MILAN, Ill. (KWQC) – The Illinois Department of Transportation held a “Winter Weather, Get It Together” event Tuesday as crews prepare for the upcoming winter season.

Crews want drivers to pay extra attention to crews working to clear roads during winter weather events.

“Definitely just keep in mind, slow down when you see our trucks,” Devin McNeill, Illinois DOT lead worker at the Silvis yard said. “Our drivers are doing multiple things while they’re operating the trucks so they can’t see everywhere.”

He also said drivers should be patient.

Crews in District 2, which covers several counties in northwest Illinois, have nearly 4,100 miles of roads to plow.

Guidelines from the Illinois Department of Transportation:

• Give yourself extra time for trips
• Slow down and increase the distance between other vehicles
• Prepare an emergency kits with jumper cable, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, traction material, blankets, food and a first-aid kit
• Keep a cellphone charger in your vehcile
• Check your battery, tires, lights, charging system and belts
• Look out for black ice and slippery conditions, even with no snow
• Be careful at intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas
• Don’t travel in bad weather unless you have to. If you do, share your route and check the forecast
• Give plows and other equipment treating the roads space

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On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I recap Illinois football’s victory over Maryland (2:44), highlighting Luke Altmyer’s rise in the Illini record books (8:27) and noting that the program is currently in one of its most successful stretches (17:11). I also preview Illinois’ upcoming game against Wisconsin (21:32), analyze the Badgers’ unusually poor offense (26:24), and offer a score prediction for Saturday’s matchup (31:33).

I also review men’s basketball’s win over Colgate (33:37), spotlighting David Mirkovic’s record-setting game and Keaton Wagler’s strong start (36:13). I look ahead to Wednesday’s Top-15 matchup with Alabama in Chicago (41:01). I also recap women’s basketball’s strange shooting night against Oregon State (47:43) and preview the Field Trip game against Murray State (50:15).

I end the show by recognizing Illinois women’s soccer team for its historic season (53:21).

Join the conversation! Comment below and make sure to subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you find your podcasts!

BROADVIEW, Ill. – An Illinois state lawmaker is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to publicly condemn the violence that broke out during protests outside the Broadview ICE processing facility on Friday where clashes led to 21 arrests and several injured officers.

What they’re saying:

State Rep. Patrick Sheehan said the confrontation highlights growing dangers that officers face statewide.

“Our officers put everything on the line to maintain order and they were met with violence,” Sheehan said in a statement. “Governor Pritzker must condemn the violence against Illinois law enforcement officers in Broadview now!”

The protests, which drew about 300 people, escalated late Friday morning when roughly 50 demonstrators crossed a barrier outside the facility. Authorities said the clash left four officers hurt, including two Broadview police officers, an Illinois State Police trooper and a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson also denounced the violence, calling the behavior of some demonstrators who she claimed were from out of town “unacceptable and outrageous.”

Sheehan pointed to ongoing strain on Illinois police departments, citing a statewide survey showing that 60 percent of agencies report being understaffed, with recruitment and retention reaching “crisis-level” conditions.

The clash came as a federal judge ordered the release of 13 immigrant detainees and signaled that hundreds more could qualify for home confinement. Family members gathered outside the facility Friday, hoping to see relatives walk out.

Some protesters told Fox 32 they remained peaceful and were demonstrating in solidarity with detainees awaiting release. 

“We’re not being violent,” one protester said.

Sheehan said the injuries in Broadview underscore what he believes is an urgent need for immediate state action. “Any delay leaves both officers and residents at continued risk,” he warned.