Thank you for visiting Illinois!

How to Be a Better Driver

2009-09-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Good drivers are both common and uncommon. It is possible you might encounter rash teenagers to truck drivers to overly-cautious senior citizens-- yet all contribute to how we can learn to be better drivers.

Steps

FOCUS! Paying attention to the traffic around you, frequently surveying your mirrors, and anticipating what other drivers are going to do is the most important step to becoming a courteous and safe driver.
Allow someone to pass, if you happen to see them going beyond the speed limit. This is no 1950's drag race. Proving your need for speed leads to dangerous circumstances between your car and other cars.
Use your turn signals, and use them at the right time. Notify other drivers of your intent to turn or to change lanes early enough that they are able to take appropriate action. Sitting at a red light is NOT the right time to turn on your blinker; if you had done so earlier, the person behind you would have been able to change lanes and avoid sitting behind you when the light turns green.
Never switch lanes when in the middle of an intersection. Also, time your entry into an intersection so that you don't get caught blocking it once the light turns red (i.e. "don't block the box")
NEVER try to "beat the light." If the light turns yellow and you have enough space to stop safely, then stop. Cyclists, pedestrians, and even other drivers expect you to be completely stopped by the time the light turns red. You endanger yourself and others by running yellow lights--only to save a minute or two--it simply isn't worth it.
Keep in mind that it is courteous to allow a vehicle to turn into traffic if the driver is waiting for a break. Do not, however, suddenly slam the brakes in moving traffic in order to let a driver enter. This will most likely lead to a fender bender or worse--a collision from the unsuspecting driver behind you. This occurred at least once, killing the driver who drove behind the car that had suddenly braked in constantly moving traffic. Drivers in moving traffic never expect a sudden brake. Be extremely careful.
Remember: maintaining a decently comfortable distance between you and the driver ahead of you is an excellent rule of thumb. You should keep at least 2 to 4 seconds distance between you and the person in front of you. You can use the signs or the paint dashes to judge this distance. Perhaps if the vehicle in front suddenly stalls or stops, you as a driver have enough room to stop safely, or turn into the next lane without causing a backup in traffic. Other weather-related conditions, such as snow and rain, also make it wise to prevent collisions by keeping a safe distance behind for slippery, sliding and swerving cars.
Note that residential areas are common grounds for children to run spontaneously into the streets without looking for oncoming cars. Their minds focus on retrieving their ball in the street or catching up to friends by suddenly crossing roads on bikes, for instance. When driving through residential streets, be wary of unpredictable objects and people in the streets.
Remember that trucks often give their drivers difficulty stopping, turning, or backing up--we, as drivers, have all witnessed this. When passing a semi-truck, keep in mind that the truck driver has more difficulty braking. It is best to wait until you can see the truck in your rear-view mirror before completing a pass. Also avoid remaining beside a truck when in multi-lane traffic--if you cannot see the truck driver through his/her mirror, then he/she cannot see you.
Be courteous of the senior citizens, as well. Senior citizens need to drive just like everyone else. This is especially the case when they have no other means to obtain essentials. Most senior citizens, however, tend to prefer driving during early afternoons when there is less traffic and more daylight. When driving behind a senior citizen, always keep a safe distance and watch for unexpected moves, such as lane changes. Some seniors may change lanes without prior signaling.

Make an effort to change lanes when safe if you see utility work, police and emergency vechicles up ahead, or see a lane starting to slow down to a crawl while the opposite lanes are open or have less traffic. Odds are there's an accident, stalled car, or on the shoulder someone is pulled over, broken down car, etc. By doing so you make yourself less prone to be in a secondary accident and it helps people who are in a dangerous or bad situation. In Illinois we have Scott's law.

Understand that the majority of drivers just aim to get to their destination, just like everyone else does. Accidents happen, but you can take a few steps to prevent many of them from occurring, either to yourself or others. By understanding the way various drivers react, you will have a better grasp of how to be a better driver. The best drivers learn to anticipate possible changes in traffic, and prepare for them in advance by adjusting their speed, their lane/direction, or where their attention is directed.

Be nice to the officer and they may let you go despite violating a traffic law. It will depend on what you did and the traffic conditions as to the offense. Not all officers are out to write tickets.
Don't use the shoulder or median to get around people not moving with traffic. You will get nailed no matter how many cars you pass.

