Coles County election filing period ends Nov 3, 2009
Four candidates, all Republicans, filed last week with the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield to run for the vacant judge s position in the 5th Judicial Circuit. Charleston city attorney Brian Bower, Coles County Assistant State s Attorney Eric Neumann, Edgar County State s Attorney Matt Sullivan and Danville attorney Frank Young filed to run for the opening from former judge Dale Cini s retirement. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
It appears there won't be a road salt spike this year Nov 2, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- As winter began to arrive last year, some cities across Illinois watched as the price of road salt spiked, leaving them with tough decisions to make about their budgets and snowplowing policies. This year, though, it appears salt won't pose the problem for public works officials that it did last year because the state says it was able to buy salt a lot cheaper. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Beason slayings have attracted a big crowd of law enforcement officers, lawyers Nov 2, 2009
Assistant Attorneys General Michael Atterberry of Springfield and Stephen Plazibat of Chicago were assigned to the Gee Task Force ... Springfield lawyers Tim Timoney, James Elmore and Matthew Maurer will represent Chris Harris and Steve Skelton of Bloomington and a second lawyer who has yet to be named will handle the case against Jason Harris. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Mount Pulaski man drowns after car caught in floodwaters Nov 2, 2009
McCain was taken by helicopter to Mercy Saint John's Hospital in Springfield, where he was pronounced dead. Fulscher said although the road was not officially closed, there are permanent signs on the road that read, "Water on road.". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Orange and Blue Take Second at Big Ten Championships Nov 2, 2009
Angela Bizzarri placed second at the meet and earned her fourth consecutive First Team All-Big Ten honors. -- The No. 13-ranked Illinois women's cross country team came in second place at the Big Ten Championships on Sunday at the Penn State Blue-White Course. (Fightingillini.com)
Cullerton looks more and more like Emil Jones Nov 2, 2009
If one person knows what's best for all of us, why are we spending money on all the other lawmakers in Springfield. Thanks for giving us another reminder of why we need a law limiting the terms of legislative leaders. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ill. Lawmakers OK Caps on Political Donations Nov 1, 2009
Lawmakers OK Caps on Political Donations. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
Exhibit opens Sunday Nov 1, 2009
SPRINGFIELD ; It;s a story of tragedy, heroism and survival, an event that occurred one hundred years ago in a small Illinois community, grabbed the world;s attention, and forever changed the face of a major industry. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library will open a major exhibit Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the Cherry Mine Disaster, ;The Flames Caught Us;: Cherry Mine 1909, which will run through March 31, 2010. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Ill. Gov Says He Supports Campaign Finance Bill Oct 31, 2009
Gov Says He Supports Campaign Finance Bill - ABC News. Gov Says He Supports Campaign Finance Bill. (ABC News -- Wire)
Green Party files for election; Democrat Gill to run for seat Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Green Party will have a full slate of candidates running in the Feb. 2 primary election. On Friday, the upstart party filed nominating petitions for statewide offices. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
CRP payments
being issued Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD ; Scherrie V. Giamanco, state executive director of USDA;s Farm Service Agency in Illinois, has announced that starting on Oct. 5 the USDA began issuing $111,894,485 in Conservation Reserve Program payments to eligible producers in Illinois. More than $ 1. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Illinois Senate OKs caps on political donations Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate signed off Friday on a compromise that would establish Illinois' first limits on campaign donations, sending it to the governor despite Republican complaints that the bill concentrates power in the hands of a few political insiders. The bill would cap the amount of money that people, interest groups and political committees can give to candidates. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Dems block proposal calling for end of free bus rides for seniors Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Strong opposition from Chicago Democrats scuttled a proposal to end a program that allowed Illinois seniors to ride buses for free. Mass transit officials and others argued wealthy seniors should have to pay for bus rides. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hunting fees bill goes on to governor Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Whether hunters and anglers soon have to pay more to indulge their hobbies is now up to Gov. Pat Quinn. The Illinois Senate voted 41-15 Friday to raise fees on various hunting and fishing licenses. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Yard and Garden: Master gardener offers lessons in Hydrangeas 101 Oct 31, 2009
At the Master Gardeners State Conference held in Springfield a few years back, I attended a session related to hydrangeas given by Glenn Herold of Illinois Central College. It was very interesting and I ve referred to the notes from that session several times. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hunting, fishing license 2010 fees could go up Oct 31, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Whether hunters and anglers soon have to pay more to indulge their hobbies is now in Gov. Pat Quinn s hands. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Just how slow is this harvest? Oct 31, 2009
SPRINGFIELD (AP) It s no secret that corn and soybean harvests in Illinois are way behind because of soggy weather. But just how bad is it. (Agri-View, WI)
Audio of Ill. appellate arguments to be put online Oct 31, 2009
