want to help educate consumers about the new online marketplace for health insurance – while the national health overhaul law requires insurance marketplaces to be operating in every state by October 1st, Illinois applications will be accepted thru the end of May – officials say those that are uninsured will be able to comparison shop for affordable health plans on these marketplace sites.

(NOBLE)  The West Richland School Board met in special session last night to consider one agenda item and the Board agreed to hold an Annexation Hearing prior to the next regular monthly meeting later this month – the Annexation Hearing will be held in the High School cafeteria / commons area on Monday, May 20th, starting at 6:30, to then be followed by the Board’s regular meeting for May – all open to the public.

(OLNEY)  Olney Central College is preparing for its 49th annual commencement exercises coming up this Friday night in the OCC Gymnasium, beginning at 7:00 – OCC will confer approximately 365 degrees and certificates as all friends and relatives of the graduates are invited to attend – the 2013 Alumnus Award will be presented to Dr. Brian Atwood – the 1992 graduate of West Richland High School in Noble was a 1994 graduate of Olney Central College before earning his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2001 – again, all are invited to the commencement exercises at OCC this Friday night.

(NEWTON)  The Jasper County School District and the Jasper County Education Association are preparing to co-host a special retirement reception for District retirees tomorrow evening in the NCHS Cafeteria, from 4:00 to 6:00 – a total of eight District employees will be recognized for their many years of service to the School District and to the students of Jasper County – all are invited to attend the special event Wednesday.

(OLNEY)  In the USDA’s Crop Report, it’s reported that corn planting began last week in isolated areas of the state, however most farmers are still idle with rain-soaked farmland – while the western half of the state had most of the recent rain, most all of downstate Illinois has saturated soil – last week’s average statewide temperature was 59.5 degrees which was 2.3 degrees above normal – the state’s average precipitation last week was 1.71 inches, at least eight tenths of an inch above normal – with both the state’s topsoil & subsoil moisture levels pretty well replenished, farmers are now waiting for not only a dry down, but a warm-up as well – the state’s winter wheat crop is still mostly in good condition, although local farmers are concerned about recent flooding – there’s been some corn planting in our ten county area but most farmers remain idle.

(NEWTON)  Plans continue for the 2013 Jasper County Fair Queen Pageant, which will be held on Monday, June 24th, in Newton – applications can be picked up at Newton Community High School, at Goodwin’s Second Chance Sequins, and at the Newton Press Mentor office – contestants must be a minimum of 16 years of age and not have reached her 22nd birthday by Jan. 1st, 2014 – all applications are being accepted now thru May 10th by mailing them to Lisa Goodwin at 113 West Jourdan Street in Newton.

(OLNEY)  Secretary of State Jesse White wants more people to become organ donors – while more than 5 million people in Illinois are already registered as donors, White says more are needed – at least 300 people die every year in Illinois while waiting to receive an organ – anyone who wishes to join the list can register online at www.LifeGoesOn.com, can call 1-800-210-2106, or stop by their local Driver’s License facility.

REMINDERS  :
    There’s two more Richland County blood drives this week  :  Sunday morning at the St. Joseph Church in Olney from 8:00 to 12 noon  :  this Thursday afternoon at the First United Methodist Church in Olney from 1:00 to 6:00  :  all blood types are needed – a big “thank you” to those who gave blood yesterday at ERMS

    The Richland County Farm & Fair Association will have its annual “spring crash demo derby” this Saturday night at 7:00 in the Olney City Park – pit gates open at 3:00 – to register, call 618-392-0766

    The Jasper County Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association will have a pork burger cookout this Friday to support their local scholarship fund – it’s serving from 11:00 to 1:00 at the KC Hall in Newton – call ahead for carry-out orders at 618-783-2165 – the cost is at $3 per pork burger – check it out

    The East Richland Elementary School 5th grade classes will perform their music program “A New Day” this Friday in the ERES dining hall, along with some special presentations – three classes will perform at 9:45 Friday morning while the remaining classes will perform at 2:00 – everyone is invited to attend

