Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced federal disaster assistance is available to help the state's farmers who suffered crop losses due to 2011 flooding.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the Governor's request to designate 46 Illinois counties as natural disaster areas, said the governor's office.

The designation qualifies farmers in those counties and 27 contiguous counties for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including low-interest emergency loans.

"Grain prices will help offset production losses for farmers who were fortunate enough to get a crop in the ground, but thousands of acres across Illinois were totally destroyed," Governor Quinn said. "These loans will help farmers who weren't able to plant this year's crop by refinancing debt and covering production costs and essential family living expenses."

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Business After Hours will be at the Drury Inn in Mt. Vernon Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.

The event is for chamber members and guests for networking and socializing.

There will be free food, cocktails, and prizes.

Drury Inn is at 145 North 44th Street in Mt. Vernon.

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(KFVS) - Illinois State Police announce they're providing child safety seat services to commemorate Child Passenger Safety Week.

That event runs September 18-24. The week is intended to remind families about how important it is to put kids in a car seat, booster seat, or a seat belt.

ISP and the Illinois Department of Human Services are collaborating this week and throughout the year to provide child safety seat services to Illinois residents.

“Our goal is to ensure children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat-every trip, every time,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau.