Latest news with #IllinoisDepartmentofAgriculture
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Illinois Department of Agriculture lifts poultry exhibition suspension
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is lifting the temporary suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The suspension was initially issued in February in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu. 'We have closely monitored the threat posed by avian flu and have taken appropriate measures to ensure biosecurity for the safety of both the public and the poultry industry,' said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. 'Should the situation change, we will re-evaluate, but for now, we feel it is safe to resume poultry exhibition and sales.' Avian flu is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds (especially waterfowl). Avian flu virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, immediately to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593. The public is reminded not to handle or attempt to capture wild waterfowl or other birds displaying signs of illness. Due to risk of infection to other animals, cats should be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from avian flu. For more information regarding avian flu, visit the USDA site at
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Snoop Dogg, Sheryl Crow and more: Full lineup for the 2025 Illinois State Fair
Music fans can now see the full lineup of artists who will be performing at the state fair in August. Nine recognizable musicians and bands are coming to Springfield. Here's who will be performing at the fair that runs from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17. Country star Jake Owen can boast 10 No. 1 singles and more than 2.5 billion U.S. on-demand streams. He will take the stage in Springfield on Friday, Aug. 8. Owen is the most recent performer to be announced. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. 'August 8 is Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, and this is the perfect way to celebrate,' stated Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 'Country artists are a crowd favorite in central Illinois," he added. Owen released his first studio album in 2006. More: Part of the fabric of the Midwest: Central Illinois county fairs kick off in late May The Black Crowes debuted in 1990 and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. The blues-rock band will perform on Saturday, Aug. 9. 'The Black Crowes represent the kind of powerhouse talent that makes the Illinois State Fair's Grandstand lineup stand out year after year,' Costello II stated. The group formed in Atlanta, Georgia. People Magazine called Moroney "Country's New Darling" and the Illinois State Fair billed her as bringing "emo cowgirl charm" to the fair. The Georgia-native claims nearly two billion global streams. "The Illinois State Fair has a long tradition of showcasing artists early in their careers," Costello II stated. "She has a bright future in Country music." Moroney will perform on Sunday, Aug. 10. Sheryl Crow is a nine-time Grammy winner with a soft rock or alternative rock-style. She will perform on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Crow last performed at the state fair in 1996 in a performance with John Hiatt. 'Her music lifts people up, brings them together, and we can't wait for that to happen at the Illinois State Fair,' Costello II stated. More: Farmers markets will soon open in the Springfield area. Here's what to know. Snoop Dogg, the American rapper who has sold over 37 million albums worldwide and released 20 studio albums since 1993, will perform in Springfield on Wednesday, Aug. 13. He previously performed at the fair in 2019. Clark said the rapper reaches music fans of multiple generations. Country star Brad Paisley has won three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards. He will perform in Springfield on Thursday, Aug. 14. Paisley performed at the fair in 2017 and 2013. 'Brad Paisley's music celebrates family, tradition, and good times — values that align perfectly with what the Fair is all about,' Clark stated. "Known for their boundary-defying fusion of pop, indie, electronic, alternative, and rock, Drew Taggart and Alex Pall have consistently shaped the landscape of popular music," the fair said in a news release. The Chainsmokers will perform on Friday, Aug. 15. The group's debut album in 2017 reached the #1 spot on the Billboard 200, followed by critically acclaimed releases Sick Boy, World War Joy, and 2022's So Far So Good, which marked their fourth #1 debut on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart. 'We are always looking to bring the best entertainment to Springfield, and The Chainsmokers are one of the biggest names in music today,' Clark stated. 'Their ability to blend genres and engage audiences of all ages makes them the perfect addition to our Grandstand lineup.' Def Leppard, an English rock or heavy metal group that became popular in the 1980s, has sold over 110 million albums. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Def Leppard will perform on Saturday, Aug. 16. 'Def Leppard has a catalog that's spans so many years, and it has so many cross generational appeals,' said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Turnpike Troubadours is an American country music band from Oklahoma that started making music in 2005. They will perform Sunday, Aug. 17. The Turnpike Troubadours has achieved 1.5 billion streams globally. 'Turnpike Troubadours perform a unique kind of music that we are happy to have at the Illinois State Fair,' Costello II stated. 'This band will feel right at home here in central Illinois.' Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@ This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: 2025 Illinois State Fair: Full lineup announced for this year's fair
