June 5, 2003

Urbana - In Russia, scientists have found anthrax bacteria that are close to 100 years old still lurking in the soil. In its spore state, anthrax bacteria are tough, resilient creatures. This is why they have also become one of the most feared biological weapons today, said Benito Mariñas, University of Illinois professor of civil and environmental engineering.

June 5, 2003

Urbana - When President Bush began his campaign for a homeland security agency, he did so from a Kansas City location with an ominous backdrop--a water treatment facility on a busy street that was protected by only a rusty chain-link fence.

It was symbolism at work. But real concerns lie behind this symbolism--concerns that our tapwater constitutes a large, vulnerable target for terrorists.

June 5, 2003

Before you pack up your fun-in-the-sun supplies and hit Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches this summer, you might want to hit the Internet first. A new Web site can tell you whether any of these beaches are closed due to E.coli contamination.

“Last year, Indiana beaches were closed nearly 20 times over the course of the summer,” said Leslie Dorworth, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic ecology specialist.

June 5, 2003

URBANA-Illinois is not considered a leading state in wine production. But University of Illinois researchers Bob Skirvin and his team ask the question why not? Skirvin’s recently completed research on grape growth in Illinois showed that Illinois has all the resources to be a successful wine producing and grape-growing state.

June 4, 2003

“Almost all Great Lakes fisheries issues involve stakeholders weighing in on management options,” said Brian Miller, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant associate director. “Through the Great Lakes Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership Institute we hope to provide emerging citizen fishery leaders the fundamental background in science and ecology necessary to make educated choices related to fisheries management.”

Date: June 2, 2003

URBANA - A tour of several organic farms in Woodford County will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 14. Terra Brockman, president of The Land Connection Foundation and other local farmers will host the tour that will visit successful, diverse, organic farms.

June 2, 2003

URBANA—Live hog prices are expected to average in the low to mid-$40s this summer and drop back to the very high $30s to low $40s for the fall, said a Purdue University Extension marketing specialist.

Do you want a dog but live in a small apartment? Consider other pet options. Rabbits and guinea pigs make excellent apartment pets, and many landlords who are anti-dog or cat will allow caged pets. Caged pets generally require less maintenance, making them great companions for people on the go.

May 12, 2003

URBANA - Milk production was up by 2.6 percent in the United States in 2001, but milk consumption was up only about one percent, leading to a milk surplus, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist.

“We are still producing more milk and milk products for the U.S. market than will be consumed,” said Michael Hutjens, who reviewed the U.S. milk consumption patterns during June Dairy Month.

Illinois, however, continues as a “milk deficit” state, he added. The state produces less milk than it consumes.

May 29, 2003

Energy use and costs are greatest in the hot, summer months when air conditioning use peaks. The Illinois Electric Council suggests taking measures now so your home can better weather the summer sun, heat and humidity.

“There are a number of measures, small and large, that can make a big difference in comfort and electric bills, “ says Molly Hall, Illinois Electric Council Executive Director. “Most steps can pay for themselves relatively quickly. For example, weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to boost efficiency and cut energy costs.”