Illinois sees rainy October statewide Nov 3, 2009
According to the state water survey rain was heaviest in southern Illinois and the cities of Decatur and Bloomington/Normal set records. The average temperature in Illinois during October was 49. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Three area volleyball teams set for sectional semifinals today Nov 3, 2009
Danville Schlarman won the Salt Fork Regional, beating the host team 25-19, 25-17 for its second straight regional title, while Mount Pulaski won its own regional beating Decatur Lutheran 25-20, 25-19. Windsor won the Meridian Regional, beating Central A&M 25-22, 25-19 for its second straight regional title and Tri-County downed Chrisman 25-18, 25-19 at Chrisman. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
It appears there won't be a road salt spike this year Nov 2, 2009
Decatur saw a 35 percent spike in costs last year ... Marley said Decatur considered forming a buying group with other Central Illinois cities such as Bloomington. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Friends, family to hold cancer benefit for longtime foster parent Nov 1, 2009
"They've given themselves and opened up their home to so many children and to many others, adults, too," said family friend Chandra Denison, 36, of Decatur. "Even today, if someone needs food, they do everything they can. They give so much. I just hope the community can help raise money and try to give back to the family.". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Dems block proposal calling for end of free bus rides for seniors Oct 31, 2009
In Decatur, for example, about 54,400 seniors rode the bus in 2007 ... "They are certainly taking advantage of it," said Decatur Public Transit System chief Paul McChancy ... The cost of providing the free rides in Decatur was about $18,000. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hearing set in case of access to Beason slayings records Oct 31, 2009
The Pantagraph, the Herald & Review in Decatur and Springfield's State Journal-Register have filed a petition asking that search warrants and other records in the Gee case be open. Judge Charles Feeney III has been assigned to hear the media request at a hearing Thursday in Lincoln. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Coon named all-state by soccer coaches Oct 27, 2009
Miles Henderson, Decatur MacArthur, senior forward ... Brennan McElroy, Decatur St. Teresa, senior forward ... Abdi Aden, Champaign Centennial; Hunter Davis, Mattoon; Tyler Davis, Hoopeston Area/Bismarck-Henning; Matt Grooss, Decatur St. Teresa; Jacob Hanselman, Monticello; Tarik Koric Urbana University; Nick Lund, Urbana; Tyler Mumm, Monticello; Jeremy Niebrugge, Teutopolis; Micah Walker, Champaign Central; Bryson Weaver, Decatur MacArthur. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Woman accused of providing false alibi in Beason case can return to Florida Oct 27, 2009
The Decatur lawyer said she would attend hearings for her client, and Duncan would travel back to Illinois for required court appearances. A Feb. 22 trial date was set for Duncan, who posted $5,000 to be released from jail last week. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ill. candidates line up to file for Feb. primary Oct 27, 2009
In central Illinois, two Decatur Democrats filed to run for the state Senate seat once held by Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville. Macon County Board member Tim Dudley and Illinois State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick will square off Feb. 2 for the right to take on Republican state Sen. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
LETTER: Stop waging war and provide health care Oct 27, 2009
Matt Toon wrote on Oct 25, 2009 5:58 AM:" One thing that could greatly improve the health and safety of the people of Illinois is conceal-carry. Violent crime is increasing in many areas and people need to be able to defend themselves. A prime example is Decatur, where just a few days ago a man was repeatedly shot and critically wounded for no apparent reason. He was not robbed. This guy was not a bum and he wasn't homeless. He was a local accountant. Several weeks ago in Decatur a man was... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Stats » Oct 26, 2009
Five-star running back Michael Dyer earned himself a place in the record books with his performance Friday - ESPN. Originally Published: October 25, 2009. (ESPN -- Recruiting)
The Pantagraph, 2 others file petition seeking access to records in Beason case Oct 24, 2009
Springfield media attorney Don Craven filed the lawsuit on behalf of The Pantagraph, The Herald & Review in Decatur and The State Journal-Register in Springfield. Named in the lawsuit are Logan County Circuit Clerk Suzann Maxheimer, who maintains court records, and Sheriff Steve Nichols, who is believed to have retained documents related to searches. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Quinn to launch campaign Thursday with 9-city tour Oct 22, 2009
He plans no stops Thursday in some of Illinois' bigger cities, such as Decatur, Bloomington-Normal or the Quad Cities. A campaign spokeswoman said the governor would stop at those communities in the future. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ex-Blagojevich aide pleads guilty to corruption Oct 21, 2009
Monk, who lives in Decatur, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel as part of an agreement that his lawyer and federal prosecutors have been negotiating for months. He promised to provide whatever cooperation prosecutors need, including taking the witness stand at Blagojevich's trial if asked, in exchange for a sentence of 24 months in federal prison. (Florida Today)
Former Blago aide pleads guilty to corruption Oct 21, 2009
Monk, a one-time Los Angeles sports agent who now lives in downstate Decatur, pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud for allegedly squeezing a racetrack owner for a $100,000 campaign contribution. In exchange, Blagojevich was to sign a bill taxing gambling casinos to subsidize Illinois racetracks, according to the Blagojevich indictment and Monk's signed plea agreement. (Crain's Chicago Business)
New EIU Homecoming parade route a hit with spectators Oct 20, 2009
Decatur residents Jason and Michelle Bovyn, both EIU alumni, arrived just in time at the park to watch the parade with their children: Kaylee, 9, Kerrigan, 6, and Khloe, 7 weeks. Bovyn said they usually watch the parade uptown, but appreciate how easy it was to find a parking spot at Morton Park. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Casey gets second in tennis sectional; 6 heading to state Oct 19, 2009
CASEY -- After Friday s postponement due to rain, the Illinois High School Association tennis sectional at Casey was played on a cold Saturday, and the Lady Warriors finished just one point away from tying first-place Decatur MacArthur ... Snyder was 3-1, falling to Kristine Sonnernfeld of Decatur MacArthur 6-3, 6-2 ... The duo lost to Decatur St. Teresa s twin sisters of Amy Kuhle and Tracy Kuhle 6-0, 6-0 in the championship. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Train rips up semi at elevator Oct 17, 2009
Bodine Services of Decatur was called to the scene to help with the cleanup. The driver of the semi was uninjured. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Charlotte, the eight-legged Cloverbud leader Oct 17, 2009
She;s even been to a conference in Decatur. And in the next week or so, she;ll be visiting the Bureau County Cloverbuds at their next meeting. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Signs of recession ending across the U.S. Oct 16, 2009
6 percent, followed by Decatur, Ill. down 83. (MSNBC -- Business)
Macon Co. police officer accused of sexually assaulting girl Oct 15, 2009
DECATUR - A part-time officer on the Warrensburg Police Department was arrested early Wednesday morning on charges of sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl. Decatur Police detectives arrested Douglas H. Spensley, 42, at his Decatur home without incident, according to a news release ... "According to our investigation, Mr. Spensley is believed to be a family friend of the victim's parents," said Todd Walker, deputy chief of the Decatur Police Department. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Millikin U. leader announces retirement plan Oct 15, 2009
Zemke became the private Decatur university's 13th president in 2003 after working as dean of its business school since 1998. Zemke is 65. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Jackson to sit three games Oct 14, 2009
On April 12, Jackson was pulled over for speeding in Piatt County, near his hometown of Decatur, Ill. and arrested on multiple charges. (Purdue Sports -- Rivals.com)
Obituaries, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 (899) Oct 14, 2009
Brad and Shannon Stevenson (Maddox), Decatur, Ga. Davids sister, Wilma Williams, and her husband, Larry, live in Dodge City, Kan. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
FHP: Biker couple injured when vehicle cuts into path Oct 13, 2009
Virgil Wright, 66, and his wife, Sharon, 64, of Decatur, Ill. were injured when their motorcycle crashed into a vehicle that pulled in front of them, said Sgt. Kim Montes, FHP spokeswoman. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Quinn wins backing in campaign for governor Oct 13, 2009
Hare represents the 17th Congressional District, which stretches to the Quad Cities area through western and central Illinois, and includes Decatur. Posted in , , on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 12:00 am. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Change coming in state redistricting process? Oct 11, 2009
After all, the boundaries of the Rock Island Democrat's 17th district look like a sinister claw, reaching down from the Quad Cities and hooking around Springfield and Decatur ... The 17th district, Raoul says, could be considered similarly, since it covers a mix of rural and urban territory, including Rock Island and small parts of Springfield and Decatur. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State appeals court ruling blocking layoffs Oct 10, 2009
