Southern Illinois legislator hosts first Kids Fishing Derby
State Sen Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, welcomed dozens of area children and their parents to his first Kids Fishing Derby on July 13.
Fowler hosted the free Fishing Derby at the John A. Logan Pond in Carterville from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, attended and assisted with the event, providing poles and other materials for kids.
Bait for the event was provided by local Marion bait shop, Timberline Fisheries.
“This was a great event that brought together children and their parents for a fun and educational experience,” Fowler said in a news release.
“IDNR, the staff from John A. Logan Community College and Timberline Fisheries were instrumental in making the derby possible. We had a great turnout and look forward to hosting it again next year.”
Senior Health Fair
Fowler has other event opportunities later this month for area constituents, including a Senior Health Fair in Carbondale on July 24 at the Carbondale Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fowler will be partnering with State Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, and State Representatives Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, and Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, to host the annual event that brings together several vendors and free screenings in one place for area seniors.
Traveling Office Hours
On July 27-28, Fowler plans to host traveling office hours at the Southern Illinois Made Expo.
Constituents can stop by Fowler’s legislative information booth, speak with staff and ask their questions.
Office hours are scheduled just outside the Pavilion located at 1602 Sioux Dr. in Marion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required.
The public is also invited to attend the expo, which will be taking place inside the Pavilion.
The event will feature dozens of area vendors, showcasing their products, creations and tasty treats made and sold in Southern Illinois.
Fowler is encouraging everyone to come out and support their local business community. More information can be found at senatorfowler.com.
Appreciation Luncheon
In other news, Fowler attended the Saline-Gallatin County Farm Bureau Member Appreciation Luncheon.
“With all the rain and flooding, it’s been a tough year for Illinois farmers and the agriculture industry,” said Fowler.
“Their continued hard work and dedication, especially here in Southern Illinois, deserves recognition and the luncheon was a great opportunity to appreciate that.”
State Police Recruitment
Fowler said the Illinois State Police are looking for ways to increase the number of troopers and are reinstituting their “Fast Track” program.
The program offers current certified police officers the opportunity to join the Illinois State Police.
Fast Track is an accelerated 13-week training program for current police officers, as opposed to the typical 26-week class for new cadets.
To qualify for Fast Track, applicants must be a current certified police officer, a graduate from an accredited law enforcement academy and have at least two years of experience while employed full-time.
Fowler said that according to the state police: “Individuals interested in applying for a future Fast Track Cadet Class must complete the online application on the ISP Merit Board’s website at https://www.illinoistrooper.com/online-application/.”
The Fast Track cadet class is expected to begin in the spring of 2020.
Summer Heat Hits Hard
Fowler reported that if you need to escape from high heat and humidity, the Illinois Department of Human Services, IDHS, says you can get relief by visiting one of the 120 state facilities that serve as cooling centers.
Cooling centers are located at IDHS offices throughout the state. They will be open to the public during regular business hours.
Search for the cooling center nearest to your location at www.KeepCool.Illinois.gov. Additional information about the state’s cooling centers is available by calling the IDHS toll-free hotline (800-843-6154).
Disaster Planning Involving Youth
Also during the month of July, IEMA is focusing on preparing young people for emergencies.
IEMA says preparing them individually, and as part of the family, can instill confidence at a time when panic can easily rise.
The agency suggests the following tips:
Involve children in the development of a family emergency plan.
Use real-world events to teach about emergency situations and disasters.
Use media coverage of current disasters (floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, power outages), talk to children about how your family would respond if this happened to you; and
Discuss where to go, what to do and how you will ensure their safety during an emergency.
For more information about youth preparedness, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.