Jersey County Journal
West Nile Virus found in Greene County
By Carmen Ensinger River County News The Greene County Health Department has confirmed two positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus (WNV) located in Greene County. The WNV is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has contracted the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Some of the more common WNV symptoms include…
Read MoreArmy Corps of Engineers celebrates World Ranger Day
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will recognize World Ranger Day July 31. This annual worldwide celebration commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural resources. USACE park rangers play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, ensuring visitor…
Read MoreFarm Credit Honors Young & Beginning Farmers
Three young farmer couples from central and southern Illinois were named FreshRoots Directors Cup honorees this week by Farm Credit Illinois. Recipients Colten and Colby Collier of Anna, Josh and Hannah Sawyer of Oakley, and Eric and Morgan Wolff of Effingham were recognized by the Association’s Board of Directors in Mahomet on Wednesday, July 23.…
Read MoreGOOD GROWING: Flooded Gardens: Safety, Cleanup, and Recovery
By Emily Swihart, Horticulture Educator University of Illinois Extension Rain, during summer months, is usually a welcome assist when caring for a vegetable garden. But when there is too much of a good thing, a flooded garden can be devastating. Beyond the physical damage to plants and structures, floodwater can introduce biological and chemical contaminants,…
Read MoreInnovative farmer opening deep-fried popcorn market
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek What started as a kitchen experiment on a Knox County farm has grown into a deep-frying method that could bring popcorn to restaurant menus, and open fresh opportunities for specialty crop growers. Andrew Bowman of Pilot Knob Farm near Oneida has developed a specialized fryer basket that allows restaurants to deep-fry…
Read MoreIllinois State Fair Announces New Enhanced Security Measures
The Illinois State Fair, in collaboration with the Illinois State Police, is introducing updated security measures to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The following items will not be allowed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and will be confiscated if found: ■ Firearms (concealed carry is prohibited) ■ Weapons of any…
Read MoreGrow gardening knowledge at home with Master Gardener online training options
Whether sowing seeds in the garden or answering calls at a local help desk, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have dedicated the past 50 years to transforming communities one garden, one answer, and one volunteer hour at a time. Across small-town landscapes to suburban yards and into the heart of urban cities, Illinois Master Gardener…
Read MoreLet’s Cook! – July 31, 2025
I am always looking for new ways to fix a light and healthy lunch. I usually eat salad or soup, but I get bored with the same old salads. Recently I came across a recipe for Chickpea Salad. I am fond of chickpeas, so this recipe caught my eye. Oh my gosh it was so good!…
Read MorePritzker calls Texas GOP’s remap effort ‘cheating,’ doesn’t rule out Illinois response
By Ben Szalinski Gov. JB Pritzker is leaving the door open to changing Illinois’ congressional maps to “counterbalance” an attempt by Texas politicians to add more Republican seats to the U.S. House. The Texas legislature is meeting in special session this week with 18 items on their agenda, including redrawing the state’s congressional maps after…
Read MoreWhere nature nurtures knowledge
Discovery Day Camp has come to a close, and now the educators at The Nature Institute are turning their energy to serving the community with various programs throughout the year. TNI staff continually revamp and improve the programs offered and hope to see new and returning participants in the 2025-2026 school year. August is full…
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