Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to highlight key safety and scholarship updates for April. With Distracted Driving Awareness Month underway, Lalleman urges drivers to put phones away, especially as farm equipment returns to rural roads. April is also National Safe Digging Month; residents are reminded to call 811 or visit Illinois1call.com before any digging project to ensure safety and compliance with state law. Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships totaling $61,000 have been awarded, with additional opportunities open for veterinary and rural nurse practitioner students. Details and contacts for programs are available through the Henry County Farm Bureau.
Second-year veterinary students passionate about working in food animal medicine may benefit from the Illinois Farm Bureau’s IVET Program. Offering low-interest loans up to $50,000, the initiative aims to reduce the financial challenges veterinary students face, supporting up to three recipients each year. To qualify, applicants must attend an accredited U.S. veterinary college and commit to at least five years in Illinois food animal practice. Recipients also receive a $1,500 stipend for clinical rotations during their fourth year. Applications are open from March to May 15. More information is available from Tasha Bunting at the Illinois Farm Bureau at 309-557-2993 or by email at [email protected]. Find more information and download an application at “IVET College Loan Application.”
Illinois is offering a scholarship program for registered nurses aiming to become nurse practitioners. Applicants must be Illinois residents, accepted into a university nurse practitioner program, and provide academic transcripts along with three references, including one from a registered nurse. Scholarships require recipients to practice in a designated rural community for at least two years. The application deadline is May 1, with recipients notified in July. Funding is distributed in two installments, tied to progress reports submitted in January and May. Those seeking additional funding must commit to two years of rural service for each year funded. Verification of rural employment is required after graduation. Download the application at “RIMSAP Application.”
Golfers in Henry County can look forward to a community event as the Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation hosts its annual golf tournament on Friday, August 14, 2026. The event will unfold at Baker Park Golf Course in Kewanee, encouraging teams of four to sign up and participate. Tee times can be reserved by calling the Farm Bureau office at (309) 937-2411 or by emailing [email protected]. Proceeds from the event support local agricultural initiatives and scholarships. Organizers recommend early booking as spots are limited and foursomes are preferred for this popular outing.
April marks National Safe Digging Month in Illinois, prompting important reminders for anyone planning outdoor projects. Homeowners and contractors are urged to contact the Illinois One Call System—by dialing 811 or using the online service—before breaking ground. This precaution, managed by JULIE, identifies the location of underground utilities, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and service disruptions. Striking buried cables, gas lines, or water pipes can lead to injuries, costly repairs, or widespread outages. Authorities emphasize that using the system isn’t just a safety measure but a legal requirement to protect communities and critical infrastructure across the state.
April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and safety officials are urging motorists to keep their attention on the road. Authorities recommend putting cell phones out of reach—such as in the trunk, glove box, or backseat—before starting the car. The goal is to eliminate temptations like texting or checking notifications, which can lead to dangerous distractions. Law enforcement reports that distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes nationwide. Drivers are encouraged to prioritize safety by staying focused behind the wheel, helping to reduce accidents and protect everyone on the road throughout the month and beyond.