New DNR chief learned love of outdoors growing up in Mattoon Apr 18, 2009
He was named senior policy adviser and liaison to the Illinois River Coordinating Council in 2004, which was headed by Quinn. During that time, Quinn expressed to Miller the need for a natural resources professional at DNR a position perfect for the ardent fisherman. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hiking event Apr 18, 2009
The ;Hike the Hennepin Challenge; has been developed by the Friends of the Hennepin Canal as an opportunity for everyone to get to know the canal personally by hiking it from the Illinois River to the Mississippi, including the feeder canal, in small legs. You need not be a member of the Friends to join in any of the hikes. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Wading in to restore rivers Apr 17, 2009
Palmer said he also enjoys the North Fork of the John Day River and called the Illinois River a phenomenal wild river ... There was another big dam proposed for the Santiam River, as well as the Illinois River and Snake River. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Phil Luciano: Hog-wild wedding truly one of a kind Apr 16, 2009
" Neither will anyone else in this Illinois River town of 2,500 residents 30 miles north of Peoria. Taran grew up here, and about five years ago ran into a cousin who had brought to Henry a visitor from his Army days: James, a native of Boston. Taran and James hit it off, so much so that James - sort of like "Green Acres," with a reversal of genders - gave up the East Coast to relocate to the sticks. A year after meeting, the pair had a son, Andon. Soon, the altar began to beckon. "She was... (Medfield Press, MA)
B-N's Ewing Park called birders' 'oasis' during weekend walk Apr 12, 2009
Not so Political wrote on Apr 11, 2009 9:45 PM:" There is a large flock of Freash water Pelicans living along the Illinois river moving around from Havana to the Banner Marsh area. Many migrating birds have started moving back into the area for the summer. It is a great site to see all these birds. Pelicans, Heron, Egrets, Bald and Golden Eagles and many smaller birds. Take the drive you will love it. ". Not so Political wrote on Apr 11, 2009 9:41 PM:" The Painted Bunting is found in thickets,... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Trail's history is highlight of Saturday hike Apr 11, 2009
The hike will begin at Oak Flat, three miles south of Agness on the first road to the right just past the Illinois River Bridge. Hikers will walk at a leisurely rate and learn about the history of the area. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Father, and son, know best in the MWC Apr 1, 2009
Ladd;s Tom Giachetto Jr. (front) and his father Tom Giachetto Sr., also of Ladd, fish the Illinois River during last weekend;s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament in Spring Valley. (BCR photo/Chris Yucus). (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
MWC officials keeping close eye on forecast Mar 24, 2009
SPRING VALLEY The Illinois River reopened for recreational vehicles Monday morning after being closed due to unsafe conditions with flood-level waters. Whether or not the river remains open for this weekend s Spring Valley Walleye Club s Master Walleye Circuit Tournament remains to be seen. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Before railroads, stage lines crisscrossed the prairies Mar 15, 2009
Stage and steamer lines were linked, and the Pekin wharf gave access to not only the navigable stretches of the Illinois River, but the Mississippi and Ohio as well. There was also stage traffic running north-south, connecting Bloomington with either Decatur or Springfield, through irregular service. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
AG not confident in poultry case appeal Mar 13, 2009
Edmondson, who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday, is seeking to overturn a federal judge's refusal to stop the industry from spreading chicken waste in the Illinois River watershed. He sued 13 Arkansas poultry companies in 2005, claiming that over-application of poultry litter in the watershed could be a danger to human health. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
DNR river closures Mar 12, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Due to rising water levels, swift currents and floating debris, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is restricting recreational boating access on the Illinois River in Grundy, LaSalle, Bureau and Putnum counties. Likewise, IDNR has also restricted access to the Des Plaines and DuPage Rivers in Will County, as well as the Kankakee River in Will and Grundy and Kankakee counties. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Scenic byway captured by Illinois artist Mar 5, 2009
A regional artist will be traveling the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway and the six other Illinois National Scenic Byways to capture the scenic beauty for a keepsake book ... These include; Illinois Lincoln Highway, Illinois River Road, Great River Road, Historic Route 66, Meeting of the Great Rivers (already completed), Historic National Road, and Ohio Scenic Byway. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Mayor criticizes AG's office amid E. coli probe Mar 4, 2009
Edmondson is suing 13 poultry companies saying the waste has polluted the Illinois River watershed. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (KSLA.com, LA)