Plans for the layoffs targeted prisons in Decatur, East Moline, Vandalia, Vienna and two in Logan County. Quinn wanted an increase in the income tax rate to avoid downsizing, but lawmakers didn't agree. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Friday's Statewide Football Scores Oct 10, 2009
Rogers (Puyallup) 37, Decatur 6. Royal 48, Kiona-Benton 20. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Pantagraph, Web site, staff win awards in annual contests Oct 10, 2009
In Illinois, its daily newspapers are in Bloomington, Carbondale, Charleston-Mattoon, Decatur, and the Quad Cities. Posted in on Friday, October 9, 2009 7:50 am Updated: 7:52 pm. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Defense still gathering coroner, medical reports in toddler's death Oct 10, 2009
BLOOMINGTON -- The defense lawyer for a Decatur man charged with the murder of a Bloomington toddler two years ago is continuing to gather coroner and medical reports. Franklin Byers III, 25, was in McLean County Circuit Court Friday with his lawyer, Steve Skelton, for a hearing on charges that he caused the death of 20-month-old Aaron O'Brien Ishmael in October 2007. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Mattoon VA clinic set to open in less than 2 weeks Oct 9, 2009
The Mattoon facility was added to the system that now includes community-based outpatient clinics in Peoria, Springfield and Decatur of Central Illinois, and West Lafayette in west central Indiana. We have a strategic goal for all of Illinois and part of that was to provide a clinic within 30 miles of each county in our area, Hamilton said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
The National Weather Service has issued an alert Oct 9, 2009
Click here for full text of the alert. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE EXTRAS FRONT PAGE PDF. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
LETTER: President should require young people to serve Oct 9, 2009
"I agree, fb. Unfortunately, Service learning, as it's commonly called, has failed to catch on in this area as it has in other places. The only school in the area that makes it mandatory in this area is Sullivan. I believe some other area schools offer it as an elective. Some colleges are now requiring applicants to include a "community service" resume along with their transcripts when applying. I believe Millikin University in Decatur started that a few years ago. Has this concept caught on in... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Decatur fry cook charged with attempting to blow up federal courthouse Oct 8, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - A federal grand jury Wednesday indicted a part-time Decatur fry cook on charges that say he attempted to blow up the federal courthouse in Springfield last month. The two-count indictment accuses Michael Finton - also known as "Talib Islam" - of attempted murder of a federal officer or employee and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Estimated 700 people take part in Clinton power plant drill Oct 8, 2009
Among agencies taking part were FEMA; U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; FBI; Illinois Emergency Management Agency; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; DeWitt County Sheriff's Department; Decatur Police Department; emergency management agencies from DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties; Clinton Ambulance; and fire departments from Clinton, Maroa, Kenney and Farmer City. The exercise wound down just after 1 p.m. and was followed by a debriefing. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Presentation to focus on early history of Illinois cattle and hog drives Oct 7, 2009
DECATUR A presentation on cattle and hog drives in the early days of Illinois is planned by Bill Steinbacher-Kemp ... Rock Springs Nature Center is located on the southwestern edge of Decatur ... To get to Rock Springs Center from Decatur go south on Illinois Route 48 and turn right onto Rock Springs Road. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
AARP blasts Ameren rate hike request Oct 7, 2009
6 p.m. Nov. 2, Decatur Public Library, Madden Room, 130 N Franklin, Decatur. Most Read Stories. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Federal grant helps MPD catch sexual predators Oct 7, 2009
This is part of the Child Sexual Predator Program, an effort implemented by the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services or COPS. Mattoon, Decatur, Champaign, Bloomington, Peoria Police and Peoria County Sheriff, Moline and Quincy police departments are part of the initiative offering sharing of personnel, resources and funding through the grant. This helps so much in fighting exploitation of children, said Mattoon Police Chief Dave Griffith. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Stickin' with Styx pays off for parents Oct 6, 2009
wazafarmer wrote on Oct 5, 2009 7:31 AM:" Dennis DeYoung, the founding member and author of many Styx songs BTW, gave a great performance a couple years ago at Decatur Celibration. Did you just forget to mention his name, perhaps? ". GrampaC wrote on Oct 5, 2009 7:40 AM:" I believe that Styx played McAfee gym in the early 70's. The prelim intro music was the theme from the "Lone Ranger". ". (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
