Philly dealer selling letter Lincoln wrote to boy Nov 18, 2009
Instead, the president wrote to the boy: Whom it may concern, I did see and talk with master George Evans Patten, last May, at Springfield, Illinois. Respectfully, A Lincoln. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Process to raise Normal property taxes begins Nov 17, 2009
39 in Springfield, $1. 48 in Champaign, and $1. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Related: GOP state lawmakers: Quinn can't sell prison without review Nov 17, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Gov. Pat Quinn says he has the final word on whether to sell the long-dormant Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government. But, under state law, a special panel of state lawmakers is given the responsibility of reviewing certain facilities that a governor wants to close. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
States top court to hear case about George Ryan's pension Nov 17, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Imprisoned former Gov. George Ryans bid to keep at least part of his state pension is scheduled to be argued in the Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday. Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled that Ryan could keep part of his state pension as much as $65,000 a year even though he was convicted of federal corruption charges from his time holding state office. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois leaders split on taking Guantnamo detainees at state prison Nov 17, 2009
"I suspect [Republicans] will try to make it a campaign issue," says Christopher Mooney, a political scientist at the University of Illinois in Springfield. "The question is whether it will have any traction, especially in this jobless recovery, with 3,000 jobs up in a depressed part of the state.". (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Power broker dropped as defendant from Blago trial Nov 17, 2009
The judge did not drop charges against Cellini, a millionaire lobbyist-businessman from Springfield who for decades has been an influential behind the scenes figure in Illinois politics, largely on the Republican side. Cellini remains charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to commit extortion and attempted extortion. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
State Supreme Court reviews George Ryan's state pension request Nov 17, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD Imprisoned former Gov. George Ryan s bid to keep at least part of his state pension is scheduled to be argued in the Illinois Supreme Court Wednesday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Open house set this week at new local VA clinic Nov 16, 2009
The main medical center is located in Danville, along with outpatient clinics in Peoria, Springfield and Decatur, plus West Lafayette, Ind. The clinic in Mattoon is the fifth for the system. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Weekend stat watch » Nov 16, 2009
caught a 28-yard touchdown pass for Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, Pa. in its 31-21 defeat to La Salle (Wyndmoor, Pa. (ESPN -- Recruiting)
End of the road for an icon of Route 66 Nov 16, 2009
Normally at this time of year, the Springfield, Ill ... Waldmire, 64, hopes to live at least a few more days to attend a final art show at Springfield's Cozy Dog Drive In, where his father is said to have invented the hot-dog-on-a-stick ... Growing up in Springfield, Waldmire worked at his father's restaurant, making 2 cents for each table he cleaned. (Honolulu Advertiser)
This Date In Buckeye History Nov 15, 2009
Allegedly, 1895 Notre Dame graduate Nicholas Dinkle had returned to his native Springfield, Ohio, and was playing right tackle. Ohio State went 2-1-1 in that 10-day span, defeating Ohio Wesleyan and Columbus Barricks, while losing to Wittenberg and tying Ohio Medical. (Bucknuts.com)
40-year battle against Chicago Machine continues Nov 15, 2009
Marovitz had been then-Mayor Richard J. Daley's roommate when they were both state senators and overnighted in Springfield. And as an after-dinner speaker, Marovitz liked to openly chortle that he got ahead by "climbing Jacob's Ladder" -- Democratic Party Chairman Jacob Arvey's political ladder. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
More Illinois campaigns turning to online videos Nov 14, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- It used to be that when political candidates made videos, they'd air on television, playing over and over until Election Day ... Meister's site has several short videos where he talks about issues and another, longer, documentary-style one about his trip to Springfield to make his candidacy official. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Princeton DAR hears Lincoln programs Nov 14, 2009
Through the eyes of a child, the book told of A. Lincoln;s funeral train journey from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Ill. Members then participated with family and local remembrances of that time period. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Blagojevich seeks new trial date; feds want separate trial for Cellini Nov 14, 2009