Tips

If you are in the fast lane, do not drive slower than the other cars in the same lane. Likewise, do not expect to be the fastest car on the road when driving in the slow lane--wait for your chance, then pass safely.
When you see, hear or smell a possible malfunction with your vehicle, immediately move to the right-most (or left if you drive on the left in your country) lane. This gives your car easier access to the shoulder in case your car breaks down.
Residential areas include kids. Children are unpredictable, especially on the roads. Be watchful, and drive slower than usual.
Think with your brain, not your brake pedal. Watch for dangerous situations and be prepared to take evasive action, but resist the temptation to tap the brakes unless you really need to slow down. Swerving, or just continuing on your way, is often a better option than slowing down anyway.
Keep an empty gasoline can in your car. If you run out of gas, you can walk to the nearest gas station or call for help. Your empty gasoline can will come in handy.
If you do not have a cell phone to call for help if you are stranded on roadside, keep the hood of your car propped up to signal to police that you need help. Whenever possible, move a broken-down car OUT of traffic--frequently able-bodied fellow drivers will gladly help out.
Likewise, without a phone, be prepared in various seasons for the possibility of inoperable cars. In summer, keep lots of water with you, a large "help" sign and have a red triangular flag to tie to your antenna to indicate an emergency situation. In winter, store blankets in your trunk, snack foods and water, and keep your blinkers on until help arrives.
Do not tailgate, no matter how badly the driver angered you. It is better to be mad for a short while than to pay thousands in monetary damages (or worse, suffer pain of injury) for an accident that could have been prevented.
If you are tailgated, immediately move into the next lane.
If you are approached by anyone, including police, open your window just low enough to allow them to hear you speak and show you their badge before proceeding.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be a Better Driver. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Illinois Gardens

2009-05-24T11:06:00.001-05:00

Get Garden Help From the Chicago Botanical Garden

Visit us onsite or online: the Chicago Botanic Garden offers its resources to all gardeners.

At the Garden, you can take a course, attend a lecture, buy a gardening book, meet 2.2 million garden plants, or have your mystery plant identified.

Online gardeners can help themselves to all the detailed plant and gardening information we provide to make their own gardens healthy and beautiful.

Online Gardening

Illinois' Best Plants
Detailed information describes the best plants for your garden.

Plant Introductions
Learn the latest new plants offered through the Chicagoland Grows Plant Introduction Program.

Invasive Plants List
Don't plant these! Learn to recognize and remove these least-wanted plants, and what to use instead.

Listen to Denise Corkery's
Gardening Tips
Weekly Podcast

A Master Gardener for more than 15 years, Denise Corkery brings the wonders of the plant world to millions of gardeners throughout the Chicago area. Listen to her weekly broadcast that discusses a variety of gardening topics.

Monthly Gardening Checklists
See what needs to be done in your garden — and when to do it.

Plant Profiles
Discover worthy plants for your garden.

Gardening Techniques
From creating a wreath to saving seeds, you'll learn "how-to."

Pests & Problems
Find out what you need to know, with information from cicadas to the Emerald Ash Borer.

FAQs
Check out our popular gardening questions- and-answers site.

At the Garden

Plant Information Service
We answer 31,000 questions each year. Find your answer with one of the options at the left or call the Plant Information Hotline at (847) 835-0972. plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org.

What's In Bloom?
Which plants are blooming right now?

The School of the Chicago
Botanic Garden
Classes abound for adult and child gardeners of all levels. Members receive discounts.

The Library
View rare horticultural treasures plus 25,000 gardening books, videos, magazines, and more. Members have check-out privileges.

Explore the Garden
Plan many visits to see all 23 display gardens plus the 3 natural areas.

Plant Collections
Locate exactly where all the 2.2 million plants are displayed.

O'Hare Airport Has a Website!

2009-05-22T15:20:00.001-05:00

About Chicago O'Hare Airport, ORD

O'Hare International Airport is the second busiest airport in both the United States and the world. In 2008 the airport had 881,566 aircraft operations, an average of 2,409 per day. It is the largest hub of United Airlines (whose headquarters are in downtown Chicago) and the second-largest hub of American Airlines. It is operated by the City of Chicago Department of Aviation, associated with an umbrella regional authority.

