The Central Illinois Farm Network

5-27-12 From the National Weather Service (www.crh.noaa.gov)

         CHARLESTON - Illinois' 3rd deadliest tornado disaster on record occurred on May 26, 1917. On that date, 101 people were killed across central Illinois, most of them in the Mattoon/Charleston area. Injuries totaled approximately 638.

         Originally, this was believed to be a single tornado with a path 293 miles long, extending from the Mississippi River across from Louisiana, MO, all the way across central portions of Illinois and Indiana, ending near Mount Vernon, IN, over a total time span of 7 hours 20 minutes. This was later determined to be 4 to 8 separate tornadoes; the Illinois portion was approximately 155 miles (including times it was aloft), over a time of approximately 4 hours. The strongest part of the tornado, through Mattoon/Charleston, was later determined to be F4 intensity on the original Fujita scale.

         The destruction in Mattoon and Charleston was overwhelming. In Mattoon, nearly 500 houses were demolished. The survey results indicated that this particular part of town, where the worst of the damage occurred, consisted of cottages or small dwellings with no basements.

         To the north of the worst damage area, two manufacturing plants, a school, and a couple stores were badly damaged. In the areas closer to the business district, damage was confined to broken windows and tree limbs.

         In Charleston, the path was closer to the business district, with 15 businesses badly damaged, and two lumber yards and 2 railway stations completely destroyed; the high school, power station, and gas reservoir were badly damaged. Over 220 homes were destroyed as well. J.P. Carey reported that in both cities, the parts of town with the worst damage "were more completely demolished than if a gigantic roller had passed over them, for the buildings were broken into short sticks, split into narrow pieces, and some parts carried rods and even miles eastward."

(Above photo shows a tornado damage scene from Mattoon, from the National Weather Service)

5-27-12

         The warm weather will continue for the start of the week, as we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday and we can expect periodic chances of shower and thunderstorm activity here in Central Illinois. 

         The week is starting out with highs in the low to mid 90s under sunny skies. There is a slight chance of rain during the day Monday with a better chance on Monday night. Tuesday and Wednesday will be sunny with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Chances for showers continue Wednesday night through Friday.

         By the end of the week and into the start of next weekend, highs should only top out in the upper 60s, according to the National Weather Service. 

5-26-12

          As pools and beaches begin to open for the Memorial Day weekend, Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, state public health director, is encouraging people to learn how to avoid injury and illness while swimming.   The focus for his year’s Recreational Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week (May 21-27, 2012) is drowning prevention.

         “Swimming is a great source of exercise, but if you are not careful, you may end up sick or hurt,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.  “You can get sick from germs floating around in lakes, rivers and even swimming pools.  There are also injury hazards you need to watch out for such as slipping on wet surfaces and swimming pool equipment malfunctions.  Take the time during Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week to learn how to avoid illness and injury, before you jump in the water.”

         Every day, two children under the age of 14 years die from drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children 1-4 years old and is the seventh leading cause of unintentional injury death for all ages.

        To reduce the risk of drowning:

 Prepare by making sure that:

• Everyone knows how to swim
• Older children and adults know CPR

 When in the water, keep swimmers safe by: 

• Using life jackets that fit for younger or weaker swimmers
• Providing continuous, attentive supervision even if there is a lifeguard
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs when swimming or watching swimmers

5-24-12

          BLOOMINGTON - The county fair and 4-H show season is right around the corner. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend one of these local fairs!

*Livingston County Fair and 4-H Show, July 16-19 in Pontiac

*Woodford County 4-H Fair, July 23-26 in Eureka

*McLean County Fair and 4-H Show, August 1-5 in Bloomington

         “4-H fairs or shows are often the highlight of the 4-H year for many participants,” said Denise Legvold, 4-H State Program Leader.

        “From a youth development perspective, fairs allow 4-H members to display projects and to participate in educational experiences critiqued by an adult expert. Fairs provide a showcase for recognition of youth and allow an avenue for young people to practice the life skills of teamwork, cooperation, communication, sportsmanship, and club pride and unity.” 

        For more information, contact Cathy Blunier, and Extension Unit Educator with 4-H Youth Development in Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties, 309-467-3789, cblunier@illinois.edu.                    

5-24-12

         University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with Sugar Grove Nature Center, Heartland Community College, Parklands Foundation, Illinois Prairie Wild Ones, and McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District will offer the Illinois Master Naturalist (ILMN) training this fall.

        The Illinois Master Naturalist (ILMN) program provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. The program is designed for any adult, aged 18 or over, who is committed to life-long learning and stewardship of local resources. They must be members of the local community who are interested in habitats, ecosystems, natural resources and the environment and who are willing to devote time to volunteering and on-going training.

       The training course will be offered on Fridays, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, August 10 - October 26. Applicants will be informally interviewed in June. Once accepted, trainees will be required to attend all training classes, which will be led by University of Illinois Extension educators and regional scientists. Cost for the program is $250, which consists of approximately 70 hours of classroom/field instruction and two field trips on topics related to local ecosystems.   