Cellini, a Springfield lobbyist-businessman for decades viewed as one of the most influential behind-the-scenes men in Illinois politics, is charged with attempting to extort a payoff or hefty contribution for the Blagojevich campaign from a Hollywood producer whose money management firm did business with the state. A message was left for Cellini's chief defense counsel, Dan K. Webb, whose office said he was traveling. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Ill. budget among nation's worst Nov 14, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD When it comes to money, Illinois is among the worst-off states in the country, a national think tank reported Wednesday ... 61938 wrote on Nov 12, 2009 3:28 PM:" soybean, after the next election when we fumigate all the democraps out of Springfield and Chicago. ". (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
McLean Co. to stop longtime policy of sealing every search warrant Nov 14, 2009
Springfield media attorney Esther Seitz applauded Everharts policy change ... The Pantagraph, Decatur Herald & Review and The State (Springfield) Journal-Register have filed a lawsuit asking that Logan County search warrant records, including those in the Gee case, be opened. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Judge orders motions sealed in Gee murder case Nov 13, 2009
Springfield media attorney Don Craven said he is not aware of any provision of the law cited by the judge that allows the motions related to the appointment of experts and investigators to be closed ... The recent orders closing public access to the Harris cases follows a challenge by The Pantagraph, Decatur Herald & Review and the State (Springfield) Journal-Register to the closure of search warrants returned in the homicide case. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jacob Meister criticizes his opponents Nov 13, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jacob Meister criticized his opponents Thursday for being political insiders ... Meister was in Springfield Thursday to release a plan intended to generate more manufacturing jobs, including in environmentally friendly industries. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
SIU budget crisis could mean employees won't get paid Nov 13, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- All of the state's major public universities are feeling the pinch of the state's budget meltdown, but it appears Southern Illinois University is the only one worried about making payroll. The state is months behind in paying its bills, and university leaders across the state have called for various belt-tightening measures to weather the $500 million-plus shortfall. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
McKenna gets endorsement boost in crowded GOP governor race Nov 13, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party has won the endorsement of a top Republican lawmaker in the crowded GOP race for governor. In an announcement Thursday, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said he is backing Chicago businessman Andy McKenna over six others vying for the nomination. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Think tank: Illinois budget among the worst in the nation Nov 12, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- When it comes to money, Illinois is among the worst-off states in the country, a national think tank reported Wednesday. In a study based on California's epic budget problems, Illinois is listed among the nine other states suffering similar severe money troubles. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State finds there is a cost to being broke Nov 12, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois is poised to fork over a record amount of late penalties and interest payments this year to pay off vendors who are waiting months to be paid what they are owed from the state. The increase is bad news for taxpayers who could be on the hook for an estimated $60 million because of the budget mess that has gone largely unresolved by state leaders. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Heart disease survivor to help kick off drive for annual Heart Walk Nov 12, 2009
She was air lifted to St. John s Hospital in Springfield where she had a cardiac catheterization ... What she discovered in Springfield was even more distressing. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Alice June Sokolis Nov 12, 2009
Member of Autumn Leaves. She died on Oct. 18, 2009 after a brief illness. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
No comments posted. Nov 12, 2009
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 1:29 PM PST Alice June Sokolis was born Sept. 22, 1921 in Springfield, IL to Freda Ihlenfeldt Corwin and George Ihlenfeldt. She died on Oct. 18, 2009 after a brief illness. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Obituaries, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 Nov 12, 2009
and mother Betty Henss of Normal; as well as two beautiful daughters that were the jewel of her life, Sarah (fiance, Brant Mackey) Wolin of Springfield and Betsy Wolin of Davenport, Iowa. Also surviving are three sisters, Claudia (Gary) Kaufman of Danvers, Celia Hicklin of Tujunga, Calif. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
Sydney00004000's coolest bars Nov 11, 2009
Next they'll be opening a Chanel shop on Springfield Avenue. Minimal signage, black velvet curtains and an understated interior that seems purpose-built for discreet fashion shows mean that Velluto is nearly invisible. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Trial of Decatur man accused of plotting to blow up fed courthouse postponed Nov 11, 2009
