Families

Illinois' LIHEAP program now accepting applications

Submitted by Jen Baird on Sunday, September 2nd, 12:19 pm

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Energy Assistance announced Friday that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program beginning Tuesday, September 4.

Clients interested in applying must bring all required documentation including:

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Kid's Back to School Block Party in West Frankfort canceled

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012, 3:31pm

Kid's Back to School Block Party in West Frankfort canceled

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - The City of West Frankfort says the Kid's Back to School Block Party has been canceled.

The event was scheduled for Saturday, August 11, but has been canceled due to the heat.

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Stuff the Bus event collects school supplies for local kids

Submitted by Stephanie Pogue on Wednesday, August 1st, 1:20 pm

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - United Way of Southern Illinois is holding the annual Stuff the Bus event to collect school supplies for local children.

The Stuff the Bus drive was started in July of 2009 by United Way and Gum Drops. The public, whether a business, workplace, church, or individual are asked to help gather donations to help fill a school bus.

These supplies are needed in Franklin, Williamson, and Saline Counties:

School boxes
#2 lead pencils
Notebooks
Erasers
Pocket folders
Loose leaf paper
Pocket folders
3-ring folders
Colored pencils
12-inch rulers
Markers
Pens (red, black, blue)

Individual serving size:

Applesauce
Pudding packs
Fruit cups
Oatmeal
Ramen noodle soups
Chef Boyardee

General Classroom/teacher items:

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Illinois students now required to get whooping cough vaccine

Submitted by Stephanie Pogue on Wednesday, August 1st, 9:58 am

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - A rise in whooping cough caused new vaccine requirements for Illinois sixth and ninth graders.

Illinois sixth and ninth grade students will now be required to have the Tdap vaccine before entering school for the 2012-2013 year.

The Tdap vaccine immunizes against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Students will be required to show proof of receiving the vaccine, have an appointment scheduled to get it, or an approved medical or religious exemption on file. Students who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to attend school.

Whooping cough has been on the rise this year in Illinois and across the country. Medical experts have found that the disease is particularly on the rise among pre-teen and teens. Combatting this is the reason for the new requirements.

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Shawnee Forest to host ArborWild

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, June 8th, 2012, 5:15pm

(KFVS) - Shawnee National Forest will host an outdoor education program this summer called ArborWild.

The program began as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s Centennial Celebrations in 2005 and has been very popular. This year, it will be held at two locations in southern Illinois: Tuesday, June 12 at Evergreen Park, in Carbondale and Wednesday, June 13 at Memorial Park in Harrisburg.

The forest say the day will include a bird obstacle course, fishing, wildland firefighters and their engine, crafts, Native American rock art, Nature Jeopardy, Carbondale Science Center (Evergreen Park site only), bat biologists and a visit from Smokey Bear.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., however the activities are on-going and the public is welcome at any time. All ages are invited to attend, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, or to register a large group, you can contact Linda Hauser at 618-833-8576.

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Federal agencies offer free passes to military to State Parks

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012, 4:25pm

Federal agencies offer free passes to military to State Parks

HARRISBURG, IL (KFVS) - Five Federal agencies have teamed up to offer free military passes to a National Parks, National Forest or other Federal lands to all active duty military and their dependents.

Under the Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), 'America the Beautiful' military passes are available at many federal land management agency offices, including the Shawnee National Forest offices in Harrisburg, Vienna, and Jonesboro. Military members and their dependents.

Although, according to a spokesman some sites within the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service require fees.

Like the other America the Beautiful Passes (annual, senior and access), the military pass will provide free access to federal sites where entry fees or standard amenity fees are charged.

To discover more about the Shawnee National Forest, visit their website.

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Parents encouraged to do more outdoor activities with children

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, April 12th, 2012, 3:37pm

Parents encouraged to do more outdoor activities with children

(KFVS) - The University of Illinois Extension is encouraging parents to take children outside and enjoy the outdoors.

"Playing outside is not only a physically healthy activity, but is good for the overall wellbeing of the child," said Youth Development Educator Michelle Bisel.

Bisel said playing outdoors stimulates the senses and is important to the development of children. She said some studies even state that there are negative affects to a child who is not exposed to nature.

According to U of IE, some possible nature activities this spring include:

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