The appellate courtrooms are in Chicago, Elgin, Ottawa, Springfield and Mount Vernon. On the Net. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Quinn welcoming trick-or-treaters to mansion Oct 30, 2009
Halloween trick-or-treaters looking for candy can add the governor's mansion in Springfield to their list of stops. Gov. Pat Quinn will host trick-or-treaters at the mansion on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Candy-seekers need to be 12 years old or younger and accompanied by an adult. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
NATIONAL GUARD - Illinois Unit Returns Home Oct 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD (10/28/09) - Tears of sadness turned to tears of joy as thousands of Illinois families hugged their loved one for the first time since their Soldier was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After more than a year away from their friends and family, the Soldiers from the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard are home. (DOD DefenseLINK)
Some seniors could lose free bus rides Oct 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - A Senate panel voted 8-4 Thursday to end a program that allows senior citizens to ride buses for free. If approved by the full Senate and House and signed into law, the proposal would go into effect March 1, about one year after the controversial idea was put in place by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Senate gives Quinn green light to pick leaders for key state agencies Oct 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - With little comment, the Illinois Senate gave a green light Thursday to Gov. Pat Quinn's picks to run key state agencies. Among those confirmed to their jobs by the Senate were Michael Randle at the Department of Corrections, Michelle Saddler at the Department of Human Services, James Sledge at the Department of Central Management Services and Michael McGraith at the Department of Insurance. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Think tanks urge state to take closer look at the rising cost of college tuition Oct 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Two think tanks urged the state Thursday to take a closer look at the rising cost of tuition at public universities in Illinois. The Illinois Policy Institute and American Council of Trustees and Alumni released a scorecard that hit many state schools with failing grades on their affordability. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: H1N1 flu outbreak: Complete coverage Oct 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The state is trying to increase capacity for testing people for the H1N1 flu, anticipating a "surge" in demand in the coming months. Oct 23, 2009 | 3:25 pm. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
The National Weather Service has issued an alert Oct 30, 2009
Click here for full text of the alert. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE EXTRAS FRONT PAGE PDF. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Think tank group tries to put focus on rising tuition at state schools Oct 30, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Two think tanks Thursday urged the state to take a closer look at the rising cost of tuition at public universities in Illinois. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Obscure tax may be cut Oct 30, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Lawmakers moved Thursday to roll back an income tax increase on some companies that was largely unknown when approved earlier this year. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
FutureGen could cost Illinois taxpayers even more Oct 29, 2009
By KURT ERICKSON, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD An experimental power plant planned for Mattoon could cost Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars more than initially believed. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
UN Aids Jihadis Oct 29, 2009
Yet another jihadist, an American convert calling himself Talib Islam, was arrested for plotting to blow up the Paul Findley Federal Building in Springfield, Illinois. It would be difficult to find a comparable period since 9/11 in which so many plots have been uncovered around the same time -- and this makes Scheinin s recommendations all the more grotesque. (Human Events Online)
Toni Whitfield named student Lincoln Laureate Oct 29, 2009
a senior from Johnston City, received word this week that she will represent SIUC with the honor during a Nov. 7 ceremony in Springfield. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois presents the award annually to one distinguished senior at each of Illinois' four-year college and universities, as well as to one student from each of the state's community colleges. (Siusalukis.com)
Power plant could cost state tens of millions of dollars more than initially believed Oct 29, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- An experimental power plant planned for Mattoon could cost Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars more than initially believed. Illinois lawmakers are considering an arrangement that would require the state to purchase all electricity produced at the proposed FutureGen power plant -- a coal-fired facility designed to operate with near-zero emissions. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Prison chief addresses ethics questions Oct 29, 2009
Michael Randle, the new director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, speaks at a press conference earlier this year as Gov. Pat Quinn, right, looks on at the Illinois state Capitol in Springfield ... SPRINGFIELD -- The man picked to run Illinois' prison system acknowledged Wednesday he didn't inform his old bosses in Ohio of a possible conflict of interest that benefited an old college buddy. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
You awarded ICCFA scholarship Oct 29, 2009
Run Jin You displays her scholarship certificate accompanied by IVCC President Jerry Corcoran at the ICCFA luncheon in Springfield ... She received the honor at the ICCFA Teaching and Learning Conference in Springfield. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Quinn sticks by manager who flipped on aide's work Oct 29, 2009