In 2007 O'Hare International Airport won the Global Traveler Award for Best Airport in North America. O'Hare International Airport was voted the "Best Airport in North America" for 10 years by readers of the U.S. Edition of Business Traveler Magazine (1998 - 2003) and Global Traveler Magazine (2004 - 2007).

Brief History

The airport was constructed between 1942 and 1943 as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54s during World War II. The two million square-foot factory needed easy access to the workforce of the nation's then-second-largest city, as well as its extensive railroad infrastructure. Orchard Place was a small pre-existing community in the area and the airport was known during the war as Orchard Place Airport (hence the location identifier ORD). Douglas Aircraft Company's contract ended in 1945 and the facility was chosen by the City of Chicago to meet future aviation demands. Though its familiar three-letter code ORD still reflects the early identity of the airport, it was renamed in 1949, after Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II flying ace. The first commercial passenger flights were started there in 1955 and an international terminal was built in 1958, but the majority of domestic traffic did not move from Midway until completion of a 1962 expansion at O'Hare. The arrival of Midway's former traffic instantly made O'Hare the new World's Busiest Airport, serving 10 million passengers annually. In 1997, annual passenger volume reached 70 million; it is now approaching 80 million.

Modernization plan

O'Hare's high volume and crowded schedule can lead to long delays and cancellations that, due to the airport being a major hub, can affect air travel across the United States. In 2004, United Airlines and American Airlines agreed to modify their schedules to help reduce congestion caused by clustered arrivals and departures. City management has committed to a $6 billion capital investment plan to increase the airport's capacity by 60% and decrease delays by an estimated 79%. Four runways will be added and two decommissioned in order to give the airfield an eight-runway parallel 6+2 configuration similar to that in Dallas. This plan was very controversial as the added improvements can increase the air traffic only slightly with the FAA rules. The Modernization Plan is now under construction, and an additional runway and Air Traffic Control Tower were commissioned on November 20, 2008. Design efforts are underway for the remainder of the program, which includes three runway projects, a new western terminal complex and an automated people mover system. The O'Hare Modernization Program has submitted an application to the Federal Aviation Administration to use approximately $180 million in Passenger Facility Charges to fund design work, which will begin in early 2009.

We are proud to announce the launch of the new Chicago O'Hare International Airport website www.ohare-airport.org. It provides comprehensive real time flight information on arrivals, departures and delays, terminals and maps, parking, transportation, directions, food and shopping, hotels, etc.

Camping in Illinois

2009-05-17T10:48:00.000-05:00

The sites accepting credit cards for reservations are the following sites:

Chain O’Lakes	Fox Ridge	Pere Marquette	Rock Cut
Jim Edgar Panther Creek (Cabins, Shelters, Group Camp Only - NO CAMPSITES)	Ramsey Lake	Sangchris Lake	Shabbona Lake

E-Mailed reservation forms will NOT be accepted.
The applicable first night's camping fee will be required along with the reservation fee.
Sites may be reserved from May 1 through October 31. Some sites accept reservations year-round; please contact individual sites for this information.
Mailed reservations must be received seven days in advance of the camping date to insure the reservation.
A daily lottery will be conducted for mail-in reservations. Up to six mail-in reservations per envelope, per person will be accepted for campsites or shelters. Camping groups may mail more than six reservations per envelope as long as no more than six are for one individual.
A specific site may be reserved if it is located in the reserved campground.
A site may be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights.
Reservations will be held until 3 p.m. of the day following the first night's reservation.
A reserved camp site must be vacated by 3 p.m. on the last day of the reservation period.

Costs

The reservation fee is $5.00, plus the first night's fee for each camp site reserved. This $5.00 reservation fee is non-refundable unless the campground is closed by the Department of Natural Resources. Payment for reservations must be confirmed by the site. The site will mail a confirmation notice to person making reservations. The $5.00 fee is in addition to the regular camping and utility fees.

Listing of all Camping Fees

To Reserve a Campsite You Must:

1. Complete the Campsite Reservation Form, and

These have site specific reservations forms, click on the park name for their form:
	Argyle Lake	Pere Marquette	Shabbona Lake
	Eldon Hazlet	Rock Cut	Starved Rock
	Lake Le Aqua Na	Sangchris Lake	Walnut Point

2. Pay the $5.00 reservation fee plus the first night's camping fee.

Please check the map for classification of camping at each site.
If you are mailing the reservation, you must send the application form along with the appropriate fee directly to the Park. Make check payable to the Department of Natural Resources (Site Name).
If you are using Visa or Masterard you can telephone the site or make the reservation in person at the following sites: Chain O'Lakes, Clinton Lake, Fox Ridge, Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Pere Marquette, Ramsey Lake, Rock Cut, Sangchris Lake and Shabbona Lake.

