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
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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
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