Carlos Estes, 39, claimed Wertz forced him to share a hotel suite during a trip to Springfield in 2003, put on what looked like silk pajamas and told him, "You'll make love to me or you'll lose your job.". Wertz testified that her driver and Adams' were almost exclusively chauffeurs. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Republicans: Don't let lawmakers pick their own districts Oct 29, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Republicans said Wednesday they hope actual changes come from recent meetings and forums about the politically dicey topic of drawing boundaries for lawmakers' districts. Lawmakers from both parties have held several hearings across Illinois recently. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Quinn wants to borrow another $900 million to keep state afloat Oct 28, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Pat Quinn wants to borrow another $900 million to keep state government afloat through the lean winter months. With the state already months behind in paying its bills, Quinn said the traditional slowdown in tax collections between November and February could cause the nettlesome backlog to grow even larger. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois Specialty Crop conference set for Jan. 6-8 Oct 28, 2009
The Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference will be held Jan. 6-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. Three pre-conference workshops will be offered during the daytime on Jan. 6, which will include Grow Your Market: Creating a Memorable Experience for Customers, Getting Started in Local Food Production and Marketing, and Expanding Seasons and Markets with High Tunnels. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
MAP/veterans grant shift will cost EIU $730,000 Oct 28, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD In trying to shift as much money as possible to its biggest scholarship program, the state this year stopped reimbursing universities for giving veterans free tuition. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
State stops reimbursing universities for giving vets free tuition Oct 28, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - In trying to shift as much money as possible to its biggest scholarship program, the state this year stopped reimbursing universities for giving veterans free tuition. This summer, with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission facing a major cut in funding, the commission decided to shift almost all of its scholarship money to the need-based Monetary Award Program. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Sheriff, judge candidates file for election Oct 28, 2009
Meanwhile, four candidates, all Republicans, have filed so far with the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield to run for the vacant judge s position in the 5th Judicial Circuit, which includes Coles County. Charleston City Attorney Brian Bower, Coles County Assistant State s Attorney Eric Neumann, Edgar County State s Attorney Matt Sullivan and Danville attorney Frank Young filed to run for the opening from former judge Dale Cini s retirement. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Quinn names new ICC member Oct 27, 2009
Colgan, who lives in Springfield, is a former founding director of the Illinois Hunger Coalition. Quinn says Colgan will bring a consumer-based focus to a state commission that determines utility rates. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Related: State gears up for more H1N1 testing Oct 27, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The state is trying to increase capacity for testing people for the H1N1 flu, anticipating a "surge" in demand in the coming months. Now, the Illinois Department of Public Health labs can handle testing of about 130 cases a day. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State offices up for grabs in '10 range from governor to state legislator Oct 27, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Monday marked the first day candidates hoping to run in the Feb. 2 primary could file to get a spot on the ballot ... In the 18th Congressional District, Springfield Democrat Deirdre Hirner filed to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Delaware not entitled to national park site Oct 27, 2009
Illinois only has one such unit: the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield. But the National Park Service is not an entitlement program. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Governor names new member to Ill. Commerce Commission Oct 27, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Gov. Pat Quinn Monday named a new member to the state board that regulates electric and natural gas rates, but left its controversial chairman in place ... Colgan, who lives in Springfield and will serve a 5-year term, is a former founding director of the Illinois Hunger Coalition. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Ill. candidates line up to file for Feb. primary Oct 27, 2009
By KURT ERICKSON, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Monday marked the first day candidates hoping to run in the Feb. 2 primary elections could file to get a spot on the ballot ... Other Republicans filing include Jason Plummer of Edwardsville and Don Tracy of Springfield. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Obama presidential library: U of Chicago? Oct 27, 2009
Obama presidential library: U of Chicago. Posted October 26, 2009 7:15 AM. (FOX61, CT)
On Duty 10/26/09 Oct 26, 2009
He is the son of Eric Wiant, Springfield, and grandson of Dave Wiant, Normal. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Springfield Southeast High School. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Stats » Oct 26, 2009
8 average) and scored two touchdowns (one receiving) for Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, Pa. in its win over St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia), according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. (ESPN -- Recruiting)
Lyman Draper White Oct 25, 2009
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children - Susan Draper White of Springfield, Ore. Melissa Helen White and Philip McAlister White II of Richardson, Texas;brother, David M. White of Harbert;sister, Priscilla White Braun of Deephaven, Minn. (The Herald-Palladium)
Boy injured in camping accident recovering at Cincinnati hospital Oct 24, 2009
He was airlifted to a Springfield hospital, then flown by jet to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati on Oct. 19. "He was definitely critical. Things could have gotten worse," his father, Eddie Shickel, said from Jordan's bedside Friday. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