Remember:

The $5.00 reservation fee will NOT be refunded. The first night's camping fee will be refunded if cancelled in writing 3 days in advance.
Mail reservations will be accepted beginning January 2nd. The applicable first night's camping fee will be required along with the reservation fee.
In-person reservations and reservations using a credit card will be accepted beginning February 1st.
Reservations are not final until the fee is received by the site. A confirmation notice will be mailed to persons making reservations.
Reservations will be held until 3 p.m. of the day following the first night's reservation.
Campers must comply with all other Department camping rules which are posted at each site.
Reservation application and reservation fee must be received by the site seven days before the campsite is needed.

Reservation Accepting Sites :

Apple River Canyon State Park Youth Group ONLY 8763 E. Canyon Rd. Apple River, IL 61001 (815) 745-3302
Argyle Lake State Park 640 Argyle Park Rd Colchester, IL 62326 (309) 776-3422
Beaver Dam State Park Cabin & Youth Group ONLY 14548 Beaver Dam Ln Plainview, IL 62685 (217) 854-8020
Big River State Forest R.R. #1, Box 118 Keithsburg, IL 61442 (309) 374-2496
Chain O' Lakes State Park 8916 Wilmot Rd Spring Grove, IL 60081 (847) 587-5512 Premium
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area R.R. #1, Box 4 DeWitt, IL 61735 (217) 935-8722
Delabar State Park R.R. #2, Box 27 Oquawka, IL 61469 (309) 374-2496
Eagle Creek State Park R.R. 1 Box 198-B Findlay, IL 62534 (217) 756-8260
Eldon Hazlet State Park (site specific campsite reservation form) 20100 Hazlet State Park Rd Carlyle, IL 62231 (618) 594-3015	Fox Ridge State Park 18175 State Park Rd. Charleston, IL 61920 (217) 345-6416	Illinois Beach State Park Lake Front Zion, IL 60099 (847) 662-4811 Premium
Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA (Cabins, Shelters, Group Camp ONLY) 10149 County Highway 11 Chandlerville, IL 62627 (217)452-7741	Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park (site specific reservation form) 8542 North Lake Rd Lena, IL 61048 (815) 369-4282	Pere Marquette State Park (site specific reservation form) P.O. Box 158 Grafton, IL 62037 (618) 786-3323
Ramsey Lake State Park P.O. Box 97 Ramsey, IL 62080 (618) 423-2215	Rock Cut State Park (site specific reservation form) 7318 Harlem Rd Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 885-3311 Premium	Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area R.R. #1, Box 101 Johnsonville, IL 62850 (618) 835-2292
Sangchris Lake State Park (site specific reservation form) 9898 Cascade Road Rochester, IL 62563 (217) 498-9208	Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area (site specific reservation form) 4201 Shabbona Grove Road Shabbona, IL 60550 (815) 824-2106 Premium	Starved Rock State Park (site specific reservation form) P.O. Box 509 Utica, IL 61373 (815) 667-4726 Premium
Trail of Tears State Forest 3240 State Forest Rd Jonesboro, IL 62952 (618) 833-4910	Walnut Point State Park (site specific reservation form) 2331 E. County Rd. Oakland, IL 61943 (217) 346-3336

For additional information only, contact:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Division of Land Management
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271

travel guides and brochures online

2009-05-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

	Illinois Travel Kit Order our complete travel kit, which includes the Travel Guide, a state park guide and a state map.

	Illinois Travel Guide Download the 2009 Illinois Travel Guide and plan your next trip to Illinois like a pro.
VIEW ONLINE DOWNLOAD NOW

	Soul of Illinois Explore the soulful side of Illinois with the official Illinois African-American Travel Guide.
DOWNLOAD NOW

	Easy Access Chicago Get Chicago's first-ever comprehensive resource guide for travelers with disabilities and their families.
DOWNLOAD NOW

	Vive La Emocion Un guía completa para disfrutar de Illinois sólo, en pareja o con toda la familia. Paquetes para todos los gustos y bolsillos. Solamente en Español.ate map.
DOWNLOAD NOW

Chicago Visitors Guide

Your complete guide to attractions, events and accommodations within the City of Chicago.