Next stop for PHS' Shaw: Illinois Central College volleyball Feb 28, 2009
The ICC campus, which is located on the hilltop of East Peoria overlooking the Illinois River, is building a new 14. 5 million athletic facility that will be ready for Shaw's sophomore season in 2010, Sinclair said. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Wells near Okla. E. coli outbreak test positive Feb 26, 2009
Edmondson sued 13 Arkansas poultry companies in 2005, claiming that the excessive land application of chicken waste in the 1 million-acre Illinois River watershed could be a danger to public health. Companies named in that complaint include Tyson Foods Inc., Tyson Poultry Inc., Tyson Chicken Inc., Cobb-Vantress Inc., Cal-Maine Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., Cargill Turkey Production L.L.C., George's Inc., George's Farms Inc., Peterson Farms Inc., Simmons Foods Inc., Cal-Maine Farms Inc. and Willow... (North County Times)
Cub Scouts Troop 33 fill winter with adventure Feb 25, 2009
Another weekend offered adventures along the Illinois River ... After visiting the memorial, the remainder of their afternoon involved a large sledding hill at Allen Park in Ottawa, located along the south bank of the Illinois River. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
TransPORT district raises awareness Feb 21, 2009
Forty businesses situated near and along the Illinois River depend on access to shipping through terminals on the waterway from Henry to Havana ... The 70-acre site is close to the Illinois River and has tremendous advantages for central Illinois, Jaeger said. (Pekin Times, IL)
Archaeologists unearth surprisingly pristine site in Louisa County (4795) Feb 13, 2009
The Weaver culture was initially defined as being located in the Central Illinois River Valley because of distinct pottery and projectile points discovered there. The Oak Village site is one of only three known ring midden villages associated with the Weaver culture. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Documenting the cycle of an American icon Feb 12, 2009
pauses along the ice-covered Illinois River near Chillicothe, Ill ... Now in retirement, Miller, 70, travels up and down the Illinois River, across the country and north to Alaska documenting the life cycle of the American bald eagle ... Now in retirement, Miller is a wildlife photographer, traveling up and down the Illinois River, across the country and north to Alaska documenting the life cycle of the American bald eagle. (Helena Independent Record)
(More)IEPA looks at Lake DePue report Feb 10, 2009
With the lake s proximity to the village and the Illinois river, it s a matter of local and state concern. In the past, village officials have criticized the speed at which remedial site studies and cleanup plans have been unfolding at DePue s Superfund site and adjacent areas. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Knight gives reading, presentation at Carthage Public Library Feb. 19 Feb 8, 2009
The book follows the arrival of European miners in the Illinois River valley, where they work for a friendly ex-miner who eventually loses his company to other business interests that exploit the operation and its labor force. ADVERTISEMENT. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Central Illinois' role in Lincoln's life featured in new docudrama Feb 8, 2009
The 8th circuit encompassed 10,000 square miles from the Illinois River eastward to the Indiana border. The people who lived here were mostly racist at the time, Fraker said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Oregon Recreation Report Feb 8, 2009
ILLINOIS RIVER: steelhead, trout ... Illinois River flows at Kerby ... The Illinois River is open for steelhead and adipose fin-clipped trout Jan 1 Mar 31 and May 23-Dec 31. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Westfall, Orville Feb 8, 2009
As a child, Orville spent many hours on the Illinois River dragging for mussel shells and fishing. He was known for being very outspoken, and loved mowing and taking care of his wife, "Mom". (Pittsfield Pike Press, IL)
Market Forecaster for March 31 Apr 1, 2008
The USCG said Monday that high-water conditions now exist on more than 180 miles of the Illinois River, as well as most of the middle-to-lower Mississippi River ... With the supply of available empty barges effectively restricted, rates charged for spot barge rentals have risen by 10-40 percentage points during the past week, placing tariffs at 460 percent of the benchmark 1976 rate on the Illinois River, and 285 percent-380 percent of par-value on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
(More)Masters Walleye Circuit ready Mar 27, 2008
There will be just more than 300 fisherman and 156 boats entering the Illinois River, which is sponsored locally by the Spring Valley Walleye Club and nationally by Cabella s.. The 156 boats are down from previous years, and Hurless said there is an easy explanation for that. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Morgan found guilty in murder of Curless Mar 26, 2008
Jessica's personal effects were thrown away just as she was thrown away by Hershel Morgan, said Stroh, referring to Curless' property found floating in the Illinois River after Morgan cleaned out the car in which Curless was murdered. Morgan had claimed in videotaped interviews shown in court last week that he was present when White killed Curless. (Pekin Times, IL)
Budget crisis hampers river efforts Mar 26, 2008
