State Representative John Cavaletto Speaks About Truancy Bill

State Representative John Cavaletto says a house bill being introduced that should alleviate problems with truancy. Cavaletto sponsored a bill last year that was signed into law that redefines a chronic truant as a student who has just nine days of unexcused absences a year rather than 18. However the law failed to make the change in the Juvenile Court Act.

House Bill 306 is hoping to take care of the problem. Cavaletto's hope is to bring chronically truant students to the attention of districts, and regional offices, when they might still have an opportunity to keep them on track. "We wanted to develop it, to coincide with the Juvenile code. So we want to amend the Juvenile code to make sure that both are the same, the state of Illinois and the Juvenile code both to nine-days of truancy. So then the courts can handle the situation also. This is only about catching kids early in their truancy, and trying to save them. I've talked to the people in the juvenile system who agreed with the bill, and they want to coincide with the state of Illinois law, and that's what we're going to do", said Cavaletto.

The Regional Offices of Education suggested this change for consistency purposes. During debate on the bill, representatives from the City of Chicago questioned the legislation as "a reason to send kids to jail." Cavaletto said the purpose of the legislation is to catch kids early in their truancy and trying to save them from future problems. The bill now moves on to the Senate for their consideration.  full story

Bills to Tax Ammo, Register Guns Pass Illinois Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois House committee has approved legislation requiring registration of handguns and creating a new tax on ammunition. Both bills passed 7-4 Wednesday and now go to the House floor. Lobbyist Todd Vandermyde of the National Rifle Association opposes both measures. He says requiring handgun registration would cost money for law-abiding citizens without affecting people who have guns illegally. But Democratic Rep. Will Davis of Homewood says registration would help police track guns that were purchased legally but later sold and used in a crime.

Vandermyde also argued it would be unconstitutional to tax ammunition. The sponsor disagreed, however. Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago says a 2 percent tax would raise money for trauma centers in high-crime areas. full story

National Weather Service Determines Harrisburg Tornado EF-4, Curfew In Effect Beginning at 6:00pm Tonight

HARRISBURG, Ill. (AP) - The National Weather Service has given the deadly tornado that leveled parts of the southern Illinois community of Harrisburg an EF-4 rating. EF-4 is the second-highest rating given to twisters. The rating is assigned to storms based on damage they cause.

Meteorologist Rick Shanklin said Wednesday that the storm was 200 yards wide with top winds up to 170 miles per hour. Harrisburg Police Chief Bob Smith has issued a curfew for the city, beginning at 6:00pm Wednesday evening, and lasting through 6:00am Thursday morning. He says an evacuation of the city has been completed. Smith warned against would-be looters, saying they will be prosecuted. Harrisburg Fire Chief Bill Summers says parts of the city are "like a war zone." Summers says rescue teams from many neighboring towns responded after the storm. The twister struck the city at 4:56am Wednesday.   full story

Branson hospital treated 33 people after tornado

BRANSON, Mo. -- A hospital in Branson treated 33 people in the hours after a tornado hit the tourist destination.

A spokeswoman for Skaggs Regional Medical Center says most of those treated early Wednesday suffered only cuts and bruises.

One person who was injured when a roof collapsed was transferred to a Springfield hospital.

Spokeswoman Michelle Leroux (LA-roo) says the hospital's urgent care department treated four people for minor injuries.

The hospital was not damaged. Leroux says power was out at two non-clinical buildings but otherwise the hospital is operating. - http://goo.gl/kXA6b

Thousands without power after Southern Ill. storm

HARRISBURG, Ill. -- Emergency crews are working to assess the damage after strong storms hit Southern Illinois, downing power lines and leaving thousands of electric customers without power.

WSIU Radio reports that authorities in Saline County are asking residents to stay off the streets while emergency workers deal with the storm's aftermath. There are reports of damage in Harrisburg, and the school superintendent there has canceled classes Wednesday.

Ameren Illinois reports that service is out to about 13,000 customers, including more than 6,000 in Saline County.

Harrisburg is about 110 miles southeast of St. Louis. - http://goo.gl/VVNF7

Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Police Arrests Daily For February 29, 2012

Natasha A. Hill, 27, of the 600 block of South 23rd Street, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs. Bond was set at $3,000.

Joshua R. Williams, 21, of the 4400 block of Logan Street, was arrested Monday at 3:07 p.m. on an in-state warrant. Williams was released.

Sam Gabbart, 31, of the 300 block of North Jackson Street in Dix, was arrested Monday at 5:56 p.m. on a charge of stalking.

Kaitlyn M. Welch, 18, of the 300 block of North Sixth Street in Bonnie, was arrested Monday at 10:42 p.m. on a charge of obstruction of justice.

George W. Flanders, 19, of the 300 block of North Sixth Street in Bonnie, was arrested at 4:58 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to report as a sex offender. - http://goo.gl/L0k23

Benton Public Library among state’s grant recipients

Secretary of State Jesse White has awarded grants totaling $11.9 million to 620 public libraries statewide.

The awarded funds come from the Fiscal Year 2012 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants.
Locally, the Benton Public Library District received $12,974.63 in Illinois Public Library Per Capita grant funding.

Christopher Public Library received $2,442.74.
The Royalton Public Library District received $1,180.35. Sesser Public Library received $1,980.24. West Frankfort Public Library received $8,390.64. Zeigler Public Library received $361.29 from the FY 2012 Public Library Equalization Aid grant and $1,846.93 in per capita grant funds.   full story

Small Earthquakes Strikes Southwestern Illinois and Missouri Monday Evening

A small earthquake struck just outside of St. Louis in southwestern Illinois Monday evening. A magnitude 2.2 quake struck at 6:52pm three-miles north of O'Fallon and 18-miles east of St. Louis. There were no reports of damage or injuries with the quake. A second earthquake occurred before 9:00pm.

A magnitude 2.0-quake struck t3-miles southeast of St. Louis near Frohna, Missouri. There were no reports of damage or injuries with that quake. The United States Geological Survey says minor quakes in the New Madrid Fault Zone are very common, with 1.3 million quakes with magnitudes between 2.0 and 2.9 occurring every year. - http://goo.gl/FiKmO

Tax revenues are up

MT. VERNON - Tax revenues are up in the city, with numbers showing the local economy is better than the state economy.

"The economy of Mt. Vernon is still doing well," City Manager Ron Neibert reported Monday during a third quarter budget review workshop of the city council. "We really didn't see anything out of the ordinary in the makeup of the revenues. We're not relying on any one sector for our tax revenues, and overall, our economy is well balanced in terms of retail."

The 1 percent sales tax is showing a 6.1 percent year-to-date increase over the same time period last year and the 1 percent home rule tax is showing a 3.3 percent increase over last year. However, the income tax, which is a per capita tax based on population and state receipts, is showing a decrease of 3.2 percent.

"It's at 6.8 percent below what we anticipated on the budget," Neibert said. "That's due to two factors. One is that we over-projected and the other is the 6 percent reduction in population that went into effect when the new numbers from the Census came out."

One month in particular for 1 percent sales tax receipts caught everyone's attention, with Mayor Mary Jane Chesley calling the increase "amazing." In November, 1 percent sales tax receipts went up by 24.1 percent over last year, with $482,427 collected. The 1 percent sales tax receipts through the third quarter of the fiscal year for the city is at $3.58 million. - http://goo.gl/L9HyM

Shell to Close Operations in Illinois and Missouri

ROXANA, Ill. (AP) - Shell Oil Co. plans to close its oil blending and packaging plant in Roxana, where Shell began operations in 1918. A company spokeswoman says the Wood River Blending Plant is closing because it needs major upgrades and because it is on property Shell doesn't own. The closure of the Shell Lubricants site will result in the loss of more than 80 jobs in Roxana, just east of St. Louis. The company says it will also close its regional distribution center in O'Fallon, Mo., which employs more than a dozen people. Shell says the distribution center will close at the end of the year, while the Roxana plant will close at the end of 2013. A Shell spokeswoman says employees will have the chance to apply for jobs at other locations.   full story

Union Will Push Tax on Wall Street at Chicago G-8

CHICAGO (AP) - The nation's largest nurses union will call for a tax on Wall Street institutions at a march and rally in Chicago the day before the city hosts the G-8 and NATO summits. Chuck Idelson of National Nurses United says thousands of nurses and activists will take part in the demonstration May 18th. He says they'll call on world leaders to adopt a so-called "Robin Hood" tax on major trading by banks and other financial institutions. The goal would be to raise money for revitalizing the economies of the United States and other G-8 nations. The rally will feature musician Tom Morello, who performs solo as the Nightwatchman and was a member of Rage Against the Machine. The G-8 and NATO summits will be in Chicago May 19th to 21st.  full story

Illinois Voters Can Officially Head To The Polls

Illinois voters can officially head to the polls. Monday marks the start of early voting for Illinois' primary election, and it's available until March 15. Voters do not need a reason to vote early in the Democratic and Republican primaries.

The primary election in Illinois is March 20. The voting includes nominating contests for the Illinois House and Senate, county offices, congressional races and several referendum questions. Sandoval School District voters are being asked to approve a bond issue to pay for 25% of the cost of building a new grade school.

All Marion County county-wide offices are uncontested in the primary. There is a race to represent the Republican Party on the ballot in County Board District Two. Those seeking the positions are incumbents Michael Ice of Salem and Erwin Hahn of Iuka, as well as Creighton Engel and William Holzhauser, Junior of Salem. Voting officials expect the close Republican presidential primary and new candidates vying for redrawn federal, state and county seats to drive early voter participation. Registered voters must show a current driver's license or a valid photo ID to participate.