Plan your Illinois Trip

2009-04-26T12:19:00.001-05:00

Basic Emergency - Ready.gov

2009-01-30T14:07:00.001-06:00

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

.
.

Research Illinois- Illinois Digital Archives

2009-01-11T06:19:00.002-06:00

The Illinois Digital Archives (IDA) was developed to provide access to primary source materials in Illinois libraries, archives, museums, historical societies and other cultural institutions. Ida was unveiled in November 2000 as part of the Illinois State Library's Digital Imaging Program. It was designed to be a searchable repository for the Illinois State Library's digital collections as well as those of other libraries and cultural institutions in Illinois.

Since 1998 the Illinois State Library has awarded digital imaging grants to libraries in Illinois, using Library Services and Technology Act funds. Priorities for funding are proposals that digitize primary source materials, such as photographs, manuscripts, diaries, oral histories, maps and newspapers. One of the requirements of the grant recipients is that the digital collections produced with this funding are made available in IDA, and the results speak for themselves. IDA is enriched by these interesting collections of Illinois historical materials.

For more information about materials in the collections of the Illinois Digital Archives, contact any of the Contributing Institutions.

The Illinois Digital Archives is an OAI-compliant digital library and is a data contributor to Illinois Harvest.

See the contributing agencies
View a list of Illinois Digital Archives partners.

.

Governor Blagojevich and Walgreens Team Up to Encourage Women to Get Screened

2008-10-11T09:54:00.001-05:00

Governor Blagojevich and Walgreens Team Up to Encourage Women to Get Screened During Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Providing $50,000 in Gift Cards

Celebrating the one year anniversary of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s groundbreaking expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), Deputy Governor Louanner Peters and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today announced in Chicago a partnership between the State of Illinois and Walgreens to encourage women to get screened during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first 2,000 women to sign up for IBCCP by calling the Women’s Health Line at 1-888-522-1282 to schedule and keep their screening appointment will receive a $25 gift card from Walgreens. The gift card can be used to help cover the cost of prescription medications during these tight economic times or for other necessary purchases. Joining in the announcement was Y’lonn Salon, one of the State’s partners in the new “Beautiful Inside & Out” initiative aimed to help spread the word about the importance of early detection, and to let their clients know that all uninsured women may be eligible for free screenings and low-cost treatment through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

State historic sites and museums schedules

2008-10-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has announced the schedule of operations for its state historic sites and museums effective August 4, 2008.

The following state-operated historic sites and museums are open seven days per week:

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Springfield
• Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Springfield
• Korean War Memorial, Springfield
• World War II Memorial, Springfield

The following state-operated historic sites are open Wednesday through Sunday:

• Apple River Fort, Elizabeth
• Bishop Hill
• Black Hawk, Rock Island
• Bryant Cottage, Bement - open Thursday-Sunday
• Cahokia Courthouse, Cahokia
• Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville
• Carl Sandburg, Galesburg
• Dana-Thomas House, Springfield
• David Davis Mansion, Bloomington
• Douglas Tomb, Chicago
• Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher
• Fort Kaskaskia, Ellis Grove – campground open 7 days a week
• Jubilee College, Brimfield
• Lincoln Log Cabin, near Charleston
• Lincoln’s New Salem, Petersburg
• Mt. Pulaski Courthouse – open Tuesday-Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m.
• Old Market House, Galena - seasonal
• Pierre Menard Home, Ellis Grove
• Ulysses S. Grant Home, Galena
• Vandalia Statehouse, Vandalia – open Tuesday-Saturday

The following state-operated historic sites are open Tuesday through Saturday:

• Old State Capitol, Springfield
• Lincoln Tomb, Springfield.
• Postville Courthouse, Lincoln – open Tuesday-Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m.
• Metamora Courthouse

The following state-operated historic sites are open on Saturdays only:

• Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Springfield
• Vachel Lindsay Home, Springfield

Cahokia Courthouse

2008-09-27T08:05:00.001-05:00

The Cahokia Courthouse was built as a residence around 1740, when present-day Illinois was a colony of France. In 1793 the structure was purchased by the Common Pleas Court of the United States Northwest Territory and subsequently became a center of territorial political and legal activity. The building is historically significant as the oldest courthouse in Illinois and the only one remaining from the state’s territorial period (1787-1818). It is architecturally significant as an example of the French Colonial vertical log poteaux-sur-solle (“post-on-sill”) construction technique.

