Park of the Month: Illinois Caverns

After being closed for a decade, Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is back open to the public. Located in Monroe County, this underground wonder includes an impressive array of cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites and more.

Illinois Caverns is the only commercially operated cave in Illinois. It originally opened in 1901 and passed through various owners before being sold to the state in 1985.

Due to concerns about white-nose syndrome, a disease that effects bats, the caves were closed to the public in 2011. Recent research, however, showed that human visitation did not promote the spread of the disease, leading the Department of Natural Resources to reopen the park to visitors this summer.

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Wise Plastics Technologies recognized for commitment to safety

Wise Plastics Technologies, an Illinois based company, has received national Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) designation from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

“Wise Plastics Technology has gone above and beyond, proving it’s dedicated to workplace safety,” Illinois Department of Labor Director Michael Kleinik said. “The company has set an example for others in its field.”

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Park of the month: Mississippi Palisades State Park

• Park of the month
• Tourism
• Recreation

The unique geology of Mississippi Palisades State Park in Carroll County offers tourists and locals an excellent location for outdoor activities year round. Every guest will be sure to find something that interests them during their visit.

Due to erosion from the Mississippi River, the palisades are a one-of-a-kind set of geological features that are visible and accessible from the river. This has made the area incredibly popular for boating and canoeing, both for fishing and sightseeing. However, visitors should be careful if they decide to disembark, as some rock formations have been important enough to be designated U.S. National Landmarks.

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Illinois and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

Much of the attention surrounding Tokyo has been focused on athletes set to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, but Illinois will also be well represented in the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, which follows the Olympic Games later in August.

This year’s Paralympic Games will be held from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, hosting athletes from around the world – over 35 of whom come from right here in Illinois. The athletes will compete in 22 events, with Badminton and Taekwondo making their debut this year.

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