Early voters cannot change their votes after final submission. Early voting locations are available statewide. In Marion County, early voting is taking place in the county clerk's office on the second floor of the courthouse. The county clerks office is also the voting location in all other area counties. - http://goo.gl/jvRad

No Structural Damage Reported in Several Out of Control Grass and Woods Fires on Sunday

Several fire departments fought grass, brush, and woods fires on Sunday. Odin Firemen fought a fire in woods at the Ruth Uhls property at 3310 Odin Road. The fire spread from weeds and grass that were being burned off around a pond. Odin Fire Chief Greg Smith reports they provided mutual aide assistance to the Centralia Fire Protection District on a grass and woods fire at 2783 Barker Road in rural Centralia.

Centralia District Firemen also fought a pasture fire at a home off of Benning Road in Clinton County. It spread out of control from a grass fire and took over an hour and a half to bring under control. Salem Firemen were called to a very small brush fire at 132 South Vincent Street. The extremely warm temperatures and humidity along with a brisk wind resulted in the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning for South Central Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The warning advised against burning because of the likelihood of fires getting out of control. - http://goo.gl/AKsTI

Quinn Targets Health Insurance Benefits Of Retired Teachers And Community College Professors

CHICAGO - Gov. Pat Quinn wants to eliminate the state's contributions toward health insurance benefits for retired school teachers and community college professors across Illinois. Those cuts are part of the budget proposal he unveiled last week. The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that they target two insurance programs and would save the state about $92 million.

About 77,000 retired teachers and their dependents outside Chicago are covered under the Teachers Retirement Insurance Program and the Community College Insurance Program. If Quinn's plan is approved, retirees could be forced to pay higher premiums. The extra costs could also be shifted to school districts, which could mean higher property taxes. A spokeswoman for Quinn, Kelly Kraft, says the change is necessary because of what she called "fiscal challenges created over decades of mismanagement."   full story

Soil Temperatures Up in Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Soil temperatures across Illinois are several degrees higher than last year at this time thanks to the mild weather. Jennie Atkins with the Illinois State Water Survey says the temps are higher based on numbers collected at weather stations across the state.

Soil temperatures are measured at depths of 4 inches under bare earth and at 4 and 8 inches under sod. From November to January, the median soil temperature at depths of 4 inches was 38 degrees, which is 4.7 degrees warmer than the same time last year. There were similar increases for soil measured under sod. The highest temperatures were recorded in southern Illinois, where temperatures at 4 inches were 6.9 degrees warmer than last year. The median temperatures for northern and central Illinois were also higher.   full story

Marion County Police Beat for Saturday, February 25th, 2012

An 18-year-old Salem man is being held in the Marion County Jail for alleged possession of a controlled substance. Christopher Landreth of South Pearl was arrested following a traffic stop by Sheriff's Deputies. 31-year-old Jason Harper of Memphis, Tennessee remained in jail Saturday morning after being arrested by State Police on an outstanding Effingham County warrant.

Two others remain in custody after being arrested at the courthouse Friday on petitions to revoke their probation. They are 18-year-old Richard Rollinson of East 16th in Centralia and 18-year-old Wade Evans of West McCord in Centralia. A third person arrested on a petition to revoke probation, 27-year-old Travis Thompson of East Madison in Farina, posted $750 bond and was released. 24-year-old Dirk Eblin of East William in Salem posted $100 bond after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies for alleged driving under the influence. 49-year-old Jesse Blackmon of Selmaville Road in Salem posted $150 bond after being arrested by sheriff's deputies for alleged driving on a suspended license.

The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary at the Judith Joy home on the Walnut Hill Road in rural Centralia. Joy reported coming home early last night and discovered someone had broke into her home. She said there were no signs of forced entry. Jewelry was reported missing.

The sheriff's department is investigating a theft complaint filed by Don Winkler of North Miller Street in Salem. Winkler reported three receivers valued at $200 and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet valued at $700 had been stolen. - http://goo.gl/Myegv

Four Jonesboro Residents Injured In I-57 Wreck South Of Mt. Vernon

Four Jonesboro residents were injured in a one car wreck on Interstate 57 south of Mt. Vernon Friday night. State Police say 22-year-old Ashley Miller was northbound when she ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and then ran off the left side of the road.

Her vehicle came to rest after rolling over. Miller was taken to Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon for treatment of major injuries. Three juveniles in the vehicle, all from Jonesboro, were taken to Crossroads Hospital for observation. State Police report no tickets were issued. Jefferson Rural Firemen were called to assist in getting victims out of the car. The wreck occurred at 9:45 Friday night. - http://goo.gl/Q3fb5

Council approves properties for demo

MT. VERNON - The city council has approved 13 properties to go out for bids to be demolished, and are urging citizens who see possibly dangerous and dilapidated properties to notify city hall.

"When you see properties in dangerous, dilapidated condition, call the city manager to report them," Councilman David Wood said. "The inspector can look at it and then it may or may not qualify."

The 13 properties on the most recent demolition list for bid and have judgment orders on file are for 221 Castleton, 2107 Cherry St., 1115 Gilbert St., 1603 College St., 2109 Cherry St., and 509 Bell St. City-owned property approved were 403 N. Seventh St., 306 N. Seventh St., 811 S. 22nd St., 1105 S. 13th St., 1109 S. 13th St., 317 Castleton and 1020 S. 20th St.

Only a portion of properties are slated for demolition each year, based on the city budget, according to City Manager Ron Neibert. Properties which have already been posted and dangerous and dilapidated status is still pending include 711 S. 19th St., 609 S. 23rd St., 300 N. 16th St., 320 and 322 N. 12th St., 324 N. 12th St., 715 S. 18th St., 318 S. 10th St., 1117 Wescott, 1112 Wescott, 710 Perkins Ave., 615 S. 19th St., 112 N. 12th St., 804 S. 23rd St., 423 S. 18th St., 608 Park Ave., 1024 S. Sixth St., 1241 Welkins Ave., 116 N. 13th St., 309 Caborn Ave., 125 S. 20th St., and 221 Castleton.

In addition to the dangerous and dilapidated properties, the city owns several lots and properties which at various times throughout the year are offered for sale or have been designated by the city to keep for various uses.

Properties owned by the city include 606 S. 12th St., 1305 S. 18th St., 1125.5 S. Ninth St., 608 Herbert St., 1220 S. Sixth St., 610 Bell St., 408 Opdyke Ave., 503 Conger Ave., 301 N. Fourth St., 505 Grand Ave., 505 Herbert St., 1124 Newby, 417 Herbert St., 509 Herbert St., 1310 S. 18th St., 1201 S. 12th St., 223 Walnut, 1818 Conger Ave., 513 S. 19th St., 900 Prairie Ave., 516 S. 21st St., 415 Perkins Ave., 600 Herbert St., 219 Casey Ave., 2401 Wescott St., 221 Casey Ave., 304 Casey Ave., 311 Jordan St., 501 Harrison St., 213 Castleton, 221 and 223 S. 10th St., a property on Royal Drive; 1505 S. 12th St., 500 S. 17th St., 312 Caborn Ave., 229 Casey Ave., 120 Opdyke Ave., 424 Harrison St., 504 S. 18th St., 1308 S. 18th St., 302 Caborn Ave., 300 Caborn Ave., 603 S. 22nd St., 2111 Cherry St., 2015 Conger Ave., 716 Herbert St., 1418 Wescott, 613 S. 22nd St., 825 S. 18th St., 1001 Welkins Ave., 711 Bell St., 1223 Welkins Ave., 1411 S. 12th St., 1020 S. 20th St., 517 S. 21st St., 1009 S. Sixth St., 419 S. 18th St., 223 Opdyke Ave., 1104 S. 22nd St., 1023 Welkins Ave., 713 S. 17th St., and 1101 and 1111 Bell St. - http://goo.gl/FZz9x

Ky. popcorn plant moves some operations to Ill.

MURRAY, Ky. -- A western Kentucky popcorn plant shifted some operations to Illinois in the months after a fire destroyed the business's processing and packaging center.

Ellis Popcorn owner Ann Kelly Ellis says she bought a popcorn plant in Ridgway, Ill., in December and immediately started operations there. Ellis told the Murray Ledger & Times the first shipments went out about 10 days after the purchase ( http://bit.ly/z39KOS).

Ellis said the October fire caused irreparable damage to the west side of the building in Murray and forced the move.

"The time necessary to rebuild at that site was such that it made more sense for me to locate and purchase an existing popcorn plant so we could more quickly accommodate our customers," she said.

The business's receiving station and bin field were undamaged in the fire.

Landscape, Materials and Design owner John Homa of Hazel bought the damaged popcorn plant. Homa said he hopes to be a distributor of Ellis's Blue Ribbon Popcorn to serve a customer base in northwestern Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. He also wants to use the building to expand his landscaping business.

"Murray's been good to me," said Homa. "So my intentions are that the demand has been put on me to expand, and so what I'm doing is basically giving individuals what they want." - http://goo.gl/rUrBB

Marion County Police Beat for Friday, February 24th, 2012

A 30-year-old Centralia man has been arrested by Centralia Police for alleged domestic battery. Joshua McDonald of West Broadway was taken to the Marion County Jail early Friday morning. 19-year-old Cody Rigney of South Walnut in Centralia remained in custody Friday morning on an outstanding failure to appear in court warrant for criminal damage to property. Bond on the warrant is set at $7,500.

A 21-year-old Centralia man was arrested by Salem Police for no valid drivers license following a traffic crash Thursday. Police report a truck driven by Joshua Hickey of North College sideswiped a car parked in the 100 block of North Washington Street. A second count of possession of drug paraphernalia was added after a cannabis pipe was allegedly found in Hickey's possesion when he was being booked into the Marion County Jail.

