Update from Senator Fowler: October 28, 2024

Illinois Drivers Reminded to Stay Alert for Deer as Seasons Change

With the changing weather, Illinois motorists are being reminded to be on the lookout for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk, through the end of the year.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 2023 saw 14,862 crashes involving deer, with 663 of these resulting in injuries and seven leading to fatalities. More than 41 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in the months of October, November, and December, with November posing the greatest risk.

As drivers prepare for increased deer activity, IDOT offers several safety tips to help reduce the risk of collisions:

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with deer crossing signs.
Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in their eyes.
Slow down if you see a deer and anticipate that others could be following.
Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road and not move for oncoming vehicles.
If a collision is inevitable, don’t veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road.

If a driver does hit a deer, IDOT recommends pulling off to the shoulder, turning on hazard lights, and calling 911. Drivers are also reminded not to exit their vehicles. For information on claiming a deer from a crash or reporting possession, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) provides resources on its website.

Illinois is the Top Pumpkin-Producing State in the Nation

If you enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween or baking a pumpkin pie for your Thanksgiving table, you can thank an Illinois farmer as the state continues to lead the nation in pumpkin production.

From festive front porches to grocery store shelves, pumpkins are big business for Illinois farmers. The state is home to around 650 pumpkin farms, with the top 10 pumpkin-producing counties including Tazewell, Kankakee, Mason, Logan, Will, Marshall, Kane, Pike, Carroll, and Woodford.

According to the USDA, in 2022 Illinois farmers harvested 17,600 acres of pumpkins—more than twice the acreage of any other top pumpkin-producing state. The most recent data showed Illinois producing over 634 million pounds of pumpkins annually, more than all the other leading states combined. On average, Illinois grows about 37,500 pounds of pumpkins per acre, with 80 percent of the harvest processed into pumpkin puree.

Whether you're carving a jack-o'-lantern or baking a pie, chances are those pumpkins got their start right here in the Land of Lincoln.

National First Responders Day

October 28th is National First Responders Day, a time to honor the courage and commitment of the men and women who serve on the front lines, protecting and supporting our communities. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an estimated 4.6 million people serve as career and/or volunteer first responders in the nation. Whether it’s firefighters rushing into burning buildings, police officers maintaining public safety, or paramedics providing life-saving care, these individuals respond in times of crisis for the safety and well-being of others, often putting their own lives at risk.

State Senator Fowler encourages all Illinoisians to help celebrate National First Responders Day by taking a moment to thank a first responder, honor their contributions, and show them they are appreciated for the work they do in communities throughout the state.

Ameren Illinois customers served by the Marion Operating Center (OC) know that journeymen linemen Jason Novak, Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis are great at keeping the lights on in southern Illinois. The trio now have the distinction of being the best linemen in the world after finishing first overall at the 40th International Lineman's Rodeo in Overland Park, KS, Oct. 18-19.

The lineman's rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks. Novak, Gulley and Lewis dominated with two second-place finishes to earn the best-of-the-best title at the competition. More than 255 journeymen teams and nearly 400 apprentices competed this year.

Way to represent Southern Illinois and congratulations on this amazing honor!

According to the IMA, manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, generating more than $580 billion for the state’s economy each year. The industry directly employs 662,298 workers but supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs – nearly a third of all jobs in Illinois. There's no question, manufacturing is important here in Southern Illinois and all throughout Illinois. Join me in celebrating all our region's amazing manufacturers and manufacturing employees!

Office Locations