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)
Judge to rule on recorded evidence in child death case Oct 23, 2009
Thomasson, 31, of Springfield is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery of a child for allegedly injuring Holden Jones, the son of his girlfriend Amy Bennett, at Bennett s home on Union Street in Charleston on June 20. Police testimony at an earlier hearing in the case indicated that Gilmore notified authorities about Thomasson s repeatedly referring to Holden by a vulgarity that meant he thought the boy wasn t tough enough. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Boehner: Obama's 'Chicago-Style Politics' .. Oct 23, 2009
Posted by: springfield. Saul Alinsky would be so proud. (The Drudge Report)
Quinn's pick for Prisoner Review Board under scrutiny Oct 23, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Another one of Gov. Pat Quinn's picks to serve in a high-level state job is facing scrutiny from Illinois lawmakers. Just as Jonathon Monken's appointment as director of the Illinois State Police generated controversy because he had no experience running a large police force, the governor's decision to name Roger Walker to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has raised eyebrows among Illinois senators. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Counterfeit Drug Strategy Proposed Oct 23, 2009
But the Bush administration sharpened its rhetoric after several cities and states, including California, considered proposals to buy drugs from Canada and two cities -- Springfield, Mass. and Montgomery, Ala. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry)
Terror suspect arrested in Boston Oct 22, 2009
RECENT US TERROR ARRESTS 21 Oct: Tarek Mehanna, 27, from Massachusetts, is charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists 24 Sept: Jordanian Hosam Maher Husein Smadi, 19, is arrested in Dallas, Texas, on suspicion of attempting to blow up a skyscraper in the city using a car bomb 24 Sept: Michael Finton, also known as Talib Islam, is arrested after allegedly attempting to detonate a car bomb outside a courthouse in Springfield, Illinois 19 Sept: Najibullah Zazi, 24, an Afghan... (BBC News -- Americas)
US jihadist targets mall Oct 22, 2009
An Illinois man, who has dubbed himself Talib Islam, is on trial accused of parking a van he believed contained about a ton of explosives outside the courthouse in the state capital of Springfield last month. While a 19-year-old Jordanian, also caught in an FBI sting, faces charges of trying to blow up a 60-story glass skyscraper in Dallas, Texas. (iAfrica.com)
SIU faculty gets $2.6M in stimulus grants Oct 22, 2009
The research projects of 14 faculty members at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and Carbondale were awarded grants totaling nearly $2 ... has a school of medicine in Springfield, and has a school of dental medicine in Alton, and a center in East St. Louis, Ill. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Rain, cold continue to hamper harvest in central Illinois Oct 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD (AP) Farmers in central Illinois estimate they re as much as seven weeks behind in their harvest as unusually cold and wet weather has prevented them from bringing in their crops ... We re probably going to kick it up a notch then to where you don t even know your name, said Dan Neuman, who farms 2,500 acres near Springfield ... This is the latest I ve ever harvested in 20 years, said Marty Mau, who farms 800 acres outside Springfield. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Mold, moisture causing health concern at state facility Oct 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A troubling outbreak of mold is plaguing patients and workers at a key state mental health facility. Some of the problems at Chester Mental Health Center have subsided with cooler weather. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Quinn to launch campaign Thursday with 9-city tour Oct 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Although he's already spending money on TV ads and has been talking up his candidacy for months, Gov. Pat Quinn will embark on a nine-city tour Thursday to announce he's running for governor. He'll start in his hometown of Chicago and make stops in Springfield, Cahokia and then a series of towns in southern Illinois before winding up in Tuscola for an 8 p.m. finale at Woody's Family Restaurant ... 12:15 p.m. Springfield: Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport Main Terminal, 1200 Capitol... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Poll shows Illinoisans want big budget cuts but oppose trimming in many areas Oct 22, 2009
Becky wrote on Oct 21, 2009 1:55 PM:" Here's a start:http://www.cagw.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11378The $686 Million in Illinois Wasteful Spending includes: $4 million for a Ford Technical Training Center in Chicago Heights; $1 million for the Illinois film office in Chicago; $920,000 for the Chicago Aerospace Education Initiative; $550,000 for the conservation of pheasants; $500,000 to administer the tanning facility permit act; $156,000 to Southern Illinois University to refurnish... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
White: Teenage driving deaths are down again Oct 21, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The number of Illinois teenagers killed in car crashes has been cut in half over the past two years, according to numbers released Tuesday. Secretary of State Jesse White announced that in the first 9 months of 2007, 127 teenagers had died in car wrecks. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Senate Week in Review: Oct. 12-16 Oct 21, 2009
SPRINGFIELD ; During the first week of the fall Veto Session, lawmakers approved funding for a college scholarship program and advanced a recall measure that would give the public the power to remove governors from office, according to state Sen ... On Oct. 15, students from colleges and universities throughout Illinois gathered in Springfield to lobby for reinstatement of funding to the state;s Monetary Assistance Program (MAP), which was recently cut by Gov. Pat Quinn. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