47-year-old Connie Hoover of South Hickory in Centralia posted $200 bond and was released after being arrested on a Marion County ordinance violation warrant.

19-year-old Elizabeth Raker of Pocahontas posted $150 bond after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies for alleged illegal consumption of liquor by a minor. - http://goo.gl/MAqFn

Vandalia Man Tased Twice Before Being Taken Into Custody At Patoka Home

A 33-year-old Vandalia man was tased twice before being arrested on multiple charges after Marion County Sheriff's Deputies were called to a battery complaint early Friday morning. When Hank Stout of South Seventh was finally taken into custody, he was arrested for alleged battery, resisting a peace officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

Deputies say Stout aggressively came to the squad car when they arrived at the home of Christopher Richardson on Railroad Street. After grabbing the open door and preventing the deputy from shutting it, Stout allegedly became verbally aggressive and abusive. He was eventually tased the first time and fell to the ground. However, Stout continued to refuse to be handcuffed and was tased a second time before being placed in the squad car.

Stout was visiting Richardson when a disagreement developed and Stout allegedly struck Richardson in the head. The drug charge was added after Stout was allegedly found in possession of four narcotic drugs without a prescription. - http://goo.gl/dVWrF

Judicial candidates evaluated

MT. VERNON - The Illinois State Bar Association has released its peer evaluation for judicial candidates.

"Evaluation ratings, which are the result of an in-depth review of candidates, are the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association," information from ISBA states. "The Judicial Advisory Poll ratings do not reflect the opinion of ISBA, but rather of those attorneys who participated in the poll."

The ratings are prepared by the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee based on a review of the candidate's background and qualifications. Committee members interview each candidate before recommending a rating to the full committee.  The advisory poll is mailed to ISBA members in the circuit or district for each candidate.

"Attorneys are asked to respond only if they have sufficient knowledge about a candidate's qualifications for judicial office to give a fair, informed opinion," information on the poll states. "Seven questions on the ballot measure such qualities as legal ability, integrity, impartiality and judicial temperament."

The two ratings are "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether those turning in a poll ballot agree the candidate meets the acceptable requirements for the office. The ISBA ranks those candidates with a 65 percent or higher rate for "yes" responses at recommended; those receiving less than 65 percent are rated at not recommended.

For the Fifth Appellate District election, both candidates Judy L. Cates and Stephen P. McGlynn — earned a "highly qualified" rank from the ISBA and are recommended.

Cates earned a 70.09 percent ranking on meets the requirements of the office; a 77.06 ranking on integrity; 65.73 ranking on impartiality; 94.21 on legal ability; 66 percent on temperament; 90.35 on court management; 94.76 on health; and 87.5 percent on sensitivity.

McGlynn earned a 70.28 percent on meets requirements of office; 82.49 on integrity; 69.95 on impartiality; 74.42 on legal ability; 85.94 on temperament; 86.68 on court management; 94.58 on health; and 81.21 on sensitivity.

Eleven candidates are running for judge in the Second Judicial Circuit. Of those, five received "not recommended" ratings — Rhonda Blades, Paula Newcomb, Troy "T.J." Parrish, Kent Renshaw and C. Stephen Swofford.

Blades was rated with 54.90 percent for meets requirements of office; 78 percent for integrity; 76 for impartiality; 54.9 percent on legal ability; 74.51 percent for temperament; 64.71 for court management; 94.12 for health; and 92.16 for sensitivity.

Eric J. Dirnbeck received a "recommended" rating. He was rated with 98.46 in meets requirements of office; 98.46 for integrity; 95.38 for impartiality; 93.85 for legal ability; 96.92 for temperament; 98.44 for court management; 96.92 for health; and 96.88 for sensitivity.

L. James Hanson was rated "recommended." He received 72.73 for meets requirements of office; 82.95 for integrity; 74.71 for impartiality; 92.02 for legal ability; 80.90 for temperament; 75.28 for court management; 96.55 for health; and 88.75 for sensitivity.

Newcomb was ranked at 13.51 percent for meets requirements of office; 30.14 percent for integrity; 55.71 for impartiality; 18.92 for legal ability; 50.68 for temperament; 11.27 for court management; 68.57 for health; and 69.01 for sensitivity.

Parrish was ranked at 58.46 for meets requirements of office; 62.5 for integrity; 69.84 for impartiality; 70.77 for legal ability; 83.08 for temperament; 68.25 for court management; 93.65 for health; and 82.54 for sensitivity.

David L. Piercy was "recommended" and received 95.16 for meets requirements of office; 98.39 for integrity; 96.77 for impartiality; 93.55 for legal ability; 95.16 for temperament; 96.72 for court management; 98.39 for health; and 98.39 for sensitivity.

Renshaw was ranked at 20.83 percent for meets requirements of office; at 52.05 for integrity; 48.61 for impartiality; 22.97 for legal ability; 49.32 for temperament; 34.72 for court management; 76.81 for health; and 59.15 for sensitivity.

Swofford was ranked at 38.46 for meets requirements of office; 54.55 for integrity; 52.63 for impartiality; 64.10 for legal ability; 39.74 for temperament; 55.26 for court management; 77.63 for health; and 56.58 for sensitivity.

Nicole Villani was rated "recommended." She was ranked with 68.83 for meets requirements of office; 69.62 for impartiality; 58.97 for impartiality; 81.01 for legal ability; 72.15 for temperament; 85.33 for court management; 93.67 for health; and 74.67 for sensitivity.

T. Scott Webb was rated "recommended." He was ranked 94.29 for meets requirements of office; 97.14 for integrity; 97.22 for impartiality; 100 percent for legal ability; 94.44 for temperament; 97.22 for court management; 100 percent for health; and 94.44 for sensitivity.

Jo Beth Weber was rated "recommended." She was ranked 79.37 for meets requirements of office; 98.41 for integrity; 90.48 for impartiality; 66.67 for legal ability; 90.48 for temperament; 90.32 for court management; 98.41 for health; and 96.77 for sensitivity.

"Through these polls and evaluations, voters are provided the opportunity and responsibility of selecting qualified individuals to serve as judges to assure effective administration of our system of justice," said Illinois State Bar Association President John Locallo of Chicago. - http://goo.gl/ekQ7L

Ill. has money for specialty crop projects

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given Illinois $630,000 to use to try to establish new markets for produce grown in the state.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture said Thursday the money is part of the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Acting Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Bob Flider says the money will help improve the state's specialty crop sector. He called it a priority.

The state department will use the money to fund in-state specialty crop projects. Grant applications are being accepted by the department until March 15.

Proposed projects will need to meet one or more of a handful of criteria. They include increasing consumers' awareness and consumption of specialty crops and improving the distribution system for such crops. - http://goo.gl/Dp9kr

Corps of Engineers-Rend Lake to partner with Marion prison

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake have a number of projects that employees have not found the time to tackle until now.
Wednesday morning changed that as Warden Wendy Roal of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ United States Penitentiary in Marion sat next to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District Commander Col. Christopher Hall with a purpose in mind.
The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities that will help both Rend Lake and the federal prison. Hall said inmates from the minimum security prison camp would help the Corps by performing a backlog of maintenance issues and public works projects that would not be completed without the help of the inmates.  full story

Three-People Sent to Hospital Following Clay County Accident Thursday Afternoon

A Thursday afternoon accident in Clay County sends three-people to the hospital. The accident occurred at U.S. Highway 50 and Shamrock Road, just north of the Flora Municipal Airport in Flora. 29-year-old Brian Scott Gibson of Olney was traveling westbound on U.S. 50 when he turned left onto Shamrock Road. He did not see 40-year-old Matthew E. Armer of Trilla traveling eastbound on U.S. 50. Armer hit Gibson's silver 2004 Nissan in the passenger side door.

Armer's white 2005 Ford truck came to rest on its top. Armer and a passenger, 41-year-old Saddie L. Hannebohn of Mattoon were taken to Clay County Hospital in Flora for treatment of serious injuries. Gibson was transported to Clay County Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. He was later transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was cited for failure to yield while turning left. All were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The crash occurred at 2:45 Thursday afternoon.  full story

Glasses, Wheelchairs on Illinois Medicaid Cut List

CHICAGO (AP) - An adviser to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says lawmakers would have to choose everything on a list of possible Medicaid cuts to get to the $2.7 billion proposed by the governor. Among the options on a list prepared by Quinn's administration is a nine-percent reduction in payments to hospitals, doctors and pharmacies. The list includes changing eligibility rules for nursing homes and at-home help so that some incontinent elderly people who can't prepare their own meals would be denied state-financed care.

Excluding illegal immigrant children from the All Kids program is on the list. The menu also includes limiting or eliminating coverage of eyeglasses and wheelchairs. Quinn senior adviser Michael Gelder says even with the listed cuts, there would remain a nearly $2 billion backlog in overdue Medicaid payments.  full story

Illinois Attorney General's Synthetic Drugs Proposal Clears House Committee

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced Thursday the House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee unanimously sent to the full House an amendment to the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act that will help address the synthetic drug problem in Illinois. House Bill 5233 defines a "synthetic drug product" as one that contains a controlled substance not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The bill makes it illegal under the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act to sell these drugs, or to falsely advertise a synthetic drug product. The bill would also prosecute those who distribute, possess, or falsely advertise a synthetic drug product. Charges would range from a Class 1 felony to a Class 3 felony. Madigan says combating the drug problem is challenging since the chemical make up can be altered by manufacturers to avoid violating the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Also the drugs are sold in packages that claim the products are legal, in which they are not.

Synthetic drug use is on the rise across the country, with 6,890 calls to Poison Control Centers related to synthetic marijuana use, and 6,072 calls made related to bath salts. Attorney General Madigan has been mobilizing Illinois law enforcement in addressing the dangers of synthetic drugs. Her office also has been leading a series of synthetic drug busts in coordination with local and county law enforcement officers at retail stores throughout the state. Most recent drug bust and raids include five businesses in Centralia in early February, resulting in 2,480 packages seized, estimated at $51,103.  full story

MVTHS holds cash balance

MT. VERNON - Mt. Vernon Township High School holds a total cash balance of more than $7.5 million as of Jan. 31, according to Treasurer Angela Brentlinger.

She said during the Treasurer's Report at Tuesday's MVTHS Board meeting that for the month, the district's beginning checking balance was $5,879,288.

Brentlinger said the district saw a revenue of $1.9 million and expenditures of about $1.1 million, with no transfers, for an ending checking balance of more than $6.7 million.

"Ending savings and investments were $872,504.55, and total cash balance as of Jan. 31, 2012, was $7,596,659.76," she said.

She said the bills included PCard procurements of $12,883 and a payroll of $828,328.

"This included an amount of $32,568.89 for compensation above contracted amounts for February," she said.

The district's total outstanding liabilities are just under $1 million, Brentlinger said, bringing the district's total unencumbered fund balance to about $6.6 million.

Brentlinger said the district's Activity Fund beginning balance was $187,423, with revenues of $20,256 and expenditures of $31,121, bringing an ending balance of $176,557.

MVTHS Board Chairman Carl Miller said the school board and finance committee heard a presentation from Tim King, of King Financial Service, regarding him helping the district with the financing of its building project.

In other business, the board:

Approved the recommendation for employment of Jared Kessler and Shelby Campbell as girls assistant track coaches, Krystal Nowak as head art department teacher and Michael Field as a temporary custodian, and;Accepted the resignations of Mary Fields as cook and Hannah Rogers as head teacher in the art department. - http://goo.gl/BWzda

Fall Fest to replace Harvest Festival

MT. VERNON - The Southern Illinois Harvest Festival is out, and the Mt. Vernon Fall Fest is in after a group of residents are starting the new non-profit group to replace the former festival incarnation. “We are working to make it a bigger and better event with lots of advance planning,” fest committee vice-chairman Hank Villani said. “The Harvest Festival was just too much for one person to do. We’re putting together a volunteer board, and yes, we will need workers, but we also need people with ideas.”

Villani has started working on the legal paperwork to file for non-profit status. The president of the newly-formed fest committee is Todd Piper. “We want to do this well, and make it something special for Mt. Vernon and the area,” Piper said. Villani said plans underway now are calling for live entertainment and a children’s area in addition to a parade and other events which have been successful for festivals in the King City during the past years.  full story

Expansion construction on track

MT. VERNON — — The Crossroads Community Hospital expansion is entering its final months, on track for construction to be completed by the end of June. “With construction completed at the end of June, if the state inspection works out early, we could be in by the end of August,” said Ed Cunningham, Crossroads chief executive officer. According to Project Superintendent Steve Shults with Hoar Construction, work is being completed now on the exterior, which will be finished within the next two weeks. “There will still be some finishing touches outside, but the majority of the work will be done,” Shults said. But work inside is moving quickly, with crews working on all three floors and the roof. “They are finishing the third floor fireproofing now, there was some delay because of weather,” Cunningham said. “It has to be applied at a certain temperature, but now they have caught up.

On the second floor, the sheet rock will be completed in the next few weeks, about the first half of March.” Cunningham said all new equipment has been purchased for the expansion, and installation is expected the second week of June. “Since we bought new equipment, there will be no down time,” Cunningham explained. “We have new beds, new IV pumps, a new monitoring system in the hospital and radiology, we can open the new section, turn everything on, then turn off the old with a seamless transition.” Some of the features in the $20 million expansion project are cutting edge, including a pneumatic tube system to take lab specimens from patient floors to the lab area.  full story

Walton withdraws as state’s attorney candidate

MT. VERNON — — Meleah Walton, a Democrat candidate in the March 20 Primary has announced her intention to withdraw as a candidate. “An effective candidate must dedicate most of one’s time to the campaign,” Walton stated. “At this time it is just not possible for me to do so and still maintain the foremost needs of my family and my private practice.”
According to Jefferson County Clerk Connie Simmons, Walton has not filled out the forms to officially withdraw from the race. “Her name is on the ballot and the count program is done,” Simmons explained. “There is no way to change it.” Walton will appear on the ballot facing off against local attorney Nobel Dowell for the Democrat nomination for Jefferson County State’s Attorney. Walton stated she is urging those who worked for her race to support Dowell.
“I entered the race for State’s Attorney because I care deeply for this community and for the safety of our citizens, especially our children,” Walton said. “I knew, with my years of legal experience and my time as a criminal prosecutor, I could help make a difference. When I entered the race, no other experienced lawyer was a State’s Attorney candidate for either political party. Nobel Dowell has since announced his candidacy.” Simmons said since the ballots for the Primary can’t be changed, there is a chance Walton could win. “If she wins, she could decline the nomination,” Simmons added.  full story

Tractor Trailer Fire on I-57 South of Salem Wednesday Morning

Salem Firemen says the cab of a tractor trailer traveling on Interstate 57 near the Route 161 interchange caught fire early Wednesday morning. The cab of the truck driven by Richard Walker of Pickins, Mississippi was a total loss. However, firemen were able to keep the fire from spreading to the trailer. It sustained just minor damage to the front. The cause of the fire has not been determined. - http://goo.gl/nvJ1b

State Representative Cavaletto Urges Public Outcry To Governor's Office About Murray Center And Centralia Animal Disease Lab Closures

State Representative John Cavaletto says he has one message to the Governor about his proposed closure of the Murray Developmental Center: 'Cuts can be made without harming the helpless'.

Cavaletto is calling on area residents to mount a letter writing campaign to the Governor's office stressing the importance of both Murray Center and the Centralia Animal Disease Laboratory adjacent to Kaskaskia College that is also slated for closure. "I would recommend that they flood the Governor's office with information about Murray Center and its residents," said Cavaletto. "I would suggest they start doing that right now and continueto doit."

Cavaletto says the region needs to send a strong message to the Governor that he can't attempt to balance the state's budget solely on the backs of the developmentally disabled and the people who care for them. He says there is a little time to mobilize. Cavaletto notes the Governor's recommendations for facility closures have to be presented to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability and public hearings will be held.

Cavaletto says the process could take between 50 and 90 days. He stressed the importance of making sure the COGFA board knows exactly how important these facilities are to Centralia and the surrounding area. Murray Center currently has almost 550 employees and 275 residents.

The Department of Agriculture facility near Kaskaskia College that specializes in studying animal diseases has 15 employees. - http://goo.gl/WYZI3

Marion County Police Beat for Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Two separate traffic stops have resulted in drug arrests. Kinmundy Police arrested 37-year-old Ashley Christianson of West Mulberry Street in Farina for possession of a controlled substance and not having a drivers license.

Christianson allegedly had synthetic cannabis in her possession along with narcotic drugs prescribed to someone else. 48-year-old Dirk Berry of Greenfield, Kentucky was arrested by State Police on two counts of a controlled substance. 41-year-old Larry Woodward of Cottonwood Drive in Salem was taken to the Marion County Jail early Tuesday night by Salem Police for domestic battery.

Woodward is accused of striking his wife. 35-year-old Erick Taylor of Hotze Road in Salem posted $750 bond after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff Deputies on a petition to revoke his probation. - http://goo.gl/BOc9D

CME Group to Double Stake in Dubai Exchange

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago-based CME Group says it's doubling its stake to 50-percent in the Dubai Mercantile Exchange. The exchange is a hub of trading for oil contracts in the Persian Gulf. The CME Group said in a statement today that its New York Mercantile Exchange division is raising its stake in the Dubai exchange from 25-percent. The Sultanate of Oman's sovereign wealth fund also is increasing its stake to 29-percent from an undisclosed level.

The statement said the new investment will help the Dubai exchange develop new trading products and services. Trading volumes increased 19-percent on the Dubai exchange last year, with more than 145 million barrels of crude oil delivered. The rest of the Dubai exchange is owned by a host of regional investment funds and international corporations. - http://goo.gl/RcgeA

Governor Quinn's Plan Would Shut Down 14-Facilities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed Illinois budget calls for closing 14 state facilities, including eight run by the Corrections Department. A person who has seen the budget proposal told The Associated Press on Tuesday it would close four facilities run by the Human Services Department and two run by Juvenile Justice, as well as the eight Corrections Department facilities. The targeted Corrections facilities won't all be prisons.

The person was not authorized to discuss the governor's plans publicly and would speak only on the condition of anonymity. The only facilities besides prisons listed on the Corrections Department's website are seven "adult transition centers" for inmates nearing the end of their sentences and various work camps affiliated with prisons. The Democratic governor presents his budget to the General Assembly on Wednesday. - http://goo.gl/aIH3X

22-Year-Old Sandoval Man Identified As Second Victim In Double Fatality Accident South of Vandalia

The second person killed in a fiery head on crash on U.S. 51 two miles south of Vandalia early Sunday morning has been identified.  Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen says dental records during a Monday autopsy confirmed the person killed was 22-year-old Joshua Jezek of Sandoval. 

Bowen says initial information from the accident scene shows Jezek was northbound on U.S. 51 when he crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle driven by 74-year-old Robert Norris of Vernon.  Both Jezek and Norris were pronounced dead on the scene.  Norris' son, Shawn, who was a passenger in his vehicle, was airlifted to a St. Louis Hospital for treatment of injuries. 

