(OLNEY)  A cold front continues to push south of the Ohio River Valley today, bringing to us a northerly wind & more seasonable weather conditions – another weak system could bring some flurries later before ending – then dry for the rest of the work week and colder for the weekend ahead – listen for updates.

(NEWTON)  Lawmakers are concerned that Governor Quinn is moving too fast on his plan to close the Jacksonville Developmental Center – at a hearing yesterday, the Governor’s office staff said very few changes have been made since last year, however lawmakers said the plan doesn’t provide enough details on what it will cost to transfer residents to community care & what happens to the workers who stand to lose their jobs – another hearing will be held in Jacksonville over the next few weeks for more details.

 
(OLNEY)  Employers in Illinois could soon be outlawed from asking potential workers for their social media passwords – a proposal passed unanimously in a House Committee yesterday and now will head to the floor of the State House for a future vote – those in favor of this plan say it’s a way of protecting future workers from being hired or fired based on their social lives – others say it’s the employers right to know.

(NEWTON)  A Marion man is allegedly responsible for causing a bomb scare at the new Williamson County Jail yesterday morning – authorities say Joseph Thomas was arrested after they linked him to the silver briefcase that was left outside the building – a note attached indicated the package could be one of threatening nature – a bomb squad from Carbondale was called to the scene – the briefcase was empty.

(OLNEY)  The Illinois Oil & Gas Association has announced that the Charlie Daniels Band will headline the entertainment part of its 66th Annual Convention & Trade Show next month in Evansville – it all starts with registration on Thursday, March 1st, with the IOGA general business session that morning, followed by a buffet lunch – then the afternoon technical program includes three sessions on general, engineering, and geologic topics – the social hour will be followed by the evening banquet & the Charlie Daniels Band in concert – Friday, March 2nd, will include the morning technical program and the Wildcatter Luncheon to wrap things up at 12 noon – for details, call the IOGA office in Mt Vernon or logon at www.ioga.com.

(NEWTON)  The Newton City Council met last night – the Council  :  agreed to submit a grant application for more housing rehabilitation funds – in turn a city-wide survey must be completed by every household – those responding will receive a $2 credit on their city utility bill  :  accepted the bid of $13,113 to sell the vacant lot at 119 South Jackson Street  :  approved payments to Connor & Connor Engineers for work on the city’s Water Treatment Plant – total bill at $54,696 was for project management, grant administration, & work inspection  :  approved an ordinance to make West End Avenue a one-way street heading south from Jourdan Street to Washington Street and to allow no parking on either side of Absher Street, from Reynolds Street to Maxwell Street  :  approved various appropriation changes as requested by the City Treasurer  :  & took no other action after a 40 minute closed session  :  the Council’s next regular meeting is February 21st.

(NOBLE)  The West Richland Elementary School is again this year taking part in the Campbell’s “Labels for Education” Program where UPC labels are collected during the month of February – all proceeds from the collection will go towards the purchase of library audio-visual equipment for the school in Noble – the UPC labels will be collected this Friday, the 10th, plus next Thursday the 16th, and on Friday the 24th – all are encouraged to help out – if any questions, contact the Elementary School Office in Noble today.

(OLNEY)  The Olney Quilt Guild is proud to announce a “trunk show” this coming Friday night in Olney, featuring national award winning quilter & teacher, Mary Buvia – it all starts at 6:30, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with admission only at $5 per person – with a few of her creations to be shown, Buvia was honored with the 2011 Master Quilt recognition from the National Quilting Association – all are invited to attend.

 
(NEWTON)  It’s “A Taste of Jasper County” coming up this Friday night as the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend the showcase of area caterers, banquet facilities, wineries, florists, and others – running from 5:00 until 8:00 this Friday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Newton, it’s the perfect opportunity to begin planning parties, weddings, and/or other special events for the rest of this year or next year – while there’s no charge at the door, a suggested donation of $5 will be accepted at the door.

REMINDERS
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Richland County is preparing for its only fundraising event of the year – the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake will be held the final two weekends of February, the 18th & 19th, and the 25th & 26th – call the BBBS Office in Olney at 392-3863 to signup your team of five to help out this worthy cause

    The annual Rotary “Trivia Marathon” is this Sunday at The Holiday in Olney with signup at 1:30 & start time at 2:00 – teams of four compete for fun & prizes – spectators welcome – for details, call 393-2153

    Scott Wattles & the Blue Suede Crew will present a Valentine’s Bash this Saturday night at the Olney VFW – doors open at 6:00, show at 7:00, with $10 tickets on sale at the door – all are invited

    The Olney Knights of Columbus will have another “fish fry” this Friday night 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

 
    The ERES 3rd grade classes will perform their music program this Friday with everyone invited – three classes perform at 10:00 & the remaining four classes at 2:15 – all at the Elementary School in Olney

    The West Richland High School Post Prom Committee will meet this evening at 6:00 in the Elementary School Library in Noble - all junior class parents interested in helping out are encouraged to attend tonight's meeting

    The Richland County Retired Teachers will meet today at The Holiday in Olney – it all starts at 11:30 this morning – an East Richland High School graduate will be the guest speaker