Jim Whisler Stories | Sangamon Sun

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Illinois goes orange for Work Zone Awareness Week

By Jim Whisler | Apr 12, 2022

Bridges and buildings throughout the state are once again turning orange for National Work Zone Awareness Week and to honor those who have died in work zones as another road construction season gets underway in Illinois and across the country.

Illinois Board of Higher Education Announces 2021-2022 List of Diversifying Higher Education Faculty Fellows

By Jim Whisler | Oct 28, 2021

The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is proud to announce the new list of 103 graduate students in the state’s Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program.

Steer clear: Deer mating season is here

By Jim Whisler | Oct 5, 2021

As the days get shorter, the temperatures drop and the leaves change color and fall, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists that autumn is accompanied by deer mating season in Illinois. During this time of year, deer become especially active, mainly at dawn and dusk from October through December.

Illinois State Museum Temporarily Closes Archaeology Exhibits at Dickson Mounds

By Jim Whisler | Sep 30, 2021

The Illinois State Museum today announced the temporary closure of its second-floor archaeology exhibitions at its Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, Illinois. All other aspects of Dickson Mounds’ exhibitions, programs, and grounds remain open and active.

Child Passenger Safety Week: Free seat checks available

By Jim Whisler | Sep 22, 2021

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that certified child passenger safety technicians are offering free car seat safety checks throughout the state as part of Child Passenger Safety Week this week, highlighted by National Seat Check Saturday on Saturday, Sept. 25.

State Fire Marshal Encourages Higher Education Students to Create and Practice a Fire Safety Plan

By Jim Whisler | Sep 8, 2021

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Eastern Illinois University and Charleston Fire Department are hosting an event urging students to create and practice a fire escape plan.

Multi-Agency Resource Center to Open in Ford County for Residents Impacted by Flash Flooding

By Jim Whisler | Aug 20, 2021

Governor JB Pritzker today announced the State of Illinois is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Ford County this weekend to help residents recover recent flash flooding.

ICC Announces New 464 Area Code for 708 Region

By Jim Whisler | Aug 18, 2021

The Illinois Commerce Commission is announcing the addition of a 464 area code to south suburban counties presently served by the 708 area code. The 464 area code will “overlay” the existing territory in order to supplement the telephone number supply.

Illinois Interagency Fire Crew Returns from Deployment in Minnesota

By Jim Whisler | Aug 18, 2021

The Illinois Interagency Wildland Fire Crew returned recently from a 17-day deployment to assist in containing wildfires in northern Minnesota. The 20-person crew made up of highly trained wildland firefighters from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and a member of a community fire department trained to fight structure fires, was deployed to Bemidji, Minnesota to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Pritzker Requests Federal Review of Damage Assessments in Ford County

By Jim Whisler | Aug 18, 2021

overnor JB Pritzker today formally requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to conduct a joint preliminary damage assessment in Ford County, working alongside local and state emergency managers, to review and verify damages associated with the August 12 storm that dumped nearly nine (9) inches of rain in and around Gibson City.

Tech Prairie STEAM Expo to Showcase Innovators Throughout Illinois

By Jim Whisler | Aug 18, 2021

Tech Prairie STEAM Expo, a new destination at the Illinois State Fair, is set to open this week on Wednesday, August 18 in the Orr Building. The Expo will showcase drone racing, Esports competitions, interactive exhibits and demonstrations from over 30 organizations throughout Illinois highlighting the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in K-12 education, postsecondary education, research, business and industry.

Sale of Champions Invest in Tomorrow's Agricultural Leaders

By Jim Whisler | Aug 18, 2021

Being in the Governor’s Sale of Champions is something all livestock exhibitors dream about, but few are able to accomplish. Each year, this marquee event of the Illinois State Fair Ag Day festivities showcases the hard work and dedication of the youth in the agriculture industry.

Annual AG Day Breakfast and Program

By Jim Whisler | Aug 17, 2021

2021 Ag Day Breakfast and Program

IDOL Ride Inspectors Complete Safety Inspections in Advance of State Fair Opening

By Jim Whisler | Aug 13, 2021

In advance of opening day, ride inspectors with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) spent a week at the State Fairgrounds Midway certifying rides and attractions to confirm they are safe for use when the gates open on August 12th.