The Jezek car burst into flames following impact.  The Vandalia Fire Department extinguished the fire and extricated the victims.  Jezek was badly burned in the fire.  The investigation is continuing by the Fayette County Coroner and Illinois State Police.   - http://goo.gl/ZlJaZ

Father, daughter seriously injured after hit-and-run, shooting

WILLIAMSON COUNTY - A Hurst woman is in a St. Louis hospital with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by a vehicle driven by her enraged father Monday morning in Williamson County. The incident sparked a shooting a short time later in Royalton.

Mary A. Halleran, 33, was struck by the pickup truck driven by her father, 55-year-old Dennis J. Hahn of Royalton, according to a release from Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick. She was taken to a local hospital and later airlifted to St. Louis.

Hahn allegedly hit his daughter with his vehicle after firing five to six rounds from a large caliber handgun into the house she and her 27-year-old husband, James Halleran, lived in along Gosnell Road south of Hurst, according to police reports.

James Halleran reportedly confronted Hahn at the front door of the home after shots were fired at it. Police said Halleran was also injured when Hahn allegedly hit him in the head with the barrel of the gun but refused treatment at the scene.

Hahn fled the scene at his daughter's house, police said, back to his home near Royalton in Franklin County. His wife, 57-year-old Betty Hahn, had learned of what happened, took the pickup truck back to the Halleran home.

Hahn was reportedly shot by one of his sons a short time after he arrived back home, police said. He was taken to a local hospital and was scheduled for surgery Monday afternoon.

The name of the son who shot Hahn has not been released by authorities. Two weapons have been recovered by Franklin County authorities and further details are being investigated by both Franklin and Williamson counties.  full story

Marion County Police Beat for Monday, February 20th, 2012

A 59-year-old Centralia manwas arrested by Salem Police Sunday afternoon for alleged domestic battery. James Cates of Cherry Street was taken into custody following a domestic dispute involving his wife at a home on North Dawley Street in Salem late Sunday afternoon.

A 54-year-old Wamac man was arrested during an early Monday morning traffic stop by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies for alleged possession of a controlled substance and driving on a revoked license. Deputies say a search of the car being driven by Terry Finley of Wabash Avenue turned up a white substance that field tested positive as the drug commonly referred to as bath salts.
23-year-old Willard Neff of North Locust in Centralia is being held on outstanding Marion and Jefferson COunty traffic warrants. 29-year-old Steven Palmore of Kankakee remains in jail after being arrested by Kinmundy Police for no valid drivers license.

29-year-old Amanda Schramm of Delaware Grove in Richview posted $150 bond and was released after being arrested for not having a valid drivers license. - http://goo.gl/E9Tzd

Jefferson County and Mt. Vernon Fires Displace Six Families

Six families are displaced following fires in Mt. Vernon and the Miller Lake area of Jefferson County late Sunday afternoon.  

Mt. Vernon City Firemen say the Red Cross assisted five families who occupied an apartment building at 2221 Casey that was damaged by fire.  The blaze started in one of the upstairs units, with fire damage also reported to a second upstairs unit and in the attic of the building.  There was smoke, heat and water damage to the rest of the structure.  

Firemen say there were a total of six apartment units in the building, but only five were occupied.  All the residents who were home were outside when firemen arrived at 5:05 Sunday night.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  Firemen were on the scene for just over three hours.  

Jefferson Rural Firemen say a mobile home and two or three additions were destroyed in a fire at 19,725 Miller Lake Lane northeast of Mt. Vernon Sunday afternoon.  Firemen say no one was home at the time the fire call came in and ownership of the property was not immediately clear.  Kell and Bluford Firemen provided mutual aide assistance.  There were no injuries in fighting the fire.  The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.  The Red Cross provided assistance to the occupants of the mobile home. - http://goo.gl/Ho3Vr

Red Feather Ball

MT. VERNON - Community members celebrated the accomplishments of the United Way of South Central Illinois in 2011 on Saturday during the Red Feather Ball. United Way members were able to raise more than $10,000 on Saturday for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which sends age-appropriate books to children once a month. Richard Straeter, Executive Director of the Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, was announced as the recipient of the Champion of Hope Award. Next year’s UWSCI president will be Bill Whisenant of Continental Tire the Americas. The Midwest Dueling Pianos duo provided the evening’s entertainment.  full story

Brad Cohen Keynote Speaker at Tri-County Education Conference Friday

       The keynote speaker at the Tri-County Education Conference Friday explained the importance of teachers reaching out to students in the correct way. Brad Cohen said he was bullied and neglected as a child because he has tourette syndrome. He hated being at school when he was younger because of the bullying and non-sympathetic teachers. Finally he got the help he needed from the school principal who allowed him to educate fellow students about tourettes syndrome.
          Cohen later went to Bradley University and began a career in teaching. Now he has a made for TV hallmark film made after his life story.
          "I think teachers need to treat every single child the same way. It doesn't matter if they're a special needs child or not. They still want to be accepted, they still want to be motivated to be the best that they can be, and I think many times that if we start to treat them as different people, then society will look at them that way. The truth is that they have the same dreams and aspirations as any other kid, and we need to be able to honor that", said Cohen.   full story

Illinois' Exports Increase 30% In Last Year

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn has made a habit of bragging that Illinois increased exports last year by 30 percent. He cites it when questioned about a tide of business complaints about the state's economic climate.  The real figure is slightly lower, but there's no doubt 2011 was a good year for the state's exports.

Adam Pollet heads Quinn's trade office. He says overseas trade offices and other Quinn-backed moves deserve part of the credit.   But economists say Quinn can't take much credit himself for it.   Economics professor Fred Giertz of the University of Illinois says there really isn't much any politician can do to create that kind of growth.   He also suspects the figure may be an anomaly, given Illinois' high unemployment rate.

Top Illinois Exports for 2011
     By category, in billions of dollars
     Category / 2011 / 2010
     1. Machinery / $17.79 / $12.49
     2. Chemicals / $8.50 / $6.48
     3. Transportation equipment / $6.67 / $5.33
     4. Computer and electronic products / $6.07 / $5.49
     5. Electrical equipment, appliances and components / $3.113 /$2.64
     6. Petroleum and coal / $3.10 / $1.02
     7. Fabricated metal products / $2.85 / $2.25
     8. Food and Kindred Products / $2.71 / $2.64
     9. Agricultural products / $2.62 / $1.45
     10. Miscellaneous Manufactured Commodities / $2.30 / $2.23
     Midwest Export Increases by State for 2011
     In billions of dollars
     State / 2011 / 2010 / Percentage increase
     Illinois / $64.57 / $50.06 / 28.9 percent
     Iowa / $13.28 / $10.88 / 22.1
     Michigan / $50.80 / $44.77 / 13.5
     Indiana / $32.20 / $28.75 / 12
     Ohio / $46.41 / $41.49 / 11.9
     Wisconsin / $22.05 / $19.79 / 11.4
     Missouri / $14.15 / $12.93 / 9.4
     Minnesota / $20.28 / $18.90 / 7.3

     Source: U.S. Census Bureau  full story

Two Killed In Head On Crash On U.S. 51 South of Vandalia

Both drivers died in a fiery head on collision on U.S. 51 two miles south of Vandalia early Sunday morning. 

Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen identifies one of the victims as 74-year-old Robert Norris of Vernon.  The second victim was burned beyond recognition.  Dental records will be used during an autopsy scheduled for Monday to try and confirm the victim's identity.  A passenger in the Norris vehicle, Shawn Norris, was airlifted to a St. Louis Hospital. 

Bowen says Robert Norris was traveling southbound on U.S. 51 near Fayette County Road 1150N when a northbound vehicle crossed into his lane.  The two collided head on.  The northbound vehicle then burst into flames.  The Vandalia Fire Department responded to the scene, extinguished the fire, and extricated the victims.  Robert Norris and the unidentified person were pronounced dead on the scene by Bowen at 4:06 Sunday morning. 

The crash occurred around 3:30 Sunday morning.  It remains under investigation by the Fayette County Coroner and Illinois State Police, who have assigned an accident reconstructionist to the case.  - http://goo.gl/7bya6

Governor Asks Constitutional Officers To Cut Budgets At Least 9%, Lt. Governor Says She Will

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is planning to cut her budget by 9.4 percent to help Illinois deal with its multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Simon's spokeswoman said Saturday her office is requesting $1.9 million for fiscal 2013, compared to $2.1 million for the current year, marking the lowest requested appropriation in 16 years.

A spokesman for the Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office had a $390 million budget this fiscal year, says the governor asked White to make a 9.4 percent reduction and that he's looking into it. The governor's office confirmed Saturday that Gov. Pat Quinn has asked the state's constitutional offices to consider cutting their budgets by at least 9 percent. Quinn will detail his budget plan Wednesday. Illinois' other constitutional offices are the Attorney General, Treasurer and Comptroller.  full story

Marion County Police Beat for Saturday, February 18th, 2012

A 22-year-old Centralia man has been arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. Gregory Mays of East Tenth was arrested by Centralia Police on Friday. Two others are being held on outstanding warrants.

34-year-old Jarrin Lee Boyles, who told State Police he is homeless, is being held on a Jersey County warrant. 27-year-old Brett Gaines, who told Salem Police he was homeless, remains in jail on outstanding Washington and Clinton County warrants.

47-year-old David Sullens of Gray Road in Alma was arrested by State Police for alleged driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted $100 bond and was released.

20-year-old Konner Beer of Metcalf Road in Iuka was arrested by Salem Police during a traffic stop for alleged possession of liquor by a minor. Beer posted $150 bond and was released.

