JACKSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The 28th Annual Fishing Expedition for Special Populations was held Wednesday, May 8 at Bleyer Lake.

More than 1,300 Special Population youngsters and adults, volunteers, and staff lined the shores of Bleyer Lake for this event. They spent the day fishing and were provided a picnic lunch. All of the fishing equipment is provided free of charge to the participants.

Bleyer Lake is located 1.5 miles south of Midland Inn, just off Country Club Road.

The participants came from southern Illinois schools and sheltered workshops in Jackson, Williamson, Union and other surrounding counties.

The event began at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

Volunteers for the Fishing Expedition helped participants with their fishing equipment, baited fishing hooks and encouraged their efforts.

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The 2013 Click It or Ticket campaign kicks off May 10 in Illinois.

According to Carbondale police, the purpose of the campaign is to help save lives by cracking down on those who do not buckle up through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. 

The Carbondale Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and over 500 local law enforcement agencies across the state to save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws.

“As we kick-off the busy summer driving season it’s important for everyone to buckle up every trip, every time, day or night – no excuses,” said Chief of Police Jody O’Guinn. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing a seat belt.”

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - For Kids' Sake 13th Annual Art Auction held their closing reception Saturday, May 4 at the Longbranch Coffeehouse in Carbondale.

The reception raised $16,000 from the sale of over 170 pieces of art, gift baskets, raffles and donations. The event included musical entertainment by five local bands, including a Bengali student rock band and a Bollywood dance. Several children's groups also performed music and shared their creative talents in support of the orphans in Bangladesh. There was standing room only all throughout the night.

Shema Ruperto, the event organizer, was very pleased with the Art Auction.

"This was our best art auction to date," she said. "Not only did we raise $16,000, but people from all over Southern Illinois came together in support of our kids in Bangladesh. A six year old Southern Illinois boy's art sold for $35, which will feed a hundred kids in Bangladesh."