The Courthouse was moved to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair, and in 1906 to Chicago’s Jackson Park. Each move resulted in losses of original building fabric. Cahokia residents began in the late 1920s to lobby for return of the historic courthouse, leading the state to purchase the building and the land on which it was originally located. The remaining original fabric was returned to Cahokia and incorporated into the building that was constructed on the courthouse foundation. Cahokia Courthouse in 1972 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The vertical-log Courthouse has a double-pitch roof of cedar shingles and galleries on all four sides. Inside are three exhibit rooms and another furnished to represent the courtroom in the 1790s. Exhibits in the Courthouse depict issues that came before the court around 1800 and a history of the structure as it was moved in the early twentieth century to St. Louis and Chicago before its eventual return to Cahokia. Interior features include two massive limestone fireplaces, shuttered casement windows, and French-style doors.

The Courthouse staff and volunteers provide guided tours, or guests may experience the site at their leisure. Exhibits in the Courthouse depict issues that came before the court around 1800 and a history of the structure as it was moved in the early twentieth century to St. Louis and Chicago before its eventual return to Cahokia. The Courthouse is not fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The visitor center houses exhibits depicting the Jarrot Mansion, currently undergoing restoration, and placing area historic sites within the context of the eighteenth-century French occupation.

Cahokia Courthouse hosts special events including an annual Fete du Bon Vieux Temps (“Festival of the Good Old Days”), a colonial Mardi Gras celebration. At the July “Old Time Music Fete,” traditional acoustic musicians perform from the Courthouse porch. Contact the site for details.

open Wednesday through Sunday

Dickson Mounds

2008-09-14T08:44:00.002-05:00

The Dickson Mounds Museum, a branch of the Illinois State Museum and a National Historic Site, is one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of the American Indian in an awe inspiring journey through 12,000 years of human experience in the Illinois River Valley.

Visitors to the museum, in west-central Illinois, encounter innovative interpretive exhibits; exciting hands-on activities; archaeological sites; and a variety of special events in a rural setting.

The museum is open year-round, daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). There is no admission charge.

Address: 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road
Lewistown, IL 61542
Hours: Daily 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Contact Information: Telephone: 309-547-3721
FAX: 309-547-3189
Email:
Parking/Accessibility
Directions: 60 Miles northwest of Springfield, Routes 78 and 97
Location on MapQuest.

Ready Illinois: Storm Preparedness

2008-09-11T16:27:00.000-05:00

Storms develop quickly and can occur with little to no warning. Heavy winds and lightning caused by storms can cause extended power outages, uprooted trees, landslides, and downed or broken utility lines. Additionally, heavy rains can cause flash floods.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms to stay alert and prepared.

Tornado Watch - conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes.
Tornado Warning - a tornado has been reported by spotters, or National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have determined that one is about to form in the next several minutes. Go to a substantial shelter immediately.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch - conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms containing large hail and damaging wind.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - large hail and/or damaging wind has been reported by spotters, or is about to develop. Go to a substantial shelter immediately.

During the storm

Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks, because electric current from lightning can travel through wires and pipes.
If you are outside, take cover in a stable facility. Avoid taking shelter under trees.
Tune in to local TV/radio channels for emergency advisories and instructions.
Avoid walking through water that has seeped into your home; it may contain hazardous materials.
If you are asked to evacuate your home, follow instructions given to you by emergency personnel.
Call your local public works department or village hall to report fallen trees or tree limbs, or clogged catch basins.
Call your local public works department or village hall to report flooded streets.
Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them to 9-1-1.

After the storm

Assess your immediate environment.
Report fallen trees, flooded streets, or damaged public utilities to the proper department.
Stay tuned to local weather stations for updated information.

For Additional Information

Illinois State Museum

2008-09-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

The Illinois State Museum is a system of museums and galleries serving the people of Illinois. The Museums foster an appreciation of the living world, introduce the art of Illinois, open windows to education, and protect irreplaceable state treasures. The ISM mission is fulfilled through collecting, research, exhibits, publications, and interpretive programs that enhance educational experiences, aesthetic values, and in general, the quality of life.

