Illinois
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Four Illinois co-ops offer communication service

Farmers, construction companies, delivery services and a county sheriff's office have signed up for a new two-way radio communications service offered by Corn Belt Electric Cooperative, Edgar Electric Cooperative, Illinois Valley Electric Cooperative and Shelby Electric Cooperative. Called "Clear Talk" the new service blankets some 30 counties in the middle two-thirds of the state. Tom Hentz, general manager of Edgar Electric in Paris said, "It's a much more economical way to communicate than cellular phone."

Working together the four cooperatives put together a $10 million financing package through the cooperative-owned National Rural Utilities Finance Corporation (CFC). "None of us could do this alone, but together it's a do-able thing," said Hentz.

So far Clear Talk customers seem to like the speedy two-way radio link and the economical cost. Hentz said they are even looking at providing service to the state police and 911 emergency services. The service will soon be available state wide.

Illinois ag exports hit $4 billion

Illinois ranks third in the nation in total agricultural exports, accounting for nearly 7 percent of all U.S. farm products. Sales in fiscal 1996 totaled $4 billion, the state Department of Agriculture reports. That's up $545 million over the previous year.

"We've seen a tremendous surge in exports to Mexico and continued strong sales of food and farm goods to Canada, Japan, and other countries," reported Director Becky Doyle. The biggest export market for Illinois corn and soybeans? Japan.

Feed grains and related products topped the list, with soybeans and soybean products close behind. Live animals and meats were third with wheat and wheat products bringing up the rear. Fourth was a miscellaneous category including such products as confectionery materials, nursery and greenhouse goods, essential oils and beverages.

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Sportsmen help fight hunger

Hunters can again assist Illinois food pantries and help feed the needy by donating all or part of their deer harvest this fall and winter to the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program.

"Last year nearly 11,000 pounds of meat was donated for hungry people throughout the state thanks to this alliance of sportsmen, private individuals and charitable organizations," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning.

Financial contributions to the program may be made to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, Lincoln Tower Plaza, 524 South Second Street, Springfield, Ill. 62701-1787. Checks may be made payable to the Illinois Conservation Foundation designating the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program. Funds donated to the foundation are tax-exempt.

Sportsmen may call toll-free (800) 221-6229, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., to obtain the names of meat processors and local food banks participating in the program.

Community ombudsmen sought for nursing homes

Individuals interested in becoming community ombudsmen who volunteer in a nursing home or other long term care facility are encouraged to attend the Long Term Care Ombudsman Pre-Service Training set for November 11-13 in Chicago.

Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is designed to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Volunteers are advocates who communicate regularly with residents and their families and help resolve any problems within the facility.

Individuals interested in becoming a Community Ombudsman should contact the Illinois Department on Aging at 1 (800) 252-8966.

Grants target state lakes

The first grants under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's new Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program will allocate a total of $100,000 among five projects at six inland Illinois lakes.

The projects include shoreline erosion control projects at Otter Lake, and Palmyra-Modesto Lake (Macoupin County); Little Grassy Lake/Devils Kitchen Lake (Williamson County); and Mallard Lake (DuPage County). In addition, a watershed protection project including installation of dry dams, grassed waterways and conservation and no-till systems will be initiated above Ashland New Lake (Morgan and Cass counties).

Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program grants support lake protection and restoration activities at priority lakes where the causes and sources of pollution are apparent, sites are easily accessible, the project size is relatively small, and local management entities are in place to implement the selected treatments. Priority lakes generally are high quality recreational or unique aquatic resources, often serving both as recreational and public water supply sources.

Study predicts moderate growth

A new study of state population projections predicts moderate growth for Illinois. The study, "Illinois Population Trends, 1990 to 2020," provides statewide population projections by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin. The study includes projections by age and sex for the state's 102 counties, as well as by race and Hispanic origin in the state's larger counties.

Illinois' population is projected to grow moderately, by about 16 percent, from 11.4 million to 13.3 million. This compares to the 30 percent national population growth projected by the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of Illinois residents of Hispanic origin is expected to more than double to nearly 1.9 million by 2020. However, the percent distribution of the state's population by race will change only modestly by 2020. Eleven northeastern Illinois counties are projected to house 71 percent of the state's population by 2020. Overall, 64 counties are expected to increase in population, while 38 are expected to decline.

Housing rehabilitation grants go to 30 communities

Grants totaling $7 million have been awarded to help 30 Illinois communities renovate hundreds of sub-standard dwellings. Among the rehabilitation efforts are projects in Hancock, Stephenson and Vermilion counties. A total of 24 grants, out of 90 applications seeking $21 million, went to communities in Southern Illinois, including projects in Marion, Mt. Vernon, Carbondale and DuQuoin.

The grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered through the state Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in cooperation with the Illinois Housing Development Authority and local governments.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING NOVEMBER 1997