MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS) - A consumer fireworks training class will be held at the Municipal Building West on Wednesday, July 6.

The class starts at 6:30 p.m. and will last about one to one and a half hours.

A consumer fireworks permit is required by law to buy, possess and/or display legal consumer fireworks in the state of Illinois.

The class will cover the law about fireworks, city ordinance and the safe handling and display of consumer fireworks. Participants will be tested at the end of the class and must pass with a 100 percent on safety questions and 80 percent on the knowledge of fireworks.

Seating is limited to 18 per class. Participants will need to bring their driver's license or photo ID card. You will not get credit for the class without one of those items

Anyone interested in attending can call Lt. Donny Hayes at 618-242-6835 from 8 a.m.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - According to Ameren, thieves are risking their lives and the lives of innocent people to steal copper and other metals with a high global price.

Ameren says copper thefts can cause extensive power outages and fires that could injure or kill innocent people. Not only has copper been stolen from Ameren utility facilities but thieves have targeted copper wire and pipes at businesses, private homes and apartments.

Ameren offers these tips as the best line of defense against copper theft:

• If you have information about a copper theft, report it immediately
• Immediately report any suspicious activity around Ameren utility electric substations or other utility facilities
• When away from home, make sure your house and outbuildings are securely locked. If you are gone for an extended period of time, notify police and have a trusted friend or neighbor watch your property.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released a list of current closures for parks and DNR sites in Southern Illinois.

Because of storm damage and flooding, the DNR asks the public to call any park in the southern region before they visit. The DNR's list of closures include:

• Beall Woods State Park – Tuliptree is open with a small portion under water (can walk around that section); White oak upland area is open, however the bottomland area is closed due to flooding; Ridgway is closed due to high water;  Schneck is closed due to high water;  Sweet Gum is closed due to high water.
• Cache River State Natural Area - Section 8 Woods Boardwalk is closed until further notice.