       For further information on this program or to express an interest, please visit the Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalist webpage at www.mcleanextension.org  to download a brochure/interest form, or call Sharon Becker, Horticulture Program Coordinator, at 309-663-8306.

5-22-12

         SPRINGFIELD, IL – As the summer boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police are reminding the public to “Wear It!” in conjunction with the North American Safe Boating Campaign’s National Safe Boating week, May 19-25. 

        “The ‘Wear It!’ message is a simple, straightforward and easy message to understand. Everyone on board a boat should wear their life jacket from the time they get on until the time they get off the vessel.  It could literally save your life,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. 

        Statistics compiled by the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement show that there were 103 reportable boating accidents in 2011, resulting in 70 injuries and 21 fatalities.  Those totals compare with 102 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters in 2010, resulting in 73 injuries and 16 fatalities.  There were 102 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters in 2009, resulting in 71 injuries and 25 fatalities.

        Illinois Conservation Police are responsible for patrolling public waters of the state and will be on the water this boating season checking for sobriety by boat operators and compliance with boating laws in Illinois.

       Illinois law requires that personal floatation devices (PFDs) – life jackets or life vests – be available for each person aboard a boat or other watercraft.  State law also requires that anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property.  Illinois law also requires persons of any age to wear a PFD while operating a personal watercraft or jet ski.

5-20-12

          ROOKS CREEK Township (Livingston Co.) - The Livingston County Coroner's Office says the body of an 84-year-old man has been pulled from a private quarry northwest of Pontiac. 

         Burdette Janssen's body was found on Friday afternoon following a ground search by police and firefighters and a plane search by Illinois State Police. Also, dive teams assisted in the search.

         Officials say an autopsy has been ordered to determine if a medical event precipitated Janssen's entry into the water. Janssen was reported missing around noon after visiting the quarry in rural areas of Rooks Creek Township in Livingston County. 

5-18-12

         PAXTON - About 35 miles of Illinois township and county roads are being repaired as promised. 

        The roads were used by the developer of the Pioneer Trail Wind Farm last year to build the 94-turbine wind farm near Paxton.  The work is being done as required by a road-use agreement between Ford and Iroquois counties and E.On Climate Renewables.

5-17-12

        CHICAGO - Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced a lawsuit has been filed against a Peoria County minerals operation for alleged water pollution caused by discharges from stockpiled road salt at its facility along the Illinois River at 7023 Cilco Lane, Bartonville.

       Carrie Scharf Materials Co. receives salt via barge and conveys it over the Illinois River levee to stockpile at its Bartonville site for future sale. According to Madigan’s suit, inspections from 2008 through 2011 by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) revealed salt residue on the conveyer supports and beneath the conveyor, indicating salt spillage directly into the Illinois River.

       Madigan’s suit, filed May 9 in Peoria County Circuit Court, seeks the maximum statutory civil penalty of $50,000 for each violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, as well as an additional $10,000 for each day the violation continued on three counts of water pollution. Three other counts allege various permit violations that could result in a penalty of up to $10,000 per day.

5-11-12

          Last weekend’s storms which rolled through Central Illinois serve as a reminder for people to always avoid downed power lines and poles. 

         Many power outages last week were caused by lightning and strong winds knocking down power poles.  Experts say to always stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs and debris may hide an electrical hazard. 

         Keep in mind: a downed power line that is energized can cause other things around it to become potentially hazardous. Lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live. 

5-9-12

          GRIDLEY – Some bridge replacement projects are underway in McLean County. 

          A couple of rural bridges are closed through June 30, for replacement.  This includes 2950 North Road in Gridley Township, between 2080 and 2280 East Roads and the Meadows Road, also known as 2480 East Road, between 2700 and 2900 North. 

        Construction began the week of April 9 on these structures, which was the start of planting season for many area farmers.  The McLean County Highway Department says to be aware of the road crews by slowing down and moving over. Also, if you cannot see the outside mirrors on the vehicle in front of you – they cannot see you. 

        McLean County maintains 366 miles of county highway, second only to Cook County.  McLean is also the largest in Illinois at 1,186 square miles, which is actually larger than the state of Rhode Island. In addition to the county roads, the McLean County Highway Department helps the 30 area townships with their 1,539 miles of roadway. 

(Above photo shows bridge replacement work taking place on County Highway 23, also known as the Meadows Road, between McLean County 2700 & 2900 North)

5-8-12

         PONTIAC – After a lingering front impacted much of the area Sunday into Monday, it appears Livingston County received some of the higher rainfall amounts. 

        In Livingston County, three inches of rain was reported near Odell, with around 1.5 inches in Pontiac and .8 in the southwestern part of the county. 

       In McLean County, about .7 was recorded near Bloomington-Normal, with only .3 falling in western McLean County and around one inch to the south. 

       The National Weather Service did issue a flood warning for much of the day Monday, since some additional rain had fallen on the already saturated ground. The heaviest rainfall amounts occurred in a line from Ottawa to Streator to Odell and Ashkum. 

