(OLNEY)  A low pressure system moving across the upper Midwest will quickly push thru as a high pressure ridge will build in by tomorrow – dry & warmer than normal air will hang around into the first part of next week as we wrap up one of the warmest January’s on record – stay tuned for weather updates.

(NEWTON)  The National Weather Service still has several flood warnings & advisories posted for area rivers, mostly all of which are in downstate Illinois – while no significant amount of precipitation is now in the forecast thru next midweek, most of the rivers will hit their crest marks and begin falling by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week – folks are reminded to stay out of those backwaters while traveling the area.

 
(OLNEY)  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone to take part in the upcoming multi-state “earthquake drill” as the second annual “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut” is set for Tuesday, February 7th, less than two weeks away – so far, thousands of statewide residents have registered – IEMA officials say all schools, businesses, government agencies, families, & others are urged to register to take part in the drill by going online at www.shakeout.org/centralus – those registering will receive details about the February 7th drill, plus overall earthquake preparedness – it’s estimated that over 3 million people in 11 different states took part in last year’s drill, held on April 28th, including some 260,000 in Illinois.

(OLNEY)  The Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District is preparing for its Annual Meeting, coming up next Thursday night, February 2nd, at the Central Christian Church in Lawrenceville – it’s registration at 5:30, with the buffet dinner at 6:00, all followed by the business meeting at around 6:45 – the night will include the election of three directors, awards for the Conservationist of the Year & Wildlife Manager, door prizes, a guest speaker, and highlights of the district’s past year’s activities – the $10 tickets are available at the SWCD Office in Lawrenceville or call the Office at 618-943-3211 during regular hours.

 
(NEWTON)  The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a series of webinars entitled “Don’t Worry – Be Savvy : Farm Savvy Risk Management” – this series will provide a comprehensive look at methods of evaluating & reducing risk on small farms with help in identifying, assessing, and addressing the risks that threaten such farms – the second of four sessions will be held next Monday night from 6:30 to 8:00 at both the Jasper County & Effingham County Extension Offices – farmers can also use their home computers – while there is no fee for this series, registration is required – those interested can logon to the Extension websites for either county or call the Extension Offices in either Newton or Effingham Monday morning.

 
(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 – go online at www.shimkus.house.gov.

REMINDERS
    A fundraising “soup supper” is Monday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 at the high school in Noble – tickets are on sale at school office or at the door – proceeds to the Noble Athletic Boosters and the Spanish Club

    Area livestock owners are reminded that 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 Monday morning

    It’s the 2nd annual Stringtown Trivia Challenge coming up tomorrow afternoon, starting at 1:30 – teams of four players competing for cash prizes – spectators are invited – all proceeds to the new Parish Center

 
    The next area blood drive is tomorrow 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” tonight 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 today from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Edwards County High School Gym in Albion – it includes a pair of style shows, one for prom & one for bridal wear – tickets available at the door

 
    The OCC Radiography Club is taking orders for Super Bowl “party ribs” now thru next Tuesday – the pickup on February 4th is at three sites in Olney, Newton, & Albion – place your order now at 843-0234

    And while traveling out there, make sure to buckle up and observe those “rules of the road”