24-year-old Ashley Higgins of East Broadway in Centralia posted $250 bond and was released after being arrested at the courthouse on a petition to revoke his probation.

19-year-old Kyle Kloppedal of Cross Road in Salem posted $200 bond and was released after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies on an ordinance violation warrant. Salem Police are investigating a vehicle theft.

Gerald Barnhart of South Marion in Centralia reported his car stolen Friday from the Bettendorf-Stanford parking lot at 1370 West Main.  full story

Southern Illinois Insurance Agent Draws 17.5 Year Prison Term For Swindling $6-Million From Clients

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - A southern Illinois insurance agent and securities broker has been sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty last year to an investment scheme that swindled roughly $6 million from clients. Victoria McGee-Harris of St. Louis declined to make a statement during her 6 1/2 -hour sentencing hearing Friday. She pleaded guilty in March to one count each of mail fraud and engaging in a monetary transaction with property derived from illegal activity. She admitted using client money from Swansea-based Metro East Insurance Group for personal use, including travel and operation of a chain of clothing stores in Missouri. Authorities say McGee-Harris was doing business as a licensed insurance agent and securities broker between 2003 and 2010 when she got clients to buy investment and insurance products she never purchased. full story

Business Groups Have Concerns About Online Sale Of State Lottery Tickets

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Plans to sell state lottery tickets online have business groups and Illinois convenience store owners concerned about their sales. The State Lottery has revealed plans to offer tickets for sale as early as late March after a federal ruling opened the door late last year. The Illinois Association of Convenience Stores and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association say lottery tickets bring in a significant amount of business. The sale of lottery tickets online could damage their business and increase underage gambling, says the groups' statement. The groups say implementing online lottery tickets too fast will raise many regulation issues for the state and will endanger 7,000 jobs at convenience stores.  full story

Centralia Man Sentenced On Methamphetamine Charge

A 33-year-old Centralia man has been sentenced in Marion County Court for possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Timothy Gibson of North Poplar Street was placed on 30 months probation, ordered to forfeit his $2,500 bond as fine and costs, and told to serve 30 days in the Marion County Jail with credit for time already served. Gibson had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge in exchange for two other counts, participation in meth manufacturing and obstructing justice for destroying or concealing physical evidence from police. Gibson and a co-defendant had been charged with throwing a container with evidence of meth manufacturing out a car window, spilling most of the content. All three charges stem from an incident last February that initially began in a pursuit by Centralia Police.  full story

White House projects 2 mln jobs created in 2012

WASHINGTON - The White House expects two million jobs will be created in 2012, slightly above the 1.8 million pace last year, according to Alan Krueger, the top White House economic adviser, on Friday. Krueger spoke to reporters as the White House economists released their annual Economic Report of the President.

The administration expects the economy to continue to gather steam this year although the pace of the recovery will still be subdued given the after-effects of the debt and financial crisis. The White House said that uncertainty about government regulation is not holding back growth. This is a common argument of Republicans. - http://goo.gl/5ZEUY

Court: Chicago Teachers Don't Have Rehire Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that laid-off tenured teachers in Chicago do not have a right to be rehired later. The 5-2 ruling Friday came after budget cuts in 2010 forced the city to lay off nearly 1,300 teachers. The Chicago Board of Education later recalled about 715 tenured teachers. But the Chicago Teachers Union sued when laid-off tenured instructors did not get first dibs on other open positions. The court ruled the school board's layoff and rehiring procedures do not mimic those in other districts and state law does not require preference for out-of-work tenured teachers. Spokesmen for the school board and union did not immediately respond to requests. - http://goo.gl/bcsvj

Marion County Police Beat for Friday, February 17th, 2012

A 59-year-old Mt. Vernon man was being held Friday morning in the Marion County Jail for being an intoxicated pedestrian. Ernie Whipple of North Cherryville Road was taken into custody by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies. 25-year-old Jesse Gilbret of East 15th Street in Centralia was taken to the Marion County Jail on a Centralia ordinance violation for possession of drug paraphernalia and on an outstanding Marion County warrant for domestic battery. Three others remained in jail Friday morning on outstanding warrants. Both 19-year-old Colby Wood of West 16th Street in Wamac and 37-year-old Michelle Halbrook of West Broadway in Centralia were arrested by Central City Police on outstanding misdemeanor warrants. 38-year-old Amy Jones of Martin Luther King Drive in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police on outstanding Marion and Clinton County warrants. 19-year-old Caleb Webster of Radio Tower Road in Salem was arrested by Salem Police during an early morning traffic stop for violation of the O tolerance law and for illegal consumption of liquor by a minor. 28-year-old Jason Lewis of Lovell Street in Salem posted $150 bond and was released for driving on a suspended license. Salem Police are investigating the theft of some drilling parts over the past few weeks from PJ Repair on West Blair Street. - http://goo.gl/UyFx7

Big Powerball Jackpot Raises $14.5M for Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The run up to last week's Powerball jackpot raised $14.5 million for Illinois schools, roads and bridges. Illinois Lottery officials announced Thursday that as the jackpot grew to $336 million, sales of lottery tickets also grew. Sales reached nearly $10,000 per minute during the evening of February 11th. Drawing-to-drawing sales grew during the last two drawings by 41-percent and 61-percent. In Illinois, the total Powerball sales for the jackpot totaled $34.6 million. Nearly $15 million in sales were during the last two drawings, when the announced jackpot was $250 million and $325 million, respectively. The largest jackpot in U.S. history was $390 million in March 6th, 2007, when two winning Mega Millions tickets were sold in Georgia and New Jersey. - http://goo.gl/d9dxA

Caterpillar Picks Georgia For New Plant

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal confirmed that Caterpillar plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Georgia, a project company officials say will create more than 4,200 U.S. jobs. Caterpillar said in a statement Friday morning that its planned one-million-square-foot-facility near Athens is expected to directly employ 1,400 workers once it's fully operational. Company officials said they estimate the project will create another 2,800 full-time jobs in the U.S. among suppliers and at other companies. Deal said in a statement that Georgia's business climate offers the logistics, workforce, speed and efficiency that global industries such as Caterpillar are looking for. At a Friday morning news conference at the Capitol, Deal described the project as the largest growth of new jobs in Georgia since a sprawling Kia Motors manufacturing facility was built. - http://goo.gl/yoG0O

State Representatives Blasts Tax Credit After Sears' Layoffs

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) - A Democratic state legislator says the layoffs reported at Sears aren't a surprise to him after the Illinois legislature approved a tax credit for the Hoffman Estates company. Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo was a vocal opponent of the credit. In December, legislators approved a $150 million tax credit for Sears after the company threatened to move out of state. The credit depends on the company's ability to maintain 4,250 jobs at headquarters. But the company has more workers than that. Franks says that means that Sears could still lay off numerous workers and get the benefit provided by Illinois tax payers. He says the approval of the tax incentives showed weak leadership in the General Assembly. Sears Holding Corp. said Thursday that it's laying off about 100 people.  full story

Illinois Budget to Include State Facilities Closures

HAZEL CREST, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll propose closing "quite a few" state facilities in his budget address next week. The Democrat told The Associated Press Thursday that the closures are necessary for a better budget. He declined to give any specifics on the closures, saying details would come during his budget address Wednesday. Quinn announced last month that he wants to close a Tinley Park mental hospital and a Jacksonville center for people with developmental disabilities in an effort to move people out of state institutions and into community care, like group homes. His budget office predicted the two closings would save nearly $20 million. Quinn has said his budget proposal will also include cuts to Medicaid. Quinn wants to slash about $2 billion of Illinois' approximately $14 billion Medicaid budget.  full story

Centralia Man to Spend 180 Days in Jail for Yelling Obscenities in Marion County Court Wednesday

A 20-year-old Centralia man will spend the next 30 to 180 days in the Marion County Jail after yelling obscenities at the judge and those in the courtroom on Wednesday. Lonnie Williamson of North Poplar had been brought over from jail following his early Wednesday morning arrest for alleged illegal consumption of liquor by a minor and resisting arrest.

While no new charges were filed, prosecutors had asked to increase Williamson's bond on his pending unlawful possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia charges based on the new offenses, failure to abstain from alcohol and drugs, and failure to submit to a drug test at the jail. Judge Sherrie Tungate agreed to increase the bond to $25,000. When Williamson allegedly became disruptive, the Judge warned Williamson about his behavior.
As the outburst continued, Tungate found Williamson in direct contempt of court for allegedly yelling obscenities and crumpling up paperwork on his case.  full story

Sears Laying Off 100 at Illinois Headquarters

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) - A published report says Sears is laying off 100 workers at its Illinois headquarters. Sears Holding Corp. spokesman Chris Brathwaite told Crain's Chicago Business the company is laying off "about 100 people" Thursday at its headquarters in Hoffman Estates. He says the layoffs take effect immediately.