    The Newton FFA has a pork burger sale this Thursday with pick-up from 10:30 to 1:00 in the NCHS north parking lot – priced at $2.50 each, pre-orders can be made starting tomorrow by calling 843-3276 or 553-8865 – all proceeds will go to the Quinn McClure family – donations will also be greatly appreciated

    It’s busy for East Richland District students tonight  :  the ERHS Senior Awards in the Sliva Auditorium are tonight at 7:30  :  the ERMS Awards will be presented tonight at 6:00 in the Middle School Gym

    It’s another “parent workshop” at the East Richland Elementary School this evening at 6:00 with various workshops available for parents & students alike, plus door prizes and childcare for those under the age of 5 - call the Middle School for last minute details

    The “Relay For Life” Survivor Dinner is this evening at the Christian Church of Olney, starting at 6:00 – it’s all leading up to next weekend’s 2013 “Relay For Life” scheduled for Saturday, May 18th

    The Olney Public Library will host a book signing today from 2:00 to 6:00 – Ruthie Shelton, the daughter of one of the Shelton Brothers gangsters, will be on hand to sign copies of her new book – also, co-author Jon Musgrave, will also be on hand with several of his books on Southern Illinois history as well

(OLNEY)  Circulation around the slow-moving low pressure system down to our southeast will continue to impact our midwestern weather with plenty of clouds and yet more rain chances today thru tomorrow night, mostly in the form of light rain or drizzle – look for some sunshine on Wednesday, but yet another frontal boundary is expected to move thru with more rain chances Thursday thru Friday – stay tuned for updates.

(NEWTON)  With area rainfall totals averaging from 1 to 3 inches over the weekend and maybe another half inch of rain possibly thru tomorrow night, all regional rivers continue to flood with crest levels likely later this week, some maybe not until the weekend – check with the National Weather Service for updates – our weekend rainfall totals were between one-and-a-half and two inches for the Newton & Olney areas.

(OLNEY)  A debate could be brewing over whether Ameren & ComEd customers will pay more in electric rates – lawmakers approved the rate increase when they passed a bill earlier this year, giving the companies the green light to raise rates a couple of times over the next few years – over the weekend, Governor Quinn refused to sign the bill, saying folks in Illinois can’t afford it – lawmakers will likely override Quinn’s veto.

(NEWTON)  State Senators will take a look at a couple of pension bills this week in an effort to determine which will work best for Illinois – the State House passed a bill last week that’ll increase retirement age, reduce raises for retirees, and force state workers to pay more toward their pensions – Union leaders call the bill “unconstitutional” and vow to file suit if it becomes law – the Union’s own bill is the other option.

(OLNEY)  Electronics recycling is up nearly 50% across Illinois – that’s good news according to State EPA officials, who say manufacturers of electronic products are getting much better at adhering to new Illinois laws – while it’s illegal to dump most types of electronic products in statewide landfills, it’s reported that last year in 2012, Illinois manufacturers recycled almost 40 million pounds of electronic-related waste.

(NEWTON)  The Jasper County School District and the Jasper County Education Association are preparing to co-host a special retirement reception for District retirees this coming Wednesday evening, May 8th, in the NCHS Cafeteria, from 4:00 to 6:00 – a total of eight District employees will be recognized for their many years of service to the School District and to the students of Jasper County – all are invited to attend.

(OLNEY)  The City of Olney has now begun weekly curbside recycling with collections taking place each week on the same day as the regular trash pick-up day, while the cost remains at $3.50 per month – while customers will continue to use their blue bins, clear recyclable plastic bags are encouraged for additional recyclables that do not fit in the bins – plus, Secure Processors is asking that the plastic bags be tied closed instead of using metal ties and place the additional bags on top or next to the recycling bin, at least three feet from the garbage tote – remember, items accepted in the curbside recycling program are newspapers, magazines, cardboard, office paper, aluminum cans, plastic shopping bags, steel & tin cans, and plastics, except for Styrofoam – for details or to sign-up for recycling, stop by City Hall during regular office hours.

