(OLNEY)  An area of high pressure will briefly track across the Midwest today with dry & cool conditions – another low pressure system then moves thru Illinois with a chance of light rain and/or snow tonight – then we’ll dry out over the weekend with some quiet, but windy weather conditions – stay tuned for updates.

(NEWTON)  There could be more than 100,000 electric vehicles on Illinois roads in the next few years and the Electric Vehicle Advisory Council wants drivers to pay an additional dollar to renew their license plates, which would bring the renewal price to an even $100 – the additional money would pay for charging stations across the state, plus rebates and grants for alternative fuels – look for future debate in Springfield.

 
(OLNEY)  The State DNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently took action to remove the federal Endangered Species Act protection for gray wolves in portions of the Midwest – this means the wolves are no longer protected north of Interstate 80, in areas of Northern Illinois & in the other northern Midwestern states – however, the gray wolves found to be south of I-80 are still protected by federal and state law.

 
(NEWTON)  People who date online may soon have new safety regulations in place – state lawmakers have introduced a bill that will require online dating sites to let people know if they do background checks before a person joins – it’s reported that the online dating sites will also have to post safety tips, such as how to protect oneself from potential stalkers – companies that do not comply could face a fine of up to $50,000.

(OLNEY)  Local authorities have received a “Fraud Alert” message from the Department of Aging – there is another scam making its way thru Illinois, in which a caller claims to work for Medicare and claims he or she is calling to verify the victim’s personal information, such as bank account numbers and/or credit card numbers – the caller claims this is for new Identification Cards – however, folks should know that Medicare does not transact business on the phone – if Medicare issues new ID Cards, it is done so by mail only – so don’t fall for this scam – always remember  :  never give out personal information over the phone or internet – for the top nationwide scams against the elderly, check the NCOA’s website online at www.ncoa.org.

(NEWTON)  Plans are underway for the 2012 Jasper County Relay For Life – scheduled for a Saturday night, August 10th, a later date compared to past events, the annual fundraiser will run from 6:00 that evening thru 6:00 the following morning, all on The Square, in downtown Newton – those interested in taking part are encouraged to start making plans, whether a cancer survivor, a family member, or simply a volunteer, all help will be appreciated – in fact, a planning meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday night, January 31st, at the Central Christian Church in Newton – all are invited to attend to get more information and/or details – for more, logon at www.relayforlife.org/jasperil – teams can signup online at anytime.

 
(OLNEY)  In court news – a Calhoun man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to a felony charge of aggravated drunk driving – authorities say that 25 year old Aaron VanMatre received a four and a half year prison term after proceedings at the Edwards County Courthouse in Albion – VanMatre was arrested earlier this month for riding an ATV thru the town of West Salem while intoxicated.

 
(NEWTON)  Congressman John Shimkus will be available to meet with local constituents in Newton next Monday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Jasper County Courthouse – it’s an chance for local residents to meet one-on-one with the 19th District Congressional Representative to express their opinion on issues or to seek help if they have a problem with a federal government agency – while appointments are not required, those with an appointment are assured time to meet with the Congressman – for an appointment, call 618-344-3065 – plus those who require special accommodations should call the office by this afternoon – for more information, check the Congressman’s website, available online at www.shimkus.house.gov.

(NEWTON)  Area livestock owners are reminded that next Monday is the application deadline for those who had disaster related losses in the year 2011 – the Livestock Indemnity Program provides assistance to eligible livestock owners & contract growers for eligible livestock deaths – contact your local FSA office.

REMINDERS
    A fundraising “soup supper” is next Monday evening from 4:00 til 6:00 at the high school in Noble, prior to the girls basketball game that night – tickets are on sale at school office or by calling 838-3536 – all proceeds will benefit the Noble Athletic Boosters and the Spanish Club’s Costa Rica trip in July

    It’s the 2nd annual Stringtown Trivia Challenge coming up this Sunday, starting at 1:30 – teams of four players can signup with a $50 entry fee – cash prizes awarded, plus free refreshments – call 618-754-3426 to signup – the registration deadline is this Friday – all proceeds to benefit the new Parish Center

 
    The next area blood drive will be this Sunday morning at the Holy Cross Parish Hall in Wendelin, from 8:00 until 12 noon – as always, all types of blood are in need – all eligible donors are urged to turn out

    The St Thomas Catholic Church in Newton will host its fourth annual “wine tasting” tomorrow night at 6:30, in the KC Hall – also includes hors d’oeuvres with a $10 donation accepted – all are invited 

    
    A “prom & bridal show” is tomorrow from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Edwards County High School Gym in Albion – tickets available at the Edwards County Farm Bureau office, plus at the door on Saturday

 
    The Richland County Ministerial Association will host a “community prayer breakfast” tomorrow morning at 8:00 at the Country Griddle in Olney – it includes a hot breakfast with music, sharing, & prayer – the $7 tickets must be purchased in advance – for more information or details, call anytime at 395-8411

    The Olney Knights of Columbus will have another Friday night “fish fry” tonight at the KC Hall along Whittle Avenue in Olney – that’s serving from 5:00 to 7:30, plus carryouts available – all ages are invited

    A fundraiser for the Brian Sanders family is tonight at the Olney VFW – the chili supper and auction will get started at 5:00 – private donations can be made to the TrustBank Sanders Benefit Account

 
    And today’s the deadline to enter the Newton Public Library’s new weight loss competition this coming spring – includes teams of five people with the contest running January 31st thru April 3rd – call 783-8141