PEORIA - Efforts to save the Illinois River are on hold - and Illinois may lose millions of federal dollars -because the state has held funds ... "It's just a disgrace. The dysfunction of the state is now visited on the soil rvation districts and the Illinois River and Wildlife Prairie Park and the rest of the system. ... It's contemptible what's going on in this state - or not going on." Terry Bibo can be reached at (309) 686-3189 or. (Macomb Journal, IL)
Council to vote on fire station study Mar 22, 2008
It also covers city-owned property on the west bank of the Illinois River and the Midwest Generation Powerton Plant. Comments. (Pekin Times, IL)
Witness: ‘Pinky swear' led to confession Mar 21, 2008
When asked by Assistant State's Attorney Mike Stroh about Fuller's relationship with Morgan, the teen said the two would spend time fishing together in the Illinois River or going for walks ... Two days later, Hunter said he went to the Illinois River with Morgan and Carlos Hobson in Curless' car. (Pekin Times, IL)
Bridges damaged by flooding Mar 21, 2008
Near Tahlequah, homes were evacuated and flooded campgrounds along the Illinois River were shut down. The good news, there are no reports of any injuries or deaths. (FOX23.com, OK)
Fishing guides now available Mar 20, 2008
An Illinois River Valley chapter meeting will be held at 6 p.m. tonight at Presley's Outdoors in Bartonville. The Bartonville Ducks Unlimited has Duck Hunters Night Out at 5 p.m. Saturday at Bartonville American Legion. (Pekin Times, IL)
Expert's testimony, evidence focus of trial Mar 20, 2008
David told the detective that Coker said he found Curless' wallet on the bank of the Illinois River near Peoria while arrowhead hunting. Nearby, Swearengen and other detectives found a sweater belonging to Curless, floating in the water. (Pekin Times, IL)
Pekin teams return with medals Mar 18, 2008
NORMAL The three basketball teams representing Pekin-based Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association each finished the two-day Special Olympics Illinois State Basketball tournament Sunday returning home with medals and trophies, but due to comparatively different results. IRVSRA's two men's teams, IRVSRA White and IRVSRA Black, so designated by the color of their jerseys, and all nicknamed the Flames, did well, taking first and second place, respectively, bringing home gold and silver... (Pekin Times, IL)
Lynch working to get Fulton County more funding, recognition Mar 16, 2008
"I was just at a Farm Bureau meeting in Astoria, and I've been to several tourism meetings, including the recent session at Dickson Mounds for the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. That's been my main focus so far.". Lynch said his eventual responsibility will be to "keep an eye on expenditures and find ways to generate additional income for the county without raising taxes," particularly in getting grants for the county. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
‘Hike the Hennepin’ set for Sunday Mar 15, 2008
The Hike the Hennepin Challenge has been developed by the Friends of the Hennepin Canal as an opportunity for the public to get to know the canal by hiking it from the Illinois River to the Mississippi (including the Feeder Canal) in small legs. Those participating need not be a member of the Friends of the Canal to take part in any of the hikes. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
Federal judge mulls injunction against spreading chicken waste on Oklahoma farms Mar 15, 2008
(AP) -- Bacteria from the waste of more than 140 million chickens raised each year in the Illinois River watershed has polluted the land and poses a serious health threat, Oklahoma's attorney general told a federal judge. "Have we indeed poisoned the river?" Drew Edmondson asked U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Groups call for investments in river Mar 9, 2008
PEORIA A bi-partisan group and the Dirksen Congressional Center held a symposium Friday to encourage support for projects aimed at cleaning up and shaping up the Illinois River ... LaHood opened the meeting by talking about the importance of protecting the Illinois River ... It provides many opportunities for many groups of people all throughout the Illinois River Valley, said LaHood. (Pekin Times, IL)
Towns watch salt supplies melt away Mar 9, 2008
Freezing temperatures occasionally made the Great Lakes impassable for supply ships, while ice on the Illinois River delayed barges from reaching northern destinations. Such sluggish access to fresh supplies has been just one of the many hurdles Jeffrey Mantes, Milwaukee's public works commissioner, has faced this year. (Q13.com, WA)
Illinois Indians Exhibit opens at Dickson Mounds Mar 8, 2008
The Illinois Indians, consisting of at least twelve groups including the Kaskaskia, Peoria, Cahokia, Tamaroa, Moingwena, and Metchigamea, resided in the region when Marquette and Jolliet made their epic journey down the Mississippi River and up the Illinois River in 1673. The exhibit presents views of the Illinois Indians through the focus of their relationships with the land, other Indian tribe, the French, the British, and the Americans. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Pontiac, Watseka will receive federal help for flood damage Mar 8, 2008
In the Know wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:49 PM:" Does it matter, I would think it all channels together running to the Illinois river. I hope people don't think this is free money. It's for low interest loans and a FEW grants..no freebies. ". Michelle24 wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:46 PM:" I hope now all of you affected will see much needed relief. ". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Specialist: Poultry Not Polluting River Mar 8, 2008