(NEWTON)  Plans continue for the 2013 Jasper County Fair Queen Pageant, which will be held on Monday, June 24th, in Newton – applications can be picked up at Newton Community High School, at Goodwin’s Second Chance Sequins, and at the Newton Press Mentor office – contestants must be a minimum of 16 years of age and not have reached her 22nd birthday by Jan. 1st, 2014 – all applications are being accepted now thru May 10th by mailing them to Lisa Goodwin at 113 West Jourdan Street in Newton.

(NOBLE)  Congrats to a member of the West Richland FFA Chapter for being elected to a Section 23 Officer’s position last week – Hayden Kinkade was elected as the Section 23 Vice-President as he will serve the 13 area chapters in that VP role for the next year – a tip of the hat to the Noble student for the selection.

(OLNEY)  A Lawrence County jury deliberated for almost five hours last Friday afternoon before finding 21 year old Tyler McQueen guilty of the March 25th, 2012 slaying of 78 year old Robert Westall, who was stabbed to death in his United Methodist Village cottage in Lawrenceville – McQueen faces up to life in prison with his sentencing date set for July 28th – meanwhile, Westall’s niece, Helen, is accused of paying McQueen cash and a car in exchange for the killing – she is scheduled for trial next week, also in Lawrenceville, facing charges of solicitation to commit murder and solicitation to commit murder for hire.

(NOBLE)  The West Richland School Board has a special meeting tonight at 8:00 in Noble with only one item on the agenda – to consider an Annexation Hearing to be held May 20th, prior to the Board’s next regular meeting – the special meeting tonight will be held in High School’s cafeteria / commons area  :  the Noble Schools will have their 2013 “staff appreciation” dinner tonight at 6:30, also in the High School cafeteria – while certain staff will be recognized, the “Friends of Education” award will also be presented.

REMINDERS  :
    The Richland County Farm & Fair Association will have its annual “spring crash demo derby” this Saturday night at 7:00 in the Olney City Park – it’s big cars and little cars with concessions and more – to get registered or for more information, call and leave a message at 618-392-0766 – pit gates open at 3:00

    The Jasper County Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association will have a pork burger cookout this Friday to support their local scholarship fund – it’s serving from 11:00 to 1:00 at the KC Hall in Newton – call ahead for carry-out orders at 618-783-2165 – the cost is at $3 per pork burger – check it out

    The East Richland Elementary School 5th grade classes will perform their music program “A New Day” this Friday in the ERES dining hall, along with some special presentations – three classes will perform at 9:45 Friday morning while the remaining classes will perform at 2:00 – everyone is invited to attend

    The Newton FFA has a pork burger sale this Thursday with pick-up from 10:30 to 1:00 in the NCHS north parking lot – priced at $2.50 each, pre-orders can be made starting tomorrow by calling 843-3276 or 553-8865 – all proceeds will go to the Quinn McClure family – donations will also be greatly appreciated

    It’s another “parent workshop” at the East Richland Elementary School tomorrow evening at 6:00 – the topic is “surviving the summer academy” with various workshops available for parents & students alike, plus door prizes and childcare for those under the age of 5 – for details, call Jennifer at 395-8540, ext. 603

    The Olney Public Library will host a book signing tomorrow from 2:00 to 6:00 – Ruthie Shelton, the daughter of one of the Shelton Brothers gangsters, will be on hand to sign copies of her new book – also, co-author Jon Musgrave will have other historical books available – logon at www.IllinoisHistory.com

    The East Richland High School Music Department will present its final band concert of this school year tonight in the Sliva Auditorium, starting at 7:00 – the free event features the Jazz Bands & Concert Band

    The next area blood drive will be this afternoon & evening at the East Richland Middle School from 3:00 to 7:00 – as always, all blood types are needed – all eligible donors should get out & give blood

    The RMH Auxiliary has a fundraising “nature’s creation bird house sale” today in the private dining room at Richland Memorial Hospital – that’s from 8:00 to 4:00 – proceeds to Auxiliary activities & projects

(OLNEY)  As the cold front moves thru the Midwest, along with a low pressure system and a strong upper level low, a steady rain will continue to fall for our downstate area today thru tomorrow night – with some cooler air in place, we eventually dry out by Monday afternoon – then a little warmer – listen for updates.