Illinois State Museum, Springfield

Mon.- Sat. 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M.; Sun. Noon-5:00 P.M.; Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Located at the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets, the ISM is in the Capitol Complex, just south of the State Capitol., Springfield, IL
Phone: (217)782-7386

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/main/geninfo.htm

ISM Dickson Mounds Museum

Daily 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

60 Miles northwest of Springfield, Routes 78 and 97, Lewistown, IL
Phone: 309-547-3721

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/dickson/geninfo.html

ISM Lockport Gallery

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 5:00 PM. Closed Saturdays and state holidays. Galleries closed during exhibit changes.

Located 35 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop, one block from the crossroads of IL Routes 7 and 171 in historic downtown Lockport, Lockport, IL
Phone: 815-838-7400

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport/geninfo.htm

Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center

Daily 9:00 A.M-5:00 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Located 6 miles north of Benton, IL on I-57, just west of Exit 77 only 90 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri., Whittington, IL
Phone: (618) 629-2220

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/so-il/geninfo.html

ISM Chicago Gallery: Located on the second floor of the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL
For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/chicago/geninfo.html

Illinois Artisans Shop

Shop Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 PM

Located on the second floor of the James R. Thompson Center., Chicago, IL
Phone: 312-814-5321

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/chicago/geninfo.html

ISM Chicago Gallery

ISM Chicago Gallery

Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Located on the second floor of the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone: 312-814-5322

For more visitor information go to: http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/chicago/geninfo.html

One More Thing About Paul Harvey

2008-09-06T16:24:00.000-05:00

Illinois Executive Mansion

2008-09-03T14:35:00.000-05:00

This beautiful house has served as the official residence of Illinois' Governors and their families since Governor Joel Matteson took up residence here in 1855. The Illinois Executive Mansion is one of the oldest historic residences in the state and one of the three oldest continuously occupied Governor's Mansions in the country.

Virtual tours of the Executive Mansion are available for viewing in several formats below:
Pictoral Tour
QuickTime Tour
Shockwave Tour
Mansion tours are avaliable Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays(morning only).
For more information, contact:

Illinois Executive Mansion
410 East Jackson
Springfield, Illinois 62701
(217) 782-2525.

Illinois Official Highway Map

2008-08-30T14:33:00.001-05:00

The Illinois Official Highway map is your guide to travel throughout Illinois. It is published every two years.

The Department of Transportation offers two maps to the public. One is the standard regular print map and the other is a large print map. The large print map is approximately 38 percent larger than the regular map and has half of the state on one side of the map and the other half on the reverse side. The reverse side of the regular print map shows enlarged metropolitan areas for more than a dozen communities across the state.

Both maps are available free of charge at all Interstate Welcome Centers and IDOT's nine district offices.

- OR -

You can download a copy.

The Map Sales Office is closed and no further information is available at this time.

Chicago Theaters

2008-08-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

Chicago

LaSalle Bank Theatre/ The Shubert
www.broadwayinchicago.com

The Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre
www.broadwayinchicago.com

Auditorium Theatre
www.broadwayinchicago.com

Cadillac Palace
www.broadwayinchicago.com

Chicago Theatre
www.thechicagotheatre.com

Steppenwolf Theater Company
www.steppenwolf.org

The Goodman Theatre
www.goodman-theatre.org

The Second City
www.secondcity.com

Victory Gardens Theatre
www.victorygardens.org

Lookingglass Theatre Company
www.lookingglasstheatre.org

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
www.chicagoshakes.com

Chicagoland

Rialto Square Theatre – Joliet
www.rialtosquare.com

Genesee Theatre – Waukegan
www.geneseetheatre.com

Bill Murray Jumps From Plane To Open Air, Water Show

2008-08-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

New Debate About Wrigley Field Night Games

2008-08-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Web Cam View of the State Fair.i

2008-08-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

Web Cameras

Have a look at what's going on live at the Illinois State Fair.
Use these links

	All Cams
	Coliseum
	Heartland
	Illinois Building Roof
	Livestock Center
	Main Gate
	Midway
	The Arena
	The Arena 2
	Orr Building

or click on the map below to see what's happening.

STEP DANCE COMPETITION

2008-08-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR TO HOLD STEP DANCE COMPETITION
Stars of box office smash "Stomp the Yard" to host the event

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Stars of the hit movie "Stomp the Yard" will host a hip-hop, step dance competition at the 2008 Illinois State Fair.