Brathwaite told Crain's the layoffs don't violate the terms of a $150 million tax credit for Sears approved by the Illinois Legislature in December after the company threatened to move its headquarters out of state. The Sears spokesman says the legislation doesn't go into effect until next fiscal year and the job levels in the legislation are well below the figure Sears will reach even with Thursday's layoffs. - http://goo.gl/67mWp

Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Daily Record — February 15, 2012

Mt. Vernon Police Department Arrests

    Timmel J. Porter, 18, of the 1200 block of South 24th Street, was arrested Friday at 4:01 a.m. on a charge of residential burglary.
    Jessica S. Joslin, 22, of the 1100 block of Gaskins, was arrested Friday at 9:09 a.m. on a charge of retail theft. Bond was set at $1,000 and Joslin was released.
    Jillianne N. Snyder, 21, of Ashley, was arrested Friday at 10:20 a.m. on a charge of driving with a suspended license. Bond was set at $1,500 and Jillianne was released.
    Harry N. Benson, 31, of the 500 block of South 25th Street, was arrested Friday at 2:26 p.m. on a charge of burglary. Bond was set at $15,000 and Benson was released.
    Matthew R. Phillips, 19, of the 400 block of North Sixth Street, was arrested Friday at 9:57 p.m. on charges of possession of cannabis and a probation violation. Bond was set at $5,000 and Phillips was released.
    Jerry A. England, 35, of the 300 block of South Second Street, was arrested Saturday at 2:03 a.m. on a charge of contempt of court. Bond was set at $3,000 and England was released.
    Shane C. Williams, 20, of Texico, was arrested Saturday at 2:45 a.m. on a charge of possession of cannabis. Bond was set at $1,000 and Williams was released.
    Kevin J. Johnson, 19, of the 900 block of South Sixth Street, was arrested Saturday at 4:03 a.m. on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs. Bond was set at $3,000 and Johnson was released.
    Joshua R. Hurst, 22, of the 100 block of Webster Hills, was arrested Saturday at 4:17 p.m. on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, fleeing or eluding police and resisting, obstructing or disarming an officer. Bond was set at $5,000 and Hurst was released.
    George E. Williams Jr., 52, of the 400 block of South 17th Street, was arrested Sunday at 1:49 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $1,500 and Williams was released.
    Edward J. Strand, 55, of Fairfield, was arrested at 3:34 a.m. Sunday on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bond was set at $3,000 and Strand was released.
    Kristina M. Vincent, 23, of the 900 block of Ellis Drive, was arrested Sunday at 4:43 a.m. on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bond was set at $5,000 and Vincent was released.
    Steven W. Graham, 21, of the 1600 block of Cherry Street, was arrested at 1:49 a.m. Monday on a charge of resisting, obstructing or disarming an officer. Bond was set at $1,000.
    Jhytrenton C. Ladd, 20, of the 700 block of South 17th Street, was arrested at 3:03 a.m. Monday on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked license. Bond was set at $1,500 and Ladd was released.
    Roberto M. Roman, 23, of the 1200 block of Welkins Street, was arrested Monday at 3:40 p.m. on charges of assault and criminal trespass to residence.
    Jeffrey K. Warnick, 29, of the 1100 block of Shawnee, was arrested Monday at 7:30 p.m. on a charge of violation of an order of protection.
    Carissa L. Johnson, 18, of the 1300 block of Casey Avenue, was arrested Monday at 10:35 p.m. on a charge of retail theft. Bond was set at $1,000.
    Bart L. Edmison, 40, of Opdyke, was arrested Monday at 11:12 p.m. on a charge of contempt of court.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Arrests

    Lana M. Grimes, 39, of Christopher, was arrested Friday at 3:17 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $1,500 and Grimes was released.
    Charles E. Riley Jr., 24, of the 1900 block of Broadway, was arrested Friday at 11:05 a.m. on charges of aggravated domestic battery and aggravated unlawful restraint. Bond was set at $60,000.
    Christina A. Shelby, 29, of the 800 block of South 24th Street, was arrested Friday at 11:13 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $3,000 and Shelby was released.
    Stephanie J. Wood, 36, of the 1200 block of South 17th Street, was arrested Friday at 1:50 p.m. on a charge of fraud. Bond was set at $10,000 and Wood was released.
    William A. Turner, 51, of Opdyke, was arrested Saturday at 12:31 a.m. on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level at or above .08. Bond was set at $3,000 and Turner was released.
    Richard B. Kimpel, 68, of Ina, was arrested Saturday at 4:11 a.m. on three charges of solicitation of a sexual act and two charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
    Amy J. Bivens, 36, of the 500 block of Fairfield Road, was arrested Monday at 5:57 p.m. on a charge of contempt of court. Bond was set at $1,500.  full story

Illinois' Attack On Gun Owners Could Force Hunters to Leave State

Harrisburg, IL -- State Representative Brandon Phelps says a constant attack on gun owners in Illinois could be the death of hunting in the state. "It more or less wants to get rid of semi-automatic shot guns and anything that can fire a 50-caliber round. That's every hunting gun, and then you've got the single shotgun that can fire a 50-caliber round. Those would be banned", said Phelps.

Phelps says hunters would more than likely leave Illinois is that bill becomes law. He's also upset over a bill backed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. That one seeks to create a statewide registry for handgun owners, who'd be required to pay 65 dollars to register each handgun they own. Phelps says the proposed gun bills could hinder progress on his proposal to legalize conceal carry.  full story

Another Centralia Business Agrees To Give Up Synthetic Drugs As Part of Smoked Out Program

Synthetic drugs have been removed from another Centralia business.  Centralia Police Chief Larry Evans and an investigator from the Illinois Attorney General's office made a return visit to Blind Tiger at 300 West Broadway that was closed during their check of businesses last week. 

Attorney General Spokesperson Scott Mulford says the proprietor handed over 454 packages of synthetics with a value of $8,644.  With the other four locations last week, that brings the total number of packages relinquished in Centralia to 2,480 with a value of $51,103.  The amount of drugs turned over in Centralia makes up nearly half of the statewide total under the Attorney General's new Smoked Out program.  

Evans says the goal is not arrests, but to get the synthetic drugs out of town.    "I think the most important part is that we were able to seize a large quantity of the available product and most importantly to get commitments from the places that we visited that they would no longer offer this product for sale in our area," said Evans. "That's our main goal, to eliminate the availability the best we can."

Evans promises they are not done.  "We'll continue to go to these places and make sure they are living up to their promise that they will no longer going to sell these products and there are other cases that are being looked at right now that will also lead to action being taken," explained Evans.

The businesses that turned over synthetic drugs last week were Bargain Alley on South Elm, Centralia Speed Express on East 15th Street, Centralia Liquors on South Poplar and Lincoln Liquors on East Broadway.  The packages will go to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis of content.  - http://goo.gl/sDhbS

Marion County Police Beat for Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

A 20-year-old Centralia man is being held in the Marion County Jail for alleged resisting arrest and illegal consumption of liquor.  Lonnie Williamson Junior of North Poplar Street was arrested early Wednesday morning by Centralia Police.

29-year-old Jerald Phillips of Moonglow Road in Centralia is being held for alleged domestic battery. 

Two members of the Marion County Drug Court program are being held in jail on drug court sanctions.  30-year-old Marc Synder of South Pruyn in Salem and 23-year-old Shaina Allen of Edgebrook Road in Centralia were both arrested Tuesday at the probation office.

20-year-old Dustin Blandford of Mills Cart Road in Salem was arrested by sheriff's deputies on a probation violation.

35-year-old Jennifer Harpool of McKee Street in Centralia posted $150 bond after being arrested on an outstanding Effingham County warrant. 

The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating two vehicle burglaries in rural Centralia.  William Miller of Meadow Lane reported a window was broken out of his wife's GMC Acadia with a brick.  Two dollars in change was stolen.    Bradley Tieman of Woods Lane reported an iPod stolen from his car while it was parked in his driveway.  He isn't sure if the doors were locked.  - http://goo.gl/REhnr

Mt. Vernon City Schools D-80 scholarship applications available

MT. VERNON - The Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation has announced applications for its annual $1500 District 80 Scholarship is now available.  Eligible students are those graduating this year from Mt. Vernon Township High School who will attend a college or other post high school educational institution.  Applicants must be children or grandchildren of current or retired District 80 employees or school board members. 

The annual District 80 Scholarship is funded by a gift from Dr. Kevin and Cheryl Settle.  The criteria include principles about which they were passionate. Criteria are scholarship, participation in school activities, community involvement, attendance, and loyalty. 

Applications may be picked up at the MVTHS guidance office or at the D80 office. More information may be obtained by calling Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation representative Connie Knowles at 244-8080.  The deadline for returning applications is April 1, 2012. Applicatyions should be submitted to Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation, 2710 N. Street, Mt. Vernon, IL  62864.  full story

Glen Carbon meeting will focus on heroin epidemic

GLEN CARBON - Law enforcement officials will meet with members of the Drug Free Coalitions of Madison County in Glen Carbon on Thursday to address the escalating problem of heroin use.

The "heroin summit" is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Glen Carbon Police Department, 149 North Main Street. The public is welcome to attend.

Panel participants are expected to include Madison County State's Attorney Tom Gibbons, U.S. Attorney Steve Wigginton, Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn, Madison County Sheriff Bob Hertz and representatives of Chestnut Health Systems.  full story

Benton speech team sending 13 students to Peoria for competition

The Benton Consolidated High School speech team is heading to the Illinois High School Association State Tournament this weekend in Peoria after qualifying 13 students in five events at Saturday’s sectional meet in Benton.

The Performance in the Round cast of “Pinocchio: The Commedia” won the sectional championship plaque, and the team of Tyler Koski and Emma Webster won the sectional title in Dramatic Duet Acting.

Also qualifying for state in second place was Koski in Special Occasion Speaking.
Third-place qualifiers were Alison Blair in informative speaking and Courtney Knight in Original Comedy.

The cast of the Performance in the Round included Hunter Foltz, Lane Wellen, Caleb Abbott, Andrew Lampley, Kayla Krapf, Kennedy Allen, Hannah Auten and Amelia Richey.

Emeri Farnam will also travel to state in the alternate position in Oratorical Declamation.  full story

Business Groups Want Quick Decision on Health Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is joining other business groups in calling for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule soon in a dispute over the national health care law. Fifteen business groups filed a brief with the court arguing the lawsuit should be decided quickly.

