Helping families with car safety
The Eureka Area Kiwanis recently donated six convertible car seats to the Woodford County Health Department’s car seat program. Car seats are available to low income families who meet the income guidelines set by the program. Car seat checks are available by appointment only through the Health Department. (Photo courtesy of Woodford County Health Dept.)

STATE

Agency highlights how to prepare for disasters

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is joining with emergency management agencies throughout the state and across the U.S. to encourage people to spend a few moments on disaster preparedness this month during National Preparedness Month.

The campaign’s theme, “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” urges people to set aside time to discuss emergency plans with family members and develop a plan to stay safe when disaster strikes. The month-long preparedness drive will conclude Sept. 30 with American’s PrepareAthon, a national day of action.

IEMA Director James K. Joseph reminds the public that many severe weather and other disasters occur without much warning. Therefore, taking a few minutes to draw up an emergency plan could be a true lifesaver during an emergency.

Throughout September, IEMA will offer tips and information on how to develop a family emergency communication plan, assemble an emergency supply kit, as well as ways to receive critical emergency warnings.

IEMA offers disaster preparedness information on the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov), a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.

Also throughout September, IEMA is posting daily preparedness tips on the Ready Illinois Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter (@ReadyIllinois).

During disasters, IEMA uses the Ready Illinois website, Facebook and Twitter to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.

WOODFORD COUNTY

Kiwanis donate six children’s car seats

Low-income families who need a car seat can get one, thanks to the Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club. The organization recently donated six convertible car seats to the Woodford County Health Department’s car seat program. Car seats are available to families who meet the income guidelines set by the program.

For these families and the general public, car seat checks are available by appointment only through the Health Department. Call (309) 467-3064.

The Kiwanis make this much-needed donation each year.

Recently in another act of charity, the Kiwanis Club and two local banks — Goodfield State Bank and Heartland Bank — provided $300 to purchase and modify a battery-operated toy ride-on car for a 4-year-old girl, who suffers from spina bifida.

EUREKA

Pros show rodeo skills, compete for prizes

Tickets are now on sale for the Eureka Pro Rodeo. Top performers of the International Professional Rodeo Association will compete Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 for nearly $50,000 in cash and prizes at the Finale Rodeo of the 2016 Big Hat Rich & Famous Tour.

Cowboys and cowgirls will compete for prizes in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, calf and team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and best all-around contestant. Participants will compete for prize money and points, depending on their placement in each event, which help them to qualify for the International Finals Rodeo.

Special entertainers include Wild Together Trick Riders & Roman Riders and Shanae & Hannah Ritter, a sister duo from Clinton. Seven-time Rodeo Clown of the Year, Dusty Myers from Corinth, MS, will return and phenomenal new bullfighter Shane Esco will make his first appearance in Eureka.

This year, a Cowboy and Clowns tour for children and families will allow the audience to get up close and personal with the bulls, take pictures and meet some of the rodeo stars. Gates open at 5 p.m.  

Tickets can be purchased at Eureka IGA or online at www.eurekaeventscommittee.org. Cost is $12 for adults in advance and $15 at the gate; $8 for children 3 to 12 years old in advance and $10 at the gate; free for children 2 and younger. For information, visit www.eurekaeventscommittee.org.

–Woodford County News Briefs–