Illinois Quick Hits: Lee County campground evacuated due to flooding

(The Center Square) – Lee County officials say about 200 people were evacuated from O’Connell’s RV Campground in Amboy due to flooding that affected the area on Sunday morning.

The Lee County Emergency Management Authority said it would be up to the campground operators to decide when O’Connell’s could reopen, but the high water did not allow vehicles to safely enter or leave the property on Sunday.

SIU PROFESSOR FATALLY SHOT, WIFE IN CUSTODY

A Southern Illinois University professor is dead after he was allegedly shot by his wife on Saturday.

The Southern reports that Kofi Akamani, 48, taught in SIU Carbondale’s Department of Forestry. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said Betty Akamani, 35, is facing various charges for her alleged involvement.

STATE POLICE ENCOURAGE FALL HARVEST ROAD SAFETY

As farmers move equipment along roadways during the fall harvest season, Illinois State Police encourage drivers to share the road and be patient. Illinois Department of Transportation data reported 275 crashes involving farm tractors or equipment in 2024.

ISP also encouraged farmers to avoid rush hours, busier highways and times of low visibility when possible.

PUMPKIN FEST CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

After Morton celebrated its 60th annual Pumpkin Festival over the weekend, organizers are accepting theme ideas for the 2027 event.

The 2026 theme was “Bam Pow Pumpkins! - 60 years of Pumpkin Power!” Illinois led the nation by producing about 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024, or about as much as the next four leading states combined.

COOK COUNTY OFFERS HUMAN TRAFFICKING WEBINAR

The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force has scheduled a webinar on Monday afternoon for those interested in learning more about how to address the issue.

The webinar is scheduled from 1-4:15 p.m.  Registration is available online.

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.