(OLNEY)  With another 2 to 4 inches of rain expected this weekend on average, our area rivers will stay at or over their flood levels – this includes the Wabash, the Embarras, the Fox, and the Little Wabash, with flood stages expected into and thru most all of next week – remember, stay out of those back-waters.

(OLNEY)  With the expected rain to hang in for most of today, the TrustBank Lawn & Garden Show in Olney had been cancelled for today at the Richland County Mall - again, the TrustBank Lawn & Garden Show in Olney has been cancelled for today and will not be rescheduled.

(OLNEY)  The Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded West Nile Virus grants totaling $3.4 million to 90 certified local health departments around the state – based on West Nile Virus activity over the past three years, the grants will help local health departments fund enhanced prevention programs, which includes bird & mosquito testing – while a quiet number, the state recorded the second highest number of West Nile Virus cases last year – for more, logon at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.

(OLNEY)  A Lawrence County jury deliberated for almost five hours yesterday before finding 21 year old Tyler McQueen guilty of the March 25th, 2012 slaying of 78 year old Robert Westall, who was stabbed to death in his United Methodist Village cottage in Lawrenceville – McQueen faces up to life in prison.

(OLNEY)  Congratulations to the East Richland High School for placing in the top five of a statewide competition – the Illinois Department of Transportation, with assistance from the Illinois State Police & the Secretary of State’s Office, has announced the winning schools from the 2012-2013 Operation Teen Safe Driving program – a total of 105 schools statewide were selected initially to take part in the innovative OTSD program – the ERHS students finished in 3rd place among the Region Seven entries – first place went to Herrin and second place went to Norris City / Omaha / Enfield – behind Olney was Wayne City & Sparta – among the Region Five entries, Casey-Westfield was first & Pana was fourth – the winning schools in each of the seven regions received prizes ranging up to $2,500 to help with their a post-prom events.

(NEWTON)  The Jasper County School District and the Jasper County Education Association has jointly announced that they will be hosting a retirement reception for District retirees next Wednesday evening, May 8th, in the NCHS Cafeteria, from 4:00 to 6:00 – a total of eight District employees will be recognized and everyone is invited to attend and help thank the retirees for their many years of service to the district and to the students of Jasper County – again that’s next Wednesday at Newton Community High School.

REMINDERS  :
    The next area blood drive will be next Monday afternoon & evening at the East Richland Middle School from 3:00 to 7:00 – as always, all blood types are needed – all eligible donors should get out & give blood

    The East Richland High School Music Department will present its final band concert this school year next Monday night in the Sliva Auditorium at 7:00 – featuring the Jazz Bands & Concert Band – also, the ERHS Choir Concert is tomorrow afternoon at 3:15 in the Sliva Auditorium – both are free to anyone

    The Olney Public Library will host a “book signing” this afternoon from 2:00 until 4:00 – Erin Keyser Horn will be available to sign her book “River’s Edge” – all are invited to come out

    The Holy Cross Parish Center will host a Wendelin Wine Tasting event this evening from 6:00 to 8:30 – wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle – at $10 per person, also appetizers and live music

    The Shelter Friends will host a “micro chipping clinic” today in the Olney City Park Community Building from 9:00 to 1:30 – the cost is $30 per animal – pets must have proof of rabies vaccinations

    The Mt. Gilead Church’s Guatemala Mission Team is taking orders for smoked pork loins or rack of ribs, priced at $25 each or $40 for two – to order, call Brandy at 838-4016 by today – pickup date is next Friday

    The Claremont Community Center will host a fundraising cookout today from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Olney IGA – all proceeds will go towards the Scholarship Fund for ERHS students this year

 
    The Olney Garden Club has its Annual Plant Sale this morning from 9:00 to 11:00 at the southwest corner of the Grandstand in the Olney City Park – proceeds to Richland County beautification projects

    The monthly 4-H recycling drive is this morning from 8:00 to 11:30 at the six regular sites in Richland County – make sure all newspapers, magazines, etc.. are bundled separately when dropped off

    And a note from the Newton Water Department – all “boil water orders” have been lifted in Newton