An infectious disease specialist testified Friday that chicken litter does not pose a threat to the Illinois River watershed. Dr. Herbert Dupont (nyse: - - ) of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston said the bacteria count in the Illinois River is too low to cause illnesses such as salmonella ... Lawrence said that because of the level of contamination in the watershed, swimmers and canoeists in the Illinois River need to be informed of the risk. (Forbes)
Park district: Stop blocking bike path, trail Mar 7, 2008
PEKIN Park District officials want to get tough with people who obstruct the walking path/bike trail that stretches from the Illinois River to Allentown Road. Pekin Park District Director Bob Blackwell said park workers had to remove large mounds of snow from park trails this winter at the expense of taxpayers. (Pekin Times, IL)
Maid-Rite identifies Canton as good location for restaurant, seeks franchisee Mar 5, 2008
In our opinion, a Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe restaurant in Canton would be very successful because of the population size of the city of approximately 14,797 residents, plus the students from Spoon River College, along with the traffic from U.S. Highway 24 and the presence of major employers such as Graham Hospital, Illinois River Correctional Center and Canton Community Schools. The entire community would enjoy our famous sandwiches, thick Blue Bunny malts and shakes and our home made pies,... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Hearing on Poultry Waste Put on Hold Mar 5, 2008
The sixth day of a hearing on Oklahoma's preliminary injunction request to stop poultry companies from disposing of animal waste in the Illinois River watershed was put on hold Tuesday after the judge became ill. U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell is hearing the matter. (Houston Chronicle)
Illinois River Road Scenic Byway subject of community meeting Mar 4, 2008
LEWISTOWN -- A community meeting to share interpretive findings and recommendations for the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway was held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Dickson Mounds ... Anaise Berry, Director of the Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway, gave an update on the project, which began in 2005 ... The Illinois River Road consists of 291 miles going through 10 counties with seven "gateway" communities -- Ottawa, Princeton, Peoria, East Peoria, Pekin, Canton, and Havana. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
From tap to sewer to tap. Ew? Mar 3, 2008
" Advocates say the 2.3 million residents won't notice a difference in their tap. West's water needs riseSome experts predict Orange County's initiative will become a popular, cost-effective way to quench the thirst of the West, which has seen a huge influx of people over the past few decades. Conveniently next to the wastewater plant in the heart of the county, the new purification facility produces 70 million gallons of water a day, enough for 500,000 people for 24 hours, officials said. The... (FOX59, IN)
Okla. Fight Over Poultry Waste Escalates Mar 3, 2008
Oklahoma Attorney General Seeks Halt to Poultry Waste Disposal in Illinois River Watershed ... However inexpensive, decades of mass-dumping of the litter has wreaked havoc in the 1-million-acre Illinois River watershed, turning it into a murky, sludgy mess, environmentalists say. (ABC News -- Wire)
Riding the Illinois River Road Mar 1, 2008
About 30 area residents attended an informational meeting Thursday night on the Illinois River Road Route of the Voyageurs ... PRINCETON About 30 local residents interested in the Illinois River Road attended an informational meeting at the Princeton Public Library Thursday ... In September 2005, the Illinois River Road Route of the Voyageurs was announced as a National Scenic Byways. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
County acts on wind farm ordinance Feb 29, 2008
In October, the county began dumping 10,000 tons of Illinois River sludge on the landfill. Harris said the mud was just a drop in the bucket. (Pekin Times, IL)
Pirtle honored asYMCA presidential term ends Feb 29, 2008
As fellow businessmen, we both like numbers and budgets, although the budget Mark works with at Illinois River Correctional Center is quite a bit larger than mine. He also looks at customer service, or in the YMCA s case, member satisfaction as he did when he was the Canton Hy-Vee Manager. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Monday night and Tuesday more proof of wet winter Feb 27, 2008
Not surprisingly, there are flood warnings along the Illinois River at Peoria, Havana and Beardstown, the weather service said Tuesday night. It also cautions drivers not to drive through standing water on any road anywhere. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Artifact ID Day is success Feb 27, 2008
In the past, objects brought to the museum by citizens have resulted in exciting discoveries, such as the remains of a 2,300-year-old bison along the Illinois River. Also of interest this year was the vertebrae of perhaps an elk with a stone spear point embedded in the bone. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Scenic Byway seeks community input Feb 26, 2008
