Pet owners urged to plan in case of emergency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois emergency management officials say residents should think about their pets when planning for a disaster.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency says that it will be working to increase awareness of pet disaster preparedness throughout October. IEMA Director Jonathon Monken says pet owners should plan on at least a three-day supply of food and water, pet medicines, copies of important pet documents, a collar with ID tag, harness or leash and a crate or pet carrier in case of evacuation.

Also important: litter and litter boxes and toys, treats or other familiar items to help lessen your pet’s stress during the emergency.

Monken says if pet owners have a kit and a plan their pets will stay safe.

Girl taken to hospital after being hit by a car

You can never be too careful when walking through a parking lot or backing out for that matter.  A three year old girl was taken to the hospital after she and her mother were hit by a car in the Peru Walmart parking lot Friday afternoon.

Chloe Parcher was taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital.  Her mother, Elizabeth Parcher didn’t need to go.  Police say Richard Justi of Spring Valley was driving.

Car show planned for Illini State Park

The opportunities to enjoy a car show are dwindling as the days get cooler.  You can check out the cars at the Blast from the Past Car Show Sunday at Illini State Park in Marseilles.

Registration is from 8:30am until 12pm.  There will also be food and dash plaques.

Drought, early spring affect Illinois fall color

UTICA, Ill. (AP) – Brilliant red, yellow and orange fall colors are popping up over Illinois but state horticulture experts aren’t sure how long leaves will hold the hues this season after a summer drought.

Rhonda Ferree is a horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension in central Illinois. She says fall color is early this year because of the early spring and the drought. But she says rains from Hurricane Isaac in August gave some Illinois trees a reprieve. Experts in Illinois expect a shorter fall color season. Ferree says the drought caused some plants to turn brown early. She says once leaves turn brown they won’t color.

Fall colors are visible in Illinois state parks, including Starved Rock State Park in northern Illinois and Sugar Grove Nature Center outside Bloomington.

First Street ready for “Jazz in the Street”

The stage has been set up on First Street in La Salle for Jazz in the Street.  The annual music festival kicks off at 4pm Saturday with music, food, and a tent featuring wines and microbrews.

Activities will be going on between Marquette and Gooding Streets.  There’s no charge for admission and it’s been known to attract people of all ages.

The night wraps up with fireworks at 9:30pm.