CROP HARVESTING REPORT
According to the latest report from Ron Marshall with the local County Farm Bureau, 95% of the area’s corn has been harvested, 90% of the soybean’s that were planted in April and May have also been harvested. The June/July soybeans are only at 60%. There is no report yet on the Milo harvest. Winter Wheat sowed is between 15 to 20%, while most farmers are waiting on the end of the bean harvest to plant more winter wheat.
DEER HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO HELP FEED FAMILIES
Again this year, Illinois deer hunters are encouraged to consider donating deer to the “Illinois Sportsman Against Hunger” Program. This program allows hunters to donate whole deer for processing into venison that is provided to food banks, food pantries and other charitable organizations in local communities throughout Illinois.
Since 1994, more than 674,000 pounds of venison have been donated, providing nearly 2.7 million meals for families and individuals. Last year over 100,000 pounds were donated. The Illinois Department of Conservation and the Illinois Conservation Foundation, encourage hunters to make a tax-deductable $50 contribution to help with the cost of processing the donated deer, this is not a mandatory cost. Donated deer will be accepted. For more information, call 217-785-0075.
84 MILLION DOLLAR ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ANNOUNCED
Eighty-four million dollars in federal and state funds will finance a planned highway construction project in Illinois. Illinois Transportation Secretary, Gary Hannig, said the plan is to extend IL Rt. 255 north to US Rt. 67 with new structures and pavement, and convert US Rt. 67 into a divided four-lane expressway from IL Rt. 111 to Delhi in Jersey County. Future improvements will connect Interstate 72 near Jacksonville to the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The project is expected to support approximately 1,000 jobs, improve vehicular safety, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a corridor for future economic development. Summer 2013 is the projected completion date.