       There were numerous reports of impassable roads, as anywhere from two to nearly seven inches of rain had occurred across much of the warned area since Sunday afternoon. 

5-8-12

         Jacksonville, IL  - People in West Central Illinois are likely trying to fight off buffalo gnats. 

        The annoying insects have been out in full force from May to July for the last couple of years.  Illinois College Biology Professor Larry Zettler says he's starting to see them in his yard. 

        The gnats can bite and often cause skin irritations, but Zettler says anyone who owns chickens, pheasants or turkeys should watch out because the bugs seem to like poultry more than humans.

5-6-12

        Towns up and down the "Mother Road," from Towanda to Joliet, took part in the annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival over the weekend.

        There were events for everyone in the various towns, ranging from children's games and inflatables to garage sales, flea markets and auto shows.

        Carnivals were open to visitors in Pontiac and Chenoa while the Odell historic Standard Oil station was on display.  Also, Pontiac's Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum opened a brand new 1940s exhibit while the towns other museums were open as well. 

5-5-12

         SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert headlines a star-studded, 2012, Illinois State Fair Grandstand entertainment line-up that also features country singers Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert, pop artist Demi Lovato and rock icon Cheap Trick.

        “This is one of the most solid concert line-ups that we’ve assembled,” State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick said.  “From the first night to the last, the acts are top-notch.  I’m looking forward to great shows and memorable performances.”

        Church, whose latest album, “Chief,” reached number one on the country charts and produced his first number one single, “Drink in My Hand,” will open the State Fair Grandstand concerts Friday, Aug. 10. 

        Lovato, the Disney star who was recently crowned Favorite Pop Artist by the People’s Choice Awards, will share the stage Saturday, Aug. 11, with Hot Chelle Rae, a Nashville, Tenn., rock band best known for its 2011, double platinum song “Tonight Tonight.”

        Christian rapper TobyMac will perform Sunday, Aug. 12. He has recorded six number one singles, including “Gone,” “Made to Love” and “Lose My Soul,” and his 2009 album “Alive and Transported” won a Grammy for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.   

       The cast of Million Dollar Quartet will give a free concert Monday, Aug. 13.  The musical is currently running at the Apollo Theater in Chicago and was inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.  New Odyssey, a talented trio that plays 30 different instruments during its show, will open for the Million Dollar Quartet.

      Tuesday, Aug. 14, country rocker Brantley Gilbert, whose songwriting credits include the Jason Aldean hits “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party,” will headline.  Gilbert has had recent success as a solo artist, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart with his single “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Charlie Daniels will open the show, singing hits from his illustrious, 50-year career in music, a career that has produced such classics as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “In America” and “Uneasy Rider.” 

5-2-12

         FAIRBURY - On average, the month of April was slightly cooler than March according to weather records at the Central Illinois Farm Network headquarters in southern Livingston County.

        The average high for April was 66 with an average low of 43.1.  That's compared to an average high of 66.2 in March and an average March low of 44.9. The warmest temperature of 84 occurred on April 3, while the coolest temperature of 27 was recorded on April 11. Precipitation for the month reached 1.65 inches of rain.

4-30-12

         BLOOMINGTON  - Residents of McLean County will be getting their property tax bills soon. 

        The bills were mailed on Friday, with the first installment due by June 4 and the second installment due by September 4. 

        According to the McLean County Treasurer's Office, $293 million will be collected from 67,000 taxpayers in 200 taxing districts.

4-28-12

         CORNELL -  A small shed in rural Cornell was destroyed by fire on Thursday afternoon. 

         Firefighters were called to the location, along Illinois Route 23, around 2 p.m.  The cause of the fire is unknown and there were no injuries reported.  It was not immediately known if there were contents in the shed.

4-27-12

         CHICAGO — As the 2012 construction season gets into full swing, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Illinois State Police (ISP), Local Laborers Union, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association and other highway safety partners today launched the Embrace the Orange campaign and announced their participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 23-27. The coalition is leading efforts to help reduce traffic related crashes, injuries and fatalities in work zones.

       “With 2012 construction under way, the Embrace the Orange campaign strongly encourages all motorists and workers to be extremely cautious this year and take all necessary steps to be aware and protect themselves in and around work zones,” said Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Last year, 21 fatal crashes in work zones occurred across the state, including one of IDOT’s own employees. Although this marks the lowest rate in four years, IDOT and its partners are determined to help ensure that there are no more work zone fatalities - one work zone crash, fatality or injury is one too many.”

      Speed and inattentiveness are major contributing factors to work zone crashes. Conditions such as narrow or reduced lanes, edge drop offs, equipment next to moving lanes of traffic and lane closures require a reduction in speed to safely travel through work zones.

      “Work zone speed limits are in place to protect workers and drivers alike,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “Drivers will see construction across major sections of the Tollway this summer, so please slow down, stay alert and remember that texting while driving is illegal in Illinois.”