They argue that continued uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act will mean "a costly and harmful burden on the nation's employers." Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley says the group isn't taking a position on the merits of the law, often called "Obamacare." Instead, they're just saying there's legal authority and a strong need for the court to decide soon. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for late March.  full story

Clothes dryer fire prevention tips

MT. VERNON - Residential appliance fires result in an estimated 9,600 fires annually and $211 million in property loss, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Clothes dryers are one of the appliances in residences that can cause fires, but those fires can be prevented with a few steps, said Mt. Vernon Fire Department Lt. Donnie Hayes.

“There’s always a risk with the buildup of lint in the drum and the amount of heat in relation to the heating elements of those dryers,” Hayes said. “You should make sure the lint traps are cleaned after every use.”

In addition, Hayes said manufacturers recommend to clean the lint trap over the sink with soap and water once a month, especially if dryer sheets are being used as opposed to liquid fabric softener.

“The dryer sheets leave a film, and if the air is not able to transfer, there’s a heat build up around that trap,” he said.

Hayes also said dryer owners should make sure any other vents on the dryer are not blocked by lint or other obstructions.

“You want to take the vent pipe down and make sure it’s all nice and clear,” he said. “You can vacuum it so you know the air will flow in the vent.”  full story

Centralia Declares A Snow Emergency, No Parking Allowed On Designated Snow Routes

The City of Centralia has declared a snow emergency from nine Monday night until noon Tuesday. A snow emergency simply means that residents should not park their vehicles on designated snow routes and instead should park in the alley or in their driveway.

That will allow city crews to clear snow more quickly along the major streets. Parking is not allowed on these roads during a snow emergency: Poplar Street McCord Street Broadway Street Rexford Avenue from Pleasant to Poplar Gragg Street Hickory Street Brookside Avenue from 7th to Broadway 7th Street from 4th to Brookside 5th Street from Brookside to Elm Country Club Road 4th Street from Lincoln to Locust Frazier from Pleasant to Lincoln 13th Street from Lincoln to Locust Perrine Avenue from second to 14th Elm Street One Way Section of Noleman Street Pleasant Avenue Locust Street from Rhodes to 17th Lincoln Boulevard from Gragg to 14th 10th Street from Hickory to Brookside 4th Street from Seventh to Brookside Calumet Street Airport Road 2nd Street from McCord to Locust 7th Street from Poplar to Lincoln Martin Luther King from Pleasant to Lincoln.

Failure to comply with the request could mean that your vehicle will be towed and you will be issued an ordinance violation ticket in the amount of $150. If you have any questions about the rules that govern snow emergencies,  full story

Midwestern Herb and Garden Show held

MT. VERNON — — Those with a passion for plants mingled this weekend at Times Square Mall for the 24th Annual Midwestern Herb and Garden Show.
The show, hosted by the Herbs for Health and Fun Club, featured speakers, classes and more than two dozen vendors spread through the mall’s center court and corridors.

This year’s featured speaker was Deborah Lee, an herbal educator who has hosted more than 4,000 classes in the U.S. and Europe in the last 30 years.
Treasa Brookman, a member of the Herbs for Health and Fun Club and the Home and Community Education District 7 Director, said Lee believes that a clean, healthy global environment begins with personal health.
She said Lee works to create a greater understanding of how to be in greater harmony with the outdoors.

Lee on Saturday gave a talk called “Wild and Free,” about how to find wild edible plants.

“I just have a passion for being outside in nature,” she said. “I was an only child, the only grandchild, and I was always going on walks with my dad and grandfather. We would hunt for morels, and when we would go fishing, we’d find persimmons. I just thought it was so fascinating.”

Lee said she found a couple field guides on wild edibles and “just started trying things,” while on hikes or camping trips.  full story

Amtrak Files Complaint Against CN Over Delays

CHICAGO (AP) - Amtrak has filed a complaint against the Canadian National Railway over delays to its passenger trains caused by freight transportation. The complaint was filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board. It asks the board to investigate and make recommendations for improving the on-time performance of Amtrak trains operating on CN's tracks.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says CN's performance in dispatching Amtrak trains has been dismal. There were nearly 4,100 instances where freight trains slowed two Amtrak routes last year - the Chicago-New Orleans route and the Chicago-Carbondale route. Freight train delays were imposed on 99-percent of the Chicago-New Orleans trains that year.

Canadian National Railway Co. spokesman Patrick Waldron says the railroad is disappointed Amtrak filed the complaint instead of continuing negotiations.  full story

Marion County Police Beat for Monday, February 13th, 2012

A 38-year-old Salem man has been arrested for alleged driving under the influence after his car crashed into another vehicle in the Guesthouse Inn parking lot on West Main Street in Salem early Monday morning.

Salem Police say Dennis Albert of Lowery Road was taken to the Marion County Jail where he later posted $100 bond and was released. Police report the other car was parked. There were no injuries. The incident was reported at 12:11 Monday morning.

A 19-year-old Salem man remains in the Marion County Jail after being arrested for alleged theft. Salem Police say Xavier Goostree of North Broadway was taken into custody following a traffic stop after a banner stolen from Wendy's and a yard ornament taken from a home in the 900 block of North Senneff were discovered in the car.

Police say Goostree was stopped for traffic reasons after the car matched the description of one reportedly involved in an attempt to take a yard ornament from a home on Lackey Street.

A 16-year-old juvenile boy with Goostree was also arrested, but released to the custody of his parents. 36-year-old Paul Hickey of Randolph Drive in Centralia is being held on a warrant for failure to appear in court on a disorderly conduct charge. Bond is set at $365 cash. - http://goo.gl/5LVxp

Marion County Court System Taking Steps to Go Paperless

The Marion County Court system is taking another step towards becoming paperless. Circuit Clerk Ronda Yates says Chief Circuit Judge Gene Schwarm has agreed to allow $30,000 in court automation fees collected by the circuit clerk's office to be used to install a system that will allow the paperless filing of charges in the State's Attorney's office.

State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach says the system will save a considerable amount of time, paperwork, and travel between the two offices. "All the charges are already in the system. I just add to the particular facts, date, defendant's information, hit a button, and Ronda's office has got it. They can just print it off right there and they can put it in the court file, and eventually they won't even go to a paper court file. It can go to the judge's terminal on the bench.

Yates says the program is another piece of the system that could eventually do away with paper files. "The integrated court's judicial program brings all offices together within the court system and integrates the state's attorney with the circuit clerk and the probation already has the program. So it will allow electronic filing between the state's attorney and myself. It will be a lot more efficient, it will be more efficient for our recording mechanisms", said Yates.

Yates says there are already pilot projects in other parts of the state that are taking additional steps towards a totally paperless system. - http://goo.gl/249vE

Cat CEO: Illinois Should Do More To Grow Business

CHICAGO (AP) — Caterpillar's CEO says Illinois should do more to grow business and jobs, including adopting a sustainable state budget. That's according to a Sunday column by Doug Oberhelman, the head of the Peoria-based equipment maker. It's published in the Chicago Tribune.

Caterpillar Inc. has decided it'll bypass Illinois for a new plant and some 1,400 jobs relocating from Japan. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he believes the decision was based on Illinois' lack of ocean access. Oberhelman says logistics was a factor. But he says Illinois hasn't done what's necessary to balance its budget, credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating and it's among the most expensive states for workers' compensation rates.

Oberhelman says Caterpillar hasn't opened a new factory in Illinois in decades even as it's opened factories elsewhere.  full story

Returning Veterans Find Job Search A Challenge

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — While Illinois veterans are faring better than most others nationwide in terms of finding work, they still face challenges.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average unemployment rate last year for Illinois veterans who served after the 2001 terror attacks was 9.5 percent. The unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans nationwide was 12.1 percent.

Veterans say they're struggling to translate their experience into a civilian workplace and to keep military jargon off their resumes. They find themselves having to rely on informal networks for job tips. Illinois says it has made vets a priority, creating programs aimed at linking younger veterans with employers, and it offers a veterans grant that guarantees free tuition at public universities.  full story

Illinois Offices Closed Monday For Lincoln's Birthday

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois government offices will be closed Monday in observance of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, 1809. Government offices including Secretary of State facilities, courthouses and local libraries will be closed.

Lincoln's Birthday isn't a federal holiday and is only observed in a handful of states. The Abraham Lincoln Association will celebrate the 16th president's 203rd birthday with two days of presentations on the theme of Lincoln and the Civil War. The celebration will be Saturday and Sunday beginning with keynote speaker James Oakes on "The Emancipation Proclamation: Myths and Realities." Oakes is a slavery and Civil War scholar from the City University of New York Graduate Center. The dinner speaker on Sunday will be Illinois Democratic Sen. Richard Durbin. full story

St. Mary’s informal groundbreaking takes place

MT. VERNON —  An informal groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wednesday.

“We appreciate the help of the city and the community and we are proud to be able to build this spectacular facility in the heart of Mt. Vernon,” construction project coordinator Jim Dolwick said.

The church has been at present location since 1921. The Rev. John Iffert said the need for upgraded facilities and space have been discussed for some time.

“This has been in the works for a while,” Iffert said. “It has been needed for a long time. Conversations were started back in the 1980s. Parishioners began discussing how more space could be created. A new building, relocation and adding on were all discussed before the parish decided to stay downtown and do new construction. It was really more of a space issue. The current building can comfortably seat 250. The new church will have a capacity of up to 600 people.”

Iffert said the new church will be more suited for the ways liturgy is celebrated today.

“We will be able to celebrate funeral rights with a casket in the center of the aisle,” Iffert explained. “It will have a larger capacity as a home for prayer, weddings, community activities and it will be connected to the parish center. It will be a much more unified campus in that way.”  full story