In addition to their film credits, Darrin Henson, an MTV Award-winning actor, and Columbus Short, a cast member of the Broadway show "Stomp" and an actor in the motion picture "Save the Last Dance II," have choreographed a variety of musical heavyweights, including Britney Spears, N'Sync, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Ashanti and Brandy.

They will appear together on stage at the Grandstand Aug. 14 for the "Showdown at the Fair," the Illinois State Fair's inaugural step dance competition.

Step is a form of percussive dance in which the participant's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word and hand claps.

The competition will feature some of the Midwest's premier step teams, including Team Heartless, A.D. Carson and Sean Prodigy. A $1,500 cash prize will be awarded to the winners. Second place will receive $700 and third place, $300. Local step dance teams are encouraged to compete. The deadline to enter is Monday, Aug. 11.

The competition will start at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

For more information, contact Brianne Grant at (217)524-9827 or visit the Special Events office located in the Emmerson Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

FINE WINES AND BALLROOM DANCING.

2008-08-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

FINE WINES AND BALLROOM DANCING...A PERFECT PAIR!
Illinois Wine Experience Offered Daily from Noon - 10 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom during the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - What type of wine goes with a little ballroom dancing? At the Illinois State Fair the answer is simple - Illinois wine!

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) will host the Illinois Wine Experience in a brand new location in the Twilight Ballroom. The Twilight Ballroom is located on Central Avenue between the U.S. Cellular High Dive Show and the Coliseum.

The Illinois wineries taking part in the Illinois Wine Experience include: Ridge View Winery, Mt. Sterling; Pheasant Hollow Winery, Whittington; Fox Creek Vineyards, Olney; Lasata Winery, Lawrenceville; Illinois River Winery, Utica; Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford; Berryville Vineyards, Claremont; Baxter's Vineyards & Winery, Nauvoo; Hopewell Winery, Rockport; Hogg Hollow Winery, Glendale; Owl Creek Vineyard, Cobden; Mary Michelle Winery, Carrollton; Prairie State Winery, Genoa; Shawnee Winery, Vienna; Piasa Winery, Grafton; Kickapoo Creek Winery, Edwards; Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass; Pomona Winery, Pomona; and Willett's Winery, Manito.

As in past years the Twilight Ballroom will feature nightly entertainment from a number of varied and talented jazz, swing, blues, big band, orchestral, and dance musicians from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night. A full schedule of the musicians is available at http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/twilight/.

Admission is free, with sampling tickets available for $1 each. Wine may also be purchased by the glass, bottle and case from each winery. The event is open to anyone, must be 21 years of age or older to taste the wines.

A special tasting of the 2008 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition award winners will take place Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom.

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA), established in 1992, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners. The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to 79 today. During this time, the acreage devoted to grape production has grown at a tremendous rate, and today Illinois is consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states. Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $253 million annually. The nearly 80 wineries that span Illinois have also brought with them a host of charming bed and breakfasts and local crafts businesses. The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association predicts continued growth in the coming years as more visitors discover the genuine culture of Illinois Wine Country.

Ill State Fair

Illinois State Fair

2008-08-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

Who will be at the State Fair?

Fergie
Weird Al Yankovic
Huey Lewis & the News w/ Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
ZZ Top /Brooks & Dunn
Natasha Bedingfield w/ Vanessa Hudgens
Trace Adkins w/
Trent Tomlin

General
Livestock
Junior Livestock
Society Horse Show
Western Horse Show
Miniature Horse Show
Special Events

Days of the Fair
Thur., Aug 7
Fri., Aug 8
Sat., Aug 9
Sun., Aug 10
Mon., Aug 11
Tue., Aug 12
Wed., Aug 13
Thur., Aug 14
Fri., Aug 15
Sat., Aug 16
Sun., Aug 17

See Chicago on Foot

2008-08-06T09:44:00.000-05:00

Chicago is an extremely walker-friendly city. Chicago is ranked among Illinois’ top walkable cities/communities by Prevention Magazine.

Popular favorites include architectural walking tours - www.architecture.org and cultural food walking tours - www.chicagofoodplanet.com throughout the city’s ethnic neighborhoods.

And when your feet need a rest? Try out Segway Tours - www.citysegwaytours.com, free trolley rides, water taxis or user-friendly CTA as an excellent, cost-effective alternative to driving around town.