How Time Flies 10/04/09 Oct 5, 2009
In high school ball, Bloomington defeated Decatur 11-5, and Normal beat Lincoln 77-0. (In modern times, none of these matchups exist. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Swank Tilden-Hall Hotel razed in 1961 Oct 4, 2009
Danville had the Wolford, Champaign the Beardsley, Decatur the Orlando, Galesburg the Custer, Rockford the Faust and Springfield the Leland, to name but a few. In Bloomington there were three leading downtown hotels: the Illinois, the Rogers and the Tilden-Hall. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Rivalry week in Illinois Oct 3, 2009
Can the Vikings win at home against a very good Decatur Mac team. Can Decatur Mac "man up" from here on out as the schedule gets much tougher from here on out for the Generals. (Prep Sports Sports -- Rivals.com)
Maroon star's status questionable vs. Wave Oct 2, 2009
Central needs some wins after falling to 3-2 with last week s 16-6 loss to undefeated Decatur MacArthur, which did not have to face Stewart at full strength ... Decatur MacArthur 49, Mattoon 14 ... Central 42, Decatur Eisenhower 0. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Complaints about Wapella officials prompt letter from state's attorney Oct 1, 2009
The board has appointed Decatur attorney Jeff Justice as village attorney. He has discussed the situation with Koritz. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Local Guard unit welcomed home Oct 1, 2009
Nine-year-old Riley Bolt of Decatur didn't have much to say, but her face said a lot. Her father, Staff Sgt. Brad Bolt of Decatur, had been gone a year ... "She's a daddy's girl - it's been really hard," said Vickie Horath, principal of Hillside Bethel Christian School, Decatur, where Riley is a student. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: Hundreds remember slain Beason family at funeral Sep 30, 2009
Family friend John Johnson of Decatur opened the 30-minute service by saying, "You can't say Rick without saying Ruth. They were the hardest workers I've ever seen in my life.". Rick Gee, a construction worker, and his wife, Ruth Gee, 39, loved their family and lived a simple life on the northern edge of the small town of Beason, said Johnson. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Crowd of mourners honors slain family of five Sep 30, 2009
Austin dreamed of becoming a better basketball player, sometimes traveling to Decatur to play, Johnson said. None of the family members talked of 3-year-old Tabitha, the family's youngest daughter who also suffered blunt-force injuries in the attack but survived. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Naked man steals truck and drives into a ditch Sep 30, 2009
He was being held for observation at a Decatur hospital. Posted in on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 3:00 pm Updated: 3:02 pm. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
OUR VIEW: Terrorist bomb plot comes to the prairie Sep 30, 2009
The news last week that a Decatur man was arrested in connection with a plot to blow up the federal courthouse in Springfield was shocking ... Authorities arrested Michael C. Finton, 29, of Decatur ... Finton lives in Decatur but previously lived in Olney and Mount Vernon, all relatively close to Mattoon and Charleston. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Men accused of unrelated bomb plots in Ill., Texas Sep 26, 2009
Finton appeared in federal court in Springfield on Thursday and said he was an unmarried, part-time cook at a fish and chicken restaurant in the central Illinois city of Decatur. He was ordered held pending action by a grand jury. (USA Today)
Imam glad Illinois man arrested for terror bomb plot Sep 26, 2009
DECATUR (AP) The leader of the mosque attended by a central Illinois man jailed on suspicion of trying to detonate what he thought were explosives outside a federal courthouse in Springfield said Friday the FBI headed off what could have been a tragedy ... Finton, who also went by the name Talib Islam and lives in Decatur, was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempting to murder federal officers or employees and trying to detonate a weapon of mass destruction ... No one interviewed Friday at... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Mosque gathers for prayer, condemns acts of member accused of terrorism Sep 26, 2009
DECATUR -- Members of the mosque in Decatur where a terrorism plot suspect offered prayer gathered Friday to condemn the acts of which he is accused and to express concern over what his arrest could do to the image of their place of worship ... "We, the Muslims of Decatur, Illinois, condemn any act of terrorism, and we equally condemn those who commit terror," Shabazz said ... Michael C. Finton, 29, of Decatur is charged with attempted murder of federal employees and attempted use of a weapon of... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hollywood spotlight shines on Central Illinois Sep 26, 2009
