Firearm deer hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 99,324 deer during the seven-day firearm deer season on Nov. 16-18 and Nov. 29-Dec. 2, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  This year’s preliminary firearm season harvest total compares with the 97,820 deer taken during the 2011 firearm season.  

Wayne County led all of southeastern Illinois where hunters took 1,716 deer, compared to last year's total of 1,871.

In White County, hunters shot 872 deer this year while in Wasbash County, 311 deer were taken.

Other counties' deer harvest totals included:

If you have been wondering about what you can do after the Mt. Carmel Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1, Wabash Valley College says it has planned a "fun-filled afternoon for your family and friends".

WVC is hosting a community tailgate party following the Christmas Parade until 5:00 p.m. on the WVC campus.  Bring your coolers, grills, family and friends for an exciting afternoon before the Warriors and Lady Warriors basketball games that evening.  Events planned include live music, hot chocolate, s’mores, popcorn, a mini cheer camp, corn hole, face painting, prizes, and more.

The Edwards County volleyball team is in the final four.

The Lady Lions beat Pana in three straight games Saturday at Effingham to earn a trip to the state finals.

Edwards County will play Dakota Friday at noon at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illiinois State University. 

Mackinaw and Port Byron are the other two teams in the semi-finals.