WGFA NEWS for Monday, June 7, 2010 >

WX > Mostly sunny, high near 76. NE wind at 5 mph. Showers and T-storms again tonight and Tuesday and maybe Wednesday.

> Emergency sirens sounded and weather spotters were busy Saturday night, but Iroquois County escaped the ravage storm that hit Kankakee County, parts of Livingston and LaSalle counties. Tornados were confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS) Sunday after damage assessment teams visited the affected areas.

Meteorologist Steven Rodriquez said unstable atmospheric conditions were monitored much of the evening with the rotating cells popping up in Putnam and LaSalle counties, moving to the east…. {6}

It appears another tornado touched down northwest of Dwight about 1 mile north of IL Route 17 along N 2300 E Road. There was minor tree damage at a home 1/4 mile north of the Railroad tracks…south of E 3300 N Road. Severe winds and a possible tornado derailed a train east of N 2400 E Road. The NWS said an additional survey team will be dispatched to take a closer look at this damage today.

> The worst tornado or storm-related damage hit eastern Kankakee County when an apparent tornado split. Rural St. Anne and the Pembroke Township areas took the brunt of the storm, according to NWS meteorologist Steven Rodriquez…. {7}

Injuries appeared to be confined to a mobile home park where the twister touched down at Dwight. Reports of 35 trailers at Dwight Mobile Home Park were destroyed, causing 14 injuries. Dwight Fire Chief Darrin Schull relayed unconfirmed reports of five homes destroyed in Dwight and nearly 150 homes with some type of damage.

In St. Anne, two homes were completely destroyed, and two trailers were demolished in Pembroke Township near Hopkins Park, but no injuries were reported. Kankakee County ESDA assistant coordinator Dave Zinanni said “it’s amazing no one was seriously injured.” He said rescue personnel from local agencies conducted a welfare search until about 3 a.m. in Pembroke Township looking for casualties. Downed trees, power lines and washed out roads, made for difficult response operations.

St. Anne Fire Chief John Boomsma tells WGFA News it was quite obvious this was more than just a heavy T-storm…. { 11 }

Boomsma said ComEd crews were busy Sunday re-setting utility poles.

> 55-year-old Michael Welken of Grant Park died in a single-car crash Sunday in Kankakee County. Sherif’s Police report Welken’s vehicle left 10,000 N Road–near Grant Park–and clipped a utility pole before overturning.

A St. Anne man was killed Sunday night when his pickup flipped several times. 28-year-old Adilla Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene along Grinnell Road. The crashes are under investigation.

> Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a dirt bike accident Saturday in Belmont Township. 26-yr-old Garret Coffey of Thawville failed to negotiate a curve on 1200 N near 1950 E Road. The bike ran into a ditch culvert. Coffey was transferred to Carle Hospital at Urbana. He was also cited for Driving on a Suspended License, Failure to reduce Speed and No Valid registration.

> Former Grant Park Police Chief Scott Fitts was taken back into custody Friday. He’s facing charges of improper registration of at least five vehicles. Fictitious Indiana license plates were found on five vehicles. FBI agents arrested Fitts at his home Friday evening. The arrest followed a traffic stop in suburban Olympia Fields Thursday evening where police said Fitts was leading a string of vehicles with identical dealer plates.

The 42-year-old Fitts is currently awaiting the start of a five-year federal prison term for his role in operating a false prostitution sting while he was Grant Park police chief.

> Kankakee Police Chief Mike Kinkade is retiring June 18th. He’ll end 34 years with the Kankakee department. The 57-year-old’s official resignation announcement is tonight at the City Council meeting.

94.1 FM, WGFA

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 8 Part 2

Approximately 1,300 producers, exhibitors and guests attended the 2010 Illinois Pork Expo last week in Peoria.  The Expo was sponsored by the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and included several changes to improve the show and make it more relevant to pork producers.  Colleen Callahan has the report.

Agribusiness Update 2010 2010 2 8 Part 1

The USDA’s announcement to regroup on the decision to institute a National Animal Identification System has met with mixed reviews.  One farm policy research group, the Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute applauds the decision.  The National Pork Producers Council agrees with the need for a system.  Colleen Callahan has more details.

Agribusiness Update 2010 2010 2 5 Part 2

The EPA Regulations Confirm Ethanol’s Environmental Superiority Over Gasoline.  While the National Corn Growers Association says it agrees with THAT, it disagrees on the EPA’s thought process.  Colleen Callahan explains. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 5 Part 1

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the final rule for implementing the Renewable Fuels Standard.  What does the Renewable Fuels Industry say about it?  For or against?  Colleen Callahan has the answer

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 3 Part 2

Farmland cash rents are steady for this coming crop year.  Colleen Callahan has the details. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 3 Part 1

It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday, but the entire season has been SUPER for Indiana students because of a partnership between the Indiana corn and soybean checkoffs and the Indianapolis Colts.  Colleen Callahan explains.

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 1 Part 2 mp3

With increased public attention surrounding the use of antibiotics by farmers and the potential impact on public health, Illinois pork producers are providing information to aid the public discussion on a safe U.S. food supply.  Colleen Callahan has the details of the announcement.

Agribusiness Update 2010 2 1 Part 1

The “Best of Show” goes to a local young man in a national livestock competition.  Colleen Callahan tells us who, how and what. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 29 Part 2

In its January 2010 issue, Farm Industry News unveiled its annual Award winners. All of the new products appeared in the magazine during the past 12 months and were selected, based on the reader’s interest.  Colleen Callahan shares the “Top 10 List.” 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 29 Part 1

Why do Farmers Farm?  Is it because they inherited the land?  Or because Dad or Grandpa expects it?  Colleen Callahan reports on a survey that provides the answers.  

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 27 Part 2

Remember Bio Town USA in Reynolds, Indiana?  Well Reynolds remains, but Bio Town almost wasn’t.  But Colleen Callahan has an update on the efforts by the Town Board President who says Bio Town USA will become a reality. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 27 Part 1

Smithfield Foods is closing its Sioux City Hog Processing Facility.  Colleen Callahan has the details. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 25 Part 2

“2, 4, 6, 8, who needs another trait?”  That’s the question posed in this week’s Corn Belt Update, by Iowa State agronomist Roger Elmore.  Colleen Callahan explains his reference to multi-“traited” corn. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 25 Part 1

The National Soybean Research Laboratory, headquartered at the University of Illinois, is assisting with a significant effort to help the survivors of the Haitian earthquake.  Colleen Callahan has the details. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 22 Part 2

The biodiesel industry has all but shut down.  Why?  Colleen Callahan explains.

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 22 Part 1

According to AgriMarketing, Monsanto has announced it will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Justice.  Colleen Callahan explains. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 20 Part 2

Scientists are questioning Farm Bureau’s climate stance.  Colleen Callahan shares the story from AgriPulse. 

Agribusiness Update 2010 1 20 Part 1

Agriculture in Afghanistan is completely different than agriculture in the United States.  But Colleen Callahan reports on the emphasis that the USDA is placing on production in that region.