The movie is based on the mid- 90s bout of whistle-blowing and embezzlement at Archer Daniels Midland Co. Damon stars as Mark Whitacre, an executive at Decatur-based ADM who tattled on the company s vast international price-fixing scheme. The movie itself was filmed in Decatur, Moweaqua and other Central Illinois communities. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Plan to release Ill. inmates draws fire Sep 26, 2009
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn s plan to release 1,000 inmates early and cut 1,000 prison employees statewide, including at the Vandalia and Decatur correctional centers, is drawing fire from some lawmakers who blast it as dangerous ... The first phase of layoffs were to take place this Wednesday and affect 419 correctional workers, including 13 in Vandalia and 50 in Decatur, but a lawsuit by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union appears likely to hold that up. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Schock's office targeted in alleged bombing plot Sep 25, 2009
Michael C. Finton of Decatur, who was charged with the plot, had his first court day Thursday ... The district includes parts of Springfield, northern Decatur and Macon County, and parts of Tazewell and Woodford counties. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Man charged with plot to bomb Ill. courthouse Sep 25, 2009
Finton appeared in federal court in Springfield on Thursday and said he was an unmarried, part-time cook at a fish and chicken restaurant in the central Illinois city of Decatur ... Records indicate that, in addition to Decatur, Finton had lived in Olney in southeastern Illinois and Mount Vernon, about 70 miles southeast of St. Louis. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Feds: Man tried to blow up Illinois building Sep 25, 2009
Justice Department officials said Finton, 29, of Decatur, , drove a vehicle he believed contained a ton of explosives to the Paul Findley Federal Building and Courthouse in Springfield. He got out of the truck, got into a waiting car with an undercover agent, and then, when he was a few blocks away, attempted to detonate the bomb with a remote-control device. (CNN -- US)
Decatur man nabbed in alleged plot to blow up federal courthouse in Springfield Sep 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD A 29-year-old Decatur man is in custody in connection with a plot to blow up the federal courthouse in downtown Springfield ... In court Thursday, Finton told U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron Cudmore that he worked at a fish and chicken restaurant in Decatur on a part-time basis ... Records indicate that, in addition to Decatur, Finton had lived in Olney in southeastern Illinois and Mount Vernon, about 70 miles southeast of St. Louis. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Loading… Sep 25, 2009
Discussion : Decatur man charged with plot to bomb Springfield courthouse ... Decatur man charged with plot to bomb Springfield courthouse. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
MLB opens China training center to find new talent Sep 25, 2009
"What did we learn last night?" asks Jeff Brueggemann, a Decatur, Illinois native who once played AAA ball and has moved to Wuxi to teach at the MLB center. "Don't be late!" yell the boys, falling over each other in laughter. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Jobless rate inches up in seven area counties Sep 25, 2009
6 percent, Decatur 12. 4 percent, Danville 12. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Report: Man accused of trying to blow up fed building moved to attend mosque Sep 25, 2009
DECATUR - The man accused of trying to blow up a federal building in Springfield reportedly moved to Decatur to attend the city's mosque, but an imam there said he showed no hint of what he's accused of doing. According to Macon County records, Michael C. Finton, 29, lived about a block away from Masjid Wali Hasan Islamic Center, at 1807 N. Edward St. One federal agent's testimony said Finton told operatives he had moved to Decatur to attend the mosque ... Tenants in an apartment building at... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Prison guards wait for decision after hearing Sep 24, 2009
Lambert s decision could affect an initial wave of about 500 workers set for layoffs on Sept. 30, including 57 at the Decatur women s prison, 121 at the two prisons in Logan County, 70 at the East Moline Correctional Center and 50 workers at the minimum-security facility in Vienna. AFSCME also contends understaffing at prisons could lead to safety issues that need to be addressed before the layoffs eventually affecting up to 2,600 workers go into effect. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Related: Volunteers arrive to help with police search in Beason killings Sep 24, 2009
Rick Hedges and Harold Scmidtt were among the Decatur Salvation Army helpers. "We want to support the volunteers with food and well-being. They've given up days and days of their time," said Schmidtt, who has worked with the group for more than four decades. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