SPRINGFIELD The trial of a Decatur man accused of plotting to blow up the federal courthouse is likely to be postponed until he undergoes psychological testing ... A two-count grand jury indictment alleges he parked a van he believed contained about a ton of explosives in front of the Paul Findley Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Springfield, intending that the bomb would destroy the building and kill its occupants. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Some primary races in state have six or more candidates Nov 11, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Candidates for Illinois' February primary election are already trying to survive, with some races are stacked with six or more candidates each. In the highest-profile statewide races, operatives are challenging candidates' nominating petitions. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Honor Flights bring back memories for area vets Nov 11, 2009
Its Springfield affiliate, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, made its first trip in May 2009. The Pantagraph area is served by three affiliates. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State prisons: Closure threats, early release, now an expansion? Nov 10, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A state agency that's been trying to downsize itself for the past five years now wants to grow. Officials at the Illinois Department of Corrections, who have talked of closing prisons around the state since 2003, are poised to begin planning for the construction of a new facility to house inmates. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Las Vegas Sun Nov 10, 2009
I saw Steven Tyler fall off the stage in Springfield, IL in the 80's because he was loaded. It was the second song of the show and he fell right in front of me. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Related: Transit official quits, cites pink necktie case Nov 10, 2009
The Springfield Mass Transit District's second-in-command has submitted his resignation, calling the recent pink necktie controversy the last straw. In announcing his resignation Monday, 61-year-old Dick Austin said he has disagreed with the district's managing director, Linda Tisdale, during most of his two years as deputy managing director. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Seminars offered on changes in public records law Nov 10, 2009
Locations include Moline, Peoria, Quincy, Chicago and Springfield. Posted in on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 3:05 am Updated: 5:03 am. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hall leaves mark on volleyball career Nov 10, 2009
West Hancock fell in three games to Springfield Lutheran in the semifinal on Tuesday. It was a fun season, Hall said. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Related: 13 years ago, Springfield merged two election authorities into one Nov 8, 2009
13 years ago, Springfield merged two election authorities into one ... 13 years ago, Springfield merged two election authorities into one ... BLOOMINGTON - Thirteen years ago, Springfield residents voted to merge two election authorities into one. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Make no mistake: He's running Nov 6, 2009
"The bar that Obama has to overcome is that two and a half years ago he was a back-bencher in Springfield, Ill.," said a senior advisor for one of Obama's more seasoned Democratic rivals. "He has to convince voters that his youth and inexperience are virtues not deficits." Anita Dunn, who had been advising Evan Bayh on his made an analogous point about Obama in far more charitable fashion. (Salon)
Dirty until proven clean: Are forfeiture laws fair? Nov 6, 2009
Kirkham, of Springfield, said in court records his brother had been a winner three times in the Illinois lottery since 2004, collecting nearly $200,000 in winnings ... Kirkham's troubles started when Shadia Massey of Springfield was stopped at the Funk's Grove rest area south of Bloomington. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
School districts still await stimulus funds Nov 6, 2009
I just e-mailed (the board offices in) Springfield, and they said we probably won t see any money until February, he said. It s designated to pay faculty salaries. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
GOP gubernatorial candidates talk about out of control spending Nov 6, 2009
Businessman Andy McKenna, who failed to win a Senate nomination in 2004, gave up his post as chairman of the Illinois Republican Party to run for governor as an "outsider" who can clean up Springfield. Ryan and McKenna face a trio of current officeholders who think their time has come: Brady, Sen. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Cullerton: Ive taken steps to end distrust Nov 6, 2009
Since I was elected president of the Illinois Senate in January, I have taken deliberate and decisive steps to change the institutional practices that promoted distrust in Springfield. In the past, legislation was tightly controlled by Democrat and Republican Senate presidents. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Weekend Web fares Nov 5, 2009
8:39 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Book these fares by Friday for travel weekend of Nov. 6, 2009. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Illinois' largest employee union supporting health care 'public option' Nov 5, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' largest employee union Wednesday tried to put pressure on Democrats to vote for a health care reform plan in Congress ... Shimkus said he'll have it in his Harrisburg, Collinsville and Springfield offices for viewing. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
OUR VIEW: Rosebud Theatre patrons deserve better treatment Nov 4, 2009