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
In Springfield school board election, newcomer Barnett easily outdistances Mares
In the only contested race for School District 186 board of education, political newcomer Kristin Barnett easily outdistanced incumbent Anthony "Tony" Mares in Subdistrict 1 in the April 1 consolidated election. Two incumbents, board president Micah Miller in Subdistrict 2 and Erica Austin in Subdistrict 6, were unopposed. Subdistrict 1 is in the northwest part of Springfield. More: April election: Springfield school board candidates address academic performance and more Barnett, a chemist with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, won with 62% of the vote. Mares is the marketing manager for Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD). He previously served as school board president. "I'm thrilled for so many reasons," Barnett said. "I'm thrilled because I want to be on this board, and I want to help the district and the students and the teachers. I'm thrilled all the hard work paid off. This is something I set my mind to." "She really worked her butt off and people saw it, so it was easy to get behind her," said Sangamon County Democratic Party chairman Bill Houlihan. Barnett said some people she met knocking on doors "had never talked to any school board candidate." Miller was first elected in 2019, while Austin won her first election in 2021. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the State Journal-Register app The Ball-Chatham school board will have a decidedly different look after incumbents Andrea Rediger and Patrick Phipps lost. Laura Calderon, Tiffani Saunders and Ann Strahle did not seek terms. Brent Kulavic, Lisa M. Lipe, Carrie Jeffries and Joe Bolletta all claimed seats. Kelvin Coburn was the only candidate for a two-year term. In Pawnee, incumbents Joe Morell, Jerry Clarke and Jessica Megginson all were voted back in. Travis Simpson tied for the second most votes in winning a seat. Incumbent Stan McTaggart did not run. In Mt. Pulaski, incumbents Aaron Lee Wilham and Doug Martin won along with Ryan Mott and Breann Titus. Incumbent Deanne Mott did not run. In Riverton, incumbents Shannon M. Churchill, Leeann Kendall, Deana L. Schenk and Corie Pettit re-claimed seats after both Schenck and Churchill were elected to two-year terms in 2023. In Rochester, incumbent Todd Hannah lost with Henry Aaron Taft, Sarah Kerley and Kristin LaMontagne claiming seats. Incumbents Chris Jewell and Aimee Johnson did not run. In Auburn, incumbents Jamie Kuhlmann and Michael Bates won, along with Tyler Beroa and Lynde Dobson Pavich, who was appointed in 2024. Incumbent Josh Smith did not run. For Sangamon Valley School District, which includes schools in Niantic, Harristown and Illiopolis, incumbents Joshua Hilbert, Matthew David Wood, Jessica Browning and Lori Campbell were voted back into office. For A-C Central School District, which includes schools in Ashland and Chandlerville, incumbent Curtis Cosner, a 2023 appointee, and Daniel J. Edge were the winners, with Daniel A. Cuba, Vincent Todd Jokisch and Garrett Savage all tying. Incumbents Debra Petefish and Jason Smith did not run. Williamsville-Sherman will have a new look after incumbent Christina Prefountain lost her re-election bid and Charles Waugh and Kurt Ratliff did not run. Incumbent Thomas Ray did win a seat, along with Trevor Compardo, Pat McCue and Michelle Entwistle. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788: sspearie@ X, This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Kristin Barnett won her first election for Springfield school board
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country star Brad Paisley set to perform at Illinois State Fair again
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — An award-winning country music star will return to the Illinois State Fair in August. Brad Paisley will perform on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage during the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 14., an Illinois Department of Agriculture news release stated. He is one of country music's most decorated male solo artists with three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards. 'Three-peat, Grandstand crowd favorite, Brad Paisley is always welcome at the Illinois State Fair,' Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said. 'His award-winning songwriting and showmanship are unmatched, and we're honored to bring him back to our Grandstand.' Tickets for the show will go on sale on March 22 at 10 a.m. and will be available for purchase here. Tickets will cost from $55 to $125 depending on the tier. The 2025 Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 7 through Aug. 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country star Brad Paisley to perform at 2025 Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Country superstar Brad Paisley will perform at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. Paisley will perform on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Thursday, August 14th. The last time Paisley performed at the Illinois State Fair was 2017. 'Three-peat, Grandstand crowd favorite, Brad Paisley is always welcome at the Illinois State Fair,' said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. 'His award-winning songwriting and showmanship are unmatched, and we're honored to bring him back to our Grandstand.' 'Brad Paisley's music celebrates family, tradition, and good times — values that align perfectly with what the Fair is all about,' said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. 'We're excited to partner with someone who shares our passion for bringing people together, and we know it's going to be a night to remember.' Tickets for Brad Paisley will go on sale Saturday, March 22 at 10 a.m. via . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
