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IDPH: Sept. is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

IDPH: Sept. is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding people that September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

IDPH says newborn screening, parental education and comprehensive care can reduce this debilitating illness.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting 70,000 to 100,000 and millions more worldwide. The disease primarily affects people of African and Mediterranean ancestry and is also prevalent in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Since 1989, the Illinois Department of Public Health has diagnosed more than 2,900 newborns with sickle cell disease," said IDPH Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "Newborn screening, parental education is critical to saving lives, especially in families that have a genetic history of the disease."

According to IDPH, the disease is estimated to occur in one in 500 African-Americans and about one in 1,000 Latinos.

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College's Institute of Lifelong Learning offers fall 2011 classes, day-tours

College's Institute of Lifelong Learning offers fall 2011 classes, day-tours

INA, IL (KFVS) - Rend Lake College's Institute of Lifelong Learning has announced it's fall 2011 classes and day-tours schedule.

The program consist of retirement aged people who share a common interest in lifelong learning and cultural enrichment, according to Nathan Wheeler with the college.

 

Lifelong learning classes include:

 

  • Writing a Life Story - is a course designed to show how to capture memories or share an ancestor's story. The class is held Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 27 - Oct. 18 and Nov. 8 in the Historic Schoolhouse on the RLC main campus. Registration is $30.

 

  • How to Play Bridge - is a course deigned to teach the basics of this fun four player game. The class is from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays (8 sessions), from Sept. 28 - Nov. 16 in the Historic Schoolhouse on the RLC campus.

IDOT announces lane closures over holdiay weekend

IDOT announces lane closures over holdiay weekend

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced road work will be suspended where possible over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“With heavy traffic expected as usual during the holiday weekend, IDOT is providing a list of closures in advance to help motorists plan their trips,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider.  “With less construction and heavy equipment in use this weekend, traffic congestion can be reduced, and safety and traffic flow will continue to improve.”

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, September 2, IDOT says it will suspend all non-emergency road work and open up as many lanes as possible through midnight on Monday, September 5. According to IDOT, some construction zones will continue to have lane closures in effect because of the nature of some of the projects.

IDOT is urging drivers to slow down, obey posted speed limits and drive with caution through work zones.

IDNR reminds public that drunk boating is drunk driving

IDNR reminds public that drunk boating is drunk driving

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police would like to remind the public to stay safe over the holiday weekend and CPOs will be stepping up enforcements across the state.

IDNR says CPOs will be looking for people operating under the influence in an effort to keep the public safe on Illinois waters.

“Many consider Labor Day to be the unofficial end to the summer boating season and with good weather thousands will take to Illinois rivers and lakes to celebrate this weekend,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief, Rafael Gutierrez. “It’s important to remember to celebrate responsibly. Wear a life jacket and always have a designated skipper on board if you are going to be consuming alcohol.

Comptroller offers one-day workshop for Southern Ill. leaders

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka announced she will hold a Local Government Education and Training Session for local leaders and accounting professionals on Thursday, September 1.

Staff from the office will conduct a one-day training session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dunn Richmond Economic Development Center, located at 150 East Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale.

Topinka says the workshops will begin with a power point presentation to help leaders in electronically filing statutorily-mandated reports with the Comptroller's Office.

“These workshops are designed to get everyone on the same page when it comes to financial filings,” said Topinka.

ISP launches Operation Fatal 4 for Labor Day weekend

ISP launches Operation Fatal 4 for Labor Day weekend

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois State Police are reminding drivers to make safety their number one priority over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

ISP says law enforcement will be pushing for zero fatalities by enforcing the four most common traffic violations leading to fatalities: speeding, DUI, failure to wear seat belts and distracted driving.

ISP will continue to partner with IDOT in its push against impaired drivers.

Jefferson Co. looks at how to pay funeral expenses for poor

Jefferson County leaders are taking a different approach to help solve a new problem, thanks to state cuts. Recently Illinois Governor Pat Quinn got rid of the $15 million program to help the poor and Medicaid patients with their funeral expenses.

That means the problem falls in the hands of county governments and taxpayers. To figure out how the county will pay and manage this new burden, Jefferson County formed a commission. It involves local hospitals, funeral homes and board members.

Jason Newell, owner of Newell Funeral Home, speaks with families everyday about the cost of a funeral and burial.

"We bring them through this room and they go through the process of selecting a casket and burial vault," Newell explained.