mhs82 wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:51 PM:" It has been great to have the Rosebud bringing in some great acts so close to home. We found it wonderful to introduce our kids and/or treat ourselves to ballet, orchestra, jazz, comedy, country, and classic rock at reasonable prices with a short drive home. What a great thing for us all.It's too bad the people of the area failed to support this fabulous asset. I'm very sad that we will have to drive to Chicago, Springfield, Indy, or St. Louis to see these... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
OUR VIEW: No shortage of challenges for FutureGen Nov 4, 2009
The Legislature is not scheduled to return to Springfield until January. DOE plans to make a final decision in January or February on whether or not to continue with the FutureGen project. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Ex-Illinois Attorney General Ryan launches bid for governor Nov 4, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- With polls showing no clear frontrunner in the Republican race for governor, former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan launched a political comeback tour Tuesday. Standing in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln on the grounds of the Illinois Capitol, the 63-year-old Elmhurst attorney said nearly eight years of Democratic rule has put the state in deep debt. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Normal Parks not receiving preschool applications after budget cuts Nov 4, 2009
Normal's rate also is lower than those in Springfield, Champaign, Peoria and Galesburg. Normal resident Mary Lucas said the increase in sales tax would have a negative effect on her fixed income. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Video gambling in bars moves closer to reality Nov 4, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - State lawmakers have moved to lift the biggest roadblock keeping video gambling machines out of Illinois bars. Last week, the General Assembly voted to give the Illinois Gaming Board more than $2. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Former prosecutor to serve on defense team in Beason murder case Nov 4, 2009
Christopher Harris is represented by Tim Timoney, James Elmore and Matthew Maurer, all of Springfield. Defendants in death penalty cases are entitled to two attorneys who are certified to handle capital cases. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Obituaries, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 (939) Nov 4, 2009
Survivors include three daughters, Jodie Leonard and her husband Fred, of Springfield, Ill ... and Lori Chapman and her husband, Jeff, of Springfield, Ill. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
Department of Revenue posts delinquent taxpayer names on line Nov 4, 2009
SPRINGFIELD ; The Illinois Department of Revenue today posted the names of 100 businesses and individuals that collectively owe the state at least $6. 3 million on its Web site. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Aide to Illinois governor, Paris resident, resigns from post Nov 4, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn won t say why one of his top aides is stepping down. Quinn s office confirmed Monday that Deputy Chief of Staff Carolyn Brown Hodge resigned late Friday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Expert: No end in sight for states red ink, low coffers Nov 3, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Despite some encouraging signs about Illinois' overall economy, state government is "floundering" and will continue to do so in the coming months, a top budget expert said Monday ... Over the weekend, Gov. Pat Quinn appointed a panel to study the state's economy, but he doesn't plan to actively lobby lawmakers for an income tax increase until the General Assembly returns to Springfield in mid-January. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Green Party has full slate of candidates for state races Nov 3, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Green Party candidates have filed for all the statewide offices in Illinois, and gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney said Monday that Republicans and Democrats are "intellectually bankrupt alternatives.". Whitney, a Carbondale attorney, is taking his second shot at the state's highest office from the Green Party after riding a wave of discontent among voters in 2006. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Democratic, Republican primary fields loaded for statewide offices Nov 3, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois voters will not lack for choices when the primary election rolls around in February. Monday marked the final day to file to run in the Feb. 2 and most every statewide race looks to be a crowded affair. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
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)
Progress encourages FutureGen exec Nov 3, 2009
Mudd was in Springfield last week in an effort to finalize a deal in which the State of Illinois would buy FutureGen-produced electricity for state-owned facilities. Lawmakers could vote on the matter when they return in January, which is when the federal government is expected to make a decision on continuing the public-private 2. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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. Lawmakers OK Caps on Political Donations Nov 1, 2009
Lawmakers OK Caps on Political Donations. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
