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Ameren offers tips on preventing copper theft

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Monday, June 13th, 2011, 2:35pm

Ameren offers tips on preventing copper theft

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - According to Ameren, thieves are risking their lives and the lives of innocent people to steal copper and other metals with a high global price.

Ameren says copper thefts can cause extensive power outages and fires that could injure or kill innocent people. Not only has copper been stolen from Ameren utility facilities but thieves have targeted copper wire and pipes at businesses, private homes and apartments.

Ameren offers these tips as the best line of defense against copper theft:

If you have information about a copper theft, report it immediately
Immediately report any suspicious activity around Ameren utility electric substations or other utility facilities
When away from home, make sure your house and outbuildings are securely locked. If you are gone for an extended period of time, notify police and have a trusted friend or neighbor watch your property.

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Humane society needs dog walkers

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, June 9th, 2011, 4:32pm

DUQUOIN, IL (KFVS) - The Perry County Humane Society needs dog walkers.

If anyone is interested in volunteering at the humane society by walking dogs, you can call them at 618-542-DOGS (3647).

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Ill. EPA cites companies for disposal violations

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011, 3:46pm

Ill. EPA cites companies for disposal violations

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois EPA has cited a landfill, three haulers and a waste water treatment plant for violations of the Environmental Protection Act.

According to the EPA, several paperwork violations are being alleged and the violations focus on the leachate that the landfill sent to the waste water treatment plant over the last three years.

The EPA said they sent violation notices to the owner and certified operator of several companies including:

Southern Illinois Regional Landfill, Inc. - Jackson County
Village of Elkville's waste water treatment plant - Jackson County
Freedom Transfer Corporation - Franklin County
Freedom TNT, Inc. - Franklin County
Barr Trucking, Inc. - Perry County

Tracking and reporting of wastes that go into and are removed from a landfill is important in ensuring the safety of the public and surrounding environment.

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Gov. Quinn asks Obama to declare 14 counties major disaster areas

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011, 3:44pm

Gov. Quinn asks Obama to declare 14 counties major disaster areas

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn asked President Obama to declare 14 Ill. counties major disaster areas on Tuesday, May 24.

Counties requested include: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, White and Williamson.

If Quinn's request is approved, people in the approved counties would be eligible for grants and low-interest SBA loans. Also, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

"During the floods, I met with local officials and people affected by the flooding, listened to their stories and saw the widespread devastation caused by the floodwaters," said Quinn. "Federal assistance is needed to help them recover from this disaster. That's why we worked quickly to document the damage and submit this request for federal assistance. I ask President Obama to quickly approve this request to help people begin the recovery process."

U.S.

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Southern Ill. parks, DNR areas closed due to flooding

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, May 20th, 2011, 5:21pm

Southern Ill. parks, DNR areas closed due to flooding

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released a list of current closures for parks and DNR sites in Southern Illinois.

Because of storm damage and flooding, the DNR asks the public to call any park in the southern region before they visit. The DNR's list of closures include:

Beall Woods State Park – Tuliptree is open with a small portion under water (can walk around that section); White oak upland area is open, however the bottomland area is closed due to flooding; Ridgway is closed due to high water; Schneck is closed due to high water; Sweet Gum is closed due to high water.
Cache River State Natural Area - Section 8 Woods Boardwalk is closed until further notice.

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IDPH: floodwater mosquitoes don't carry West Nile virus

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, May 13th, 2011, 5:28pm

IDPH: floodwater mosquitoes don't carry West Nile virus

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, weeks of rain and flooding in Southern Illinois are the perfect conditions for mosquitoes.

The department said within weeks, floodwater mosquitoes will appear, but they are rarely infected with the West Nile virus. However, as floodwater recedes into ditches, catch basins or other areas where water will sit stagnant, house mosquitos will appear and they are often infected with WNV.

“With the floodwaters and increasing temperatures, we’re going to start seeing increased mosquito activity,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “It is important to protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and taking other precautions.”

Last year 30 of Illinois' 102 counties had a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case.

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Red Cross offers tips on earthquake preparedness

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011, 11:47am

Red Cross offers tips on earthquake preparedness

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Red Cross is encouraging everyone to register for the ShakeOut to learn about their earthquake risk and how to prepare and respond when an earthquake strikes.

he Red Cross offers these tips on preparing and making a plan for an earthquake.

Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:

A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include: