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July 2002: Hot and dry in Illinois

[AUG. 3, 2002]  This July was the 19th warmest in Illinois since 1895 and the 12th warmest in Chicago since 1872. With statewide rainfall of 2.82 inches — 74 percent of average — July 2002 was also the 30th driest in Illinois since 1895.

 "Double-digit days of temperatures above 90 were quite common, with 15 to 20 days (south), 10 to 20 days (central), and 10 to 15 days (north)," says Jim Angel, state climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey, a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Statewide temperatures averaged 78.1 degrees — 2.4 degrees above normal.

Chicago especially struggled with hot weather in July due to the urban heat island. Within the urban area, Midway Airport reported 22 days of 90-plus temperatures, while O’Hare Airport to the west reported only 12 such days. Twenty-six of the 30 heat-related deaths in Cook County this summer were reported during July, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Grand Tower reported the warmest temperature for July, 103 degrees on July 10, and McHenry reported the coldest temperature, 47 degrees on July 14.

The largest one-day total rainfall was at Piper City, 4.32 inches on July 29. Aledo reported the largest monthly total rainfall, 8.30 inches.

"While parts of Illinois received heavy rains in July, these rains were not widespread," says Angel. "Rainfall that occurred was confined largely to western Illinois between the Wisconsin border and Quincy and extending eastward in a narrow band across central Illinois. (See map.)

 

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July 2002 precipitation (inches)
[Click on map to enlarge]

"Substantial portions of northern and southern Illinois had less than 2 inches rather than the nearly 4 inches they normally receive in July. As a result, corn and soybeans in areas that received rain are doing much better than those in areas that received little or no rain."

"Remember to drink lots of fluids and try to keep cool, but don’t expect relief any time soon," cautions Angel.

National Weather Service forecasts are calling for another two weeks of warm, dry conditions.

[Illinois State Water Survey press release]

Celebrating American Theatre

Lincoln Community Theatre

presents

The King and I

Aug. 2-10
Johnston Center
for the Performing Arts

for ticket information, call 732-2640
or
click here: http://www.geocities.com/
lincolncommunitytheatre

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Call (217) 732-7443
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Our staff offers more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Greyhound Lube

At the corner of Woodlawn and Business 55

No Appointments Necessary


Bomke offers homeowners
tips on safe home repair

[AUG. 3, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Many homeowners find the summer months the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects. Sen. Larry Bomke urges homeowners to be cautious when beginning any remodeling project.

"Home repair fraud is consistently the number one consumer complaint," said Bomke, R-Springfield. "It’s important know your rights before beginning any remodeling project so you don’t willing become a victim of fraud."

Bomke points to a 2000 law requiring contractors to provide customers with a copy of the brochure "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights."

"Homeowners have rights when hiring a contractor for repair and improvements projects. Knowing these rights can make all the difference," said Bomke.

For example, on jobs totaling more than $1,000, contractors must also provide a written contract signed by both the contractor and the customer. They must also carry insurance for any damage that may occur during the remodeling.

Several common-sense tips will also help alert a homeowner to a possible scam:

•  Ask friends and family for recommendations of contractors they trust.

•  Get references.

•  Collect several estimates in writing.

•  Beware of prices that seem too good to be true.

•  Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Check old phone books.

 

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•  Be sure to see the contractor’s license.

•  Read over the contract carefully. Look for specific start and completion dates, material warranties, and total cost. Ask if there is a charge for an estimate.

•  Get lien waivers to prevent claims against you or your property if the contractor fails to pay subcontractors.

•  Don’t make the final payment until you are satisfied and all subcontractors have been paid.

Bomke indicates homeowners should also be suspicious of unsolicited salespeople, companies who list only a phone number or post office box, those who refuse to provide references, and those who fail to provide the required brochure. While they may be on the level, these are indicators that alert you to double-check references and make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor.

Copies of the brochure and these tips may also be downloaded at http://www.senategop.state.il.us/
Brochures/home.pdf
.

[The brochure is in Adobe Acrobat. Click here to download Adobe Acrobat reader.]

Homeowners who think they have been defrauded by a contractor or have other questions, should contact their local state’s attorney or the Illinois attorney general’s office at (800) 243-0618 or TTY (877) 844-5461.

[News release]

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