(SPRINGFIELD) With last week’s ice and snow storm, Ameren Illinois has announced that several downstate businesses and residents were contacted by scam artists trying to prey on customers who were without power, plus others affected in other ways. Ameren officials say the scammers used their normal tactics by calling and threatening that power would not be restored unless an immediate payment was made within an hour or two, something that no electric utility does. Ameren is asking those that receive such a call to ask for a call back number and then call Ameren toll-free, at 1-800-755-5000. For more information go the the Ameren.com/stop-scams website or follow Ameren on social media for scam updates.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has announced that it is working to bring digital Ids in Apple Wallet and other forms to statewide residents in the future, with the goal of launching by the end of 2025. Officials say this capability will enable residents to securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state Ids in person and in apps by using their iPhones or Apple Watches. The offiice is working to enable similar digital Ids for other digital wallets like Google and Android. Learn more online at the ilsos.gov website.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is encouraging statewide residents to test their homes and buildings during this Radon Action Month in January. While radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, radon test kits can be purchased by calling the Illinois Radon Hotline or at most hardware & department stores. It’s recommended to conduct a short-term test and a long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Two student contest are underway with cash prizes. Go to illinois.gov for more.
(CARLYLE) The special Eagle Watch program is scheduled for a week from this Saturday morning, January 25th, at the library over in Carlyle. The free event will include two “All About Eagles” programs, presented by The World Bird Sanctuary, with one at 9:30 and the other at 10:30, featuring a live bald eagle and more. Although free, tickets are required in advance to ensure a quality experience and to help manage limited parking. Also includes an eagle craft station for children, along with eagle identification sheets and maps of local eagle nests around Carlyle Lake. For more, contact the Case-Halstead Library in Carlyle.