The 2008 Lions "Candy Days" have been set for Oct. 10 and 11, and Oct. 17 and 18 and as in previous years, we need your help in order to help fund our numerous local and statewide projects. Most of you are aware that the primary work of the Lions is in eyesight and hearing conservation and treatment, as exemplified by the purchase of eyeglasses, and support of the Lions of Illinois

In 2005, the Illinois 4-H Foundation established the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame to honor extraordinary 4-H volunteers, alumni, and former 4-H staff for their exemplary service to the 4-H youth development program and commitment to making a difference in the lives of Illinois youth.
On September 25 a local celebration ceremony was held to honor the 2008 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inductee from Jackson County, Mary Huseman.

This year's Murphysboro Apple Festival was another huge success, marred only by heavy winds and rain that caused all of Sunday's events to be cancelled.
The Apple Festival Queen Pageant was as spectacular as ever.
This year's queen is Erica Nicole Seely, 19, of Carbondale the daughter of Cindy Chamness, and Mike and Jodi Seely.

17th Street Bar & Grill and a host of major sponsors are gearing up for theÊ21st Annual Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-offÊto be heldÊSept. 18 - 20, 2008, in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Over 40 teams from 13 different states will compete in aÊunique dual-sanctioned Memphis Barbecue Network and Kansas City Barbecue Society event. The Grand Champions in each contest are also proclaimed theÊIllinois State Champion.

Eligibility for grant:
-Organizations with current tax-exempt status under Section 501c (3) of the internal Revenue Code. Organizations must be listed n the most current IRS 50 State Master File at the time of application.

Mrs. Stephanie Finke, a local teacher at Murphysboro High School in Murphysboro was recently name Teacher of the Year by the Murphsyboro Wal-Mart.
The award arrived early in the new school year. Mrs. Finke receieved a $1,000 grant for Murphysboro High School, a $100 gift card to buy supplies for her classroom and a personalized certificate.

Mixed martial arts fans went wild as Herrin fighter Justin Fortner made fast work of his opponent Jimmy Garner in the contest for the bantam weight title in last Saturday's Battle at the Blast IV.
Fortner and Greg Wilson, both trained out of Dojo USA, won their title matches in short time, with excellent displays of both striking and ground games.

State Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) was awarded the "Champion of Free Enterprise Award" by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for 2007 and 2008.

On Sept. 19th at approximately 1:47 a.m., the Tower Rock Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at an abandoned building that formerly housed Ma Hale's Restaurant in Grand Tower.
At 5:30 a.m. Friday morning an unoccupied home at 604 Front Street in Grand Tower was also reported to be on fire. Fire Departments from Gorham and Wolf Lake assisted the Tower Rock Fire Department in fighting these fires.

The southern Illinois region is suffering a severe shortage of therapists for infants and toddlers. When a doctor or parent has concerns about the development of a child under the age of three, they often rely on the state’s Early Intervention services provided in our region through Child & Family Connections. Due to a lack of pediatric therapists, eligible infants and toddlers in southern Illinois are going without the vital therapy they need. 

Beginning September 23rd
Flu and pneumonia shots will be available to the public at VNA-TIP offices in Southern Illinois on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. beginning September 23rd.   The office locations are

Murphysboro businesswoman Laura Obertini, owner of Annie Mae's Restaurant, was left shaking and in tears last Thursday morning after what she describes as "a brutal verbal attack" on her by Murphysboro City Code Enforcement Officer Eric Kennedy.
Obertini said she had just recently started putting small signs out around her business proclaiming the daily specials at her restaurant.

History was made and an undefeated team fell from the top at this year's Murphysboro Apple Festival Trivia Night.
The "Last Chance Team" ended the night with a victory over formerly undefeated "Team With No Name", shocking everyone at the 4th Annual Murphysboro Apple Festival Trivia Night on the first day of the apple festival this year.

A free household chemical collection will be held at Southern Illinois Airport near Carbondale on Saturday, September 20. This collection program helps residents safely dispose of old and unwanted household chemicals. Residents can drop off waste at the site on the date of the event between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. only.

This years High Noon Concert Series will begin Sept. 19, with Big Larry's Downhome Blues Band performing.  You can spend your lunch hour relaxing with friends and family while you enjoy a free outdoor concert and a delicious lunch (that can be purchased or bring your own).  Also, enjoy other concerts on Sept. 26, with Christian Hale, Oct. 3, with Loose Gravel, Oct. 10, with Sharon Clark and Oct. 17, with the Murphysboro High School Band.