PRINCETON Area residents are invited to attend a meeting this week on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway ... In September 2005, the Illinois River Road Route of the Voyageurs was announced as one of 45 new All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways ... The Illinois River Road covers 271 miles between Ottawa and Havana, and includes much of Routes 26 and 29 on each side of the river. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Defense Witness Criticizes Watershed Sample Collection Feb 24, 2008
- Shoddy work by a firm hired by the state to obtain soil and water samples in the Illinois River watershed could have compromised key data in the case, an engineer testified Friday in federal court ... In opening remarks Tuesday, Edmondson said the state's evidence would show the poultry companies' persistent violations of state and federal law "have infested the rivers and springs and wells of the Illinois River watershed with biological pathogens that have created an imminent and substantial... (Springdale Morning News)
Marine invasive species: If you can't beat them, eat them Feb 22, 2008
Having outcompeted all native species, it now represents 95 percent of the biomass of fish in the Illinois River and has been sighted within 25 miles of Lake Michigan. The only thing preventing this cold-water-loving species from infesting the Great Lakes, the largest body of fresh water in the world, is an electric barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. (International Herald Tribune)
Bass fishing, IHSA to hook up in 2009 Feb 21, 2008
The Illinois River Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever will hold its banquet Saturday at the Countryside Banquet facility in Washington. Further details are available by calling 309-444-8181, 444-3416 or 243-5336. (Pekin Times, IL)
River goes down, flooding continues Feb 21, 2008
Spring Valley's Barto's Landing is underwater as the cresting Illinois River flows by below the Route 89 bridge ... According to a flood statement issued Wednesday morning from the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, the flood warning continues for the Illinois River as it flows through Bureau and LaSalle counties ... In LaSalle, the Illinois River crested at 29. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Havana looking to attract tourists with Scenic Byway Feb 21, 2008
HAVANA The city council here voted to help fund the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway program, a move that may increase tourism to the area ... A route that runs along the Illinois River from Ottawa in the north to Havana in the south was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005. (Pekin Times, IL)
Oklahoma AG asks federal judge to halt spreading of Arkansas poultry litter Feb 21, 2008
(AP) -- More than a dozen Arkansas-based poultry companies have violated state and federal laws limiting the disposal of animal waste in the Illinois River watershed, argues Oklahoma's attorney general ... "Our evidence will show that these persistent and pervasive violations of state and federal law have infested the rivers and springs and wells of the Illinois River Watershed with biological pathogens that have created an imminent and substantial threat to human health," Edmondson said. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Fish 'em out of there Feb 21, 2008
SPRING VALLEY The state of Illinois is looking at a program to deal with Asian carp in the Illinois River ... Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) introduced House Bill 4906, which would require the Department of Natural Resources to establish a one-year pilot project to stimulate the bulk harvest of Asian carp in the Illinois River and to increase the number of native fish. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Testimony: More than 345,000 tons of waste produced in watershed. Feb 21, 2008
- More than 345,000 tons of poultry waste is produced annually in the Illinois River watershed, and the bulk of that tonnage is disposed of in the same area, an environmental engineer testified Wednesday ... "The largest part generated within the Illinois River watershed was also disposed of in the Illinois River watershed," Engel said Wednesday ... In opening remarks Tuesday, Edmondson said the state's evidence would show that the poultry companies' persistent violations of state and federal... (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Taking flight on the Illinois River Feb 21, 2008
An American bald eagle flies low over the Illinois River, during the seventh annual Bald Eagle Day, sponsored by the Henry Chamber of Commerce on Saturday. The event was held on the Henry riverfront and included a variety of activities, including a pancake/ sausage breakfast, a Birds of Prey program and a soup and sandwich luncheon. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Oregon Recreation Report (12) Feb 17, 2008
ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead. Steelhead and half-pounders have started moving into the lower 8 miles. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Column: Asian carp invasion update Feb 16, 2008
They have now expanded up the Illinois River to Chicago and are within just a few miles of Lake Michigan. Fortunately, back in 2002 a temporary electric weir was installed in the Chicago Sanitary Canal, the link between the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, to prevent passage of invasive species. (Cassopolis Vigilant, MI)