GALATIA — Galatia High School basketball players devoted Saturday to a community service moneymaking project.

The youths, others and head coach Bob Belford gathered at the Bondo's parking lot where they washed cars.

There was a twist to the fundraising: There was no set price for the car wash.

SPRINGFIELD — The Blagojevich administration says it had no other choice but to shut down two dozen state parks and historic sites this fall, facing deep budget holes.

SPRINGFIELD — Harold Deatherage and his co-workers stay busy keeping an eye on the vast Hennepin Canal, which crosses several northern Illinois counties. They mow bike trails, tear down beaver dams and pull out the occasional discarded mattress or soda machine.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract with the state that will give them raises of 15.25 percent over the life of the pact.

Du QUOIN — In several instances recently, the Harrisburg High School football team has been able to hang around with the Du Quoin Indians at Van Metre Field.

ELKVILLE  — It was out with the old and in with the new, as the Eldorado Eagles and new Coach Brandon Hampton got the better of the host Elverado Falcons and ex-Eagles coach Duffy Sanders, 41-0 Friday night in Black Diamond Conference play.