Springfield, IL -- Talking on your cell phone while driving could soon be illegal, unless you're using a hands-free device or speakerphone. State representatives passed the measure today but not without opposition.
Opponents say the bill doesn't do enough to address other types of distracted driving, like eating or doing make-up. Representative David Harris, who co-sponsored the bill, says he's troubled by the proposal but admits it's something that must be done. Getting caught texting or holding your cell phone while you're behind the wheel would cost 75-dollars for the first offense, double that for four or more offenses.
The idea is to reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities as a result of distracted driving. There are exceptions in emergency situations and police officers would be exempt from the law. The plan passed with a 62-53 vote and now heads to the Senate. Senate President John Cullerton has said he'd support the idea. - http://goo.gl/gf4np
Thursday, March 8, 2012
State Representatives Pass Cell Phone Ban While Driving Bill
Illinois Senators Vote to Cut Their Salaries Again
The measure would also freeze pay for a variety of state officials. In all, it's supposed to save about $900,000. Democratic Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge is sponsoring the bill, which passed 52-0 and now goes to the House. This would be the fourth straight year lawmakers have taken a pay cut. The money saved is minuscule compared to the billions of dollars' worth of red ink in the state budget, but lawmakers consider it an important symbol that they're sharing the pain. full story
Marion County Police Beat for Thursday, March 8th, 2012
State Police arrested two Peoria residents on drug charges following a traffic stop. The driver, 50-year-old Robert Veasley, was arrested for alleged driving under the influence, possession of cannabis and driving on a suspended license. 24-year-old Jonathan Thomas was taken into custody for alleged possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police say Thomas had a bag in his possession that contained scales, drug paraphernalia, and narcotic drugs that were not prescribed to him.
32-year-old Anthony Sturch of Canton remained in jail Thursday morning after being arrested by State Police on outstanding Tazwell and Perry County warrants. 31-year-old Loshana Lyons of South Main in Sandoval posted $250 bond after turning herself in on a contempt attachment. full story
Three Escape From Bond County Jail at Greenville; Two Are Later Arrested And A Third Remains At Large
Two of the three inmates who escaped from the Bond County Jail at Greenville early Thursday morning have been apprehended in Indiana. The third remains at large. Bond County officials say 26-year-old Joshua Frith and 21-year-old James Hickman were arrested when Sullivan County, Indiana authorities conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle stolen from Carlyle.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Brian Wilt remains at large. Wilt was being held on forgery charges, Frifth on drug charges and Hickman on sexual abuse charges. The Bond County Sheriff's Department reports the three escaped when a correctional officer unlocked a cell door to deliver items to the cell. The correctional officer was struck and knocked to the floor by one of the inmates.
The inmates escaped through a rear jail door that had been unlocked for maintenance. The sheriff's department then received a report of a stolen vehicle south of Greenville at 4:30 Thursday morning. Carlyle Police observed the stolen vehicle southbound on Route 127 in Carlyle about 15 minutes later.
The stolen vehicle turned onto a side street and the occupants exited the vehicle and fled from the police. Carlyle Police, the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, Bond County Sheriff's Department deputies and canine, Greenville Police canine, and Breese Police searched a large residential area of Carlyle.
At approximately six Thursday morning, two vehicles were reported stolen in the same area of Carlyle. The case remains under investigation by all of the departments and the U.S. Marshalls Service. - http://goo.gl/WNpQW
Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Arrest Record - March 8, 2012
Mt. Vernon Police Department Arrests
- Jennifer N. Ward, 29, of Granite City, was arrested at 3:51 a.m. Friday on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $1,000 and Ward was released.
- Chad M. Evans, 34, of the 2200 block of College Street, was arrested Friday at 7:10 a.m. on charges of aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and possession of drug equipment. Bond was set at $12,000 and Evans was released.
- Travis A. Starr, 19, of the 300 block of Caborn Avenue, was arrested Friday at 5:55 p.m. on a charge of shoplifting. Starr was released.
- Jeremy A. Dirks, 20, of the 300 block of Walnut Street, was arrested Saturday at 1:23 a.m. on a charge of driving with a suspended/revoked license. Bond was set at $1,500 and Dirks was released.
- Shelly J. Ryan, 20, of the 1000 block of Southgate Drive, was arrested Saturday at 3:19 a.m. on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bond was set at $3,000 and Ryan was released.
- Devonte C. Patrick, 18, of the 1000 block of South 12th Street, was arrested Saturday at 9:32 p.m. on charges of possession of cannabis and possession of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $20,000.
- Dwight D. Williams, 53, of the 700 block of South 25th Street, was arrested Sunday at 9:28 a.m. on charges of domestic battery and interference with a report of domestic violence. Bond was set at $50,000.
- Travis P. Darden, 33, of the 300 block of South 44th Street, was arrested Sunday at 2:02 p.m. on a charge of theft.
- Kevin D. Sweeney, 66, of the 2200 block of Cherry Street, was arrested Sunday at 6:16 p.m. on a charge of driving with a suspended/revoked license. Bond was set at $1,500 and Sweeney was released.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Arrests
- William D. Deboer, 48, of the 16500 block of North Illinois Highway 37, was arrested Friday at 7:54 a.m. on a charge of domestic battery. Bond was set at $3,000 and Deboer was released.
- Tanya R. Deboer, 36, of the 16500 block of North Illinois Highway 37, was arrested Friday at 4:25 p.m. on a charge of domestic battery. Bond was set at $3,000 and Deboer was released.
- Tredessa Lynn Davis, 29, of the 2300 block of Herbert Street, was arrested Saturday at 2:56 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $3,000 and Davis was released.
- Kevin D. Smith, 48, of the 1400 block of White Street, was arrested Saturday at 5:39 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Smith was released.
- Alice F. Patterson, 25, of the 700 block of 22nd Street, was arrested Saturday at 2:44 p.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $1,500 and Patterson was released.
- Rodney W. Bishop, 37, of Ewing, was arrested Saturday at 6:16 p.m. on a charge of contempt of court. Bond was set at $25,000.
- George S. Rush Sr., 50, of Indianapolis, was arrested Saturday at 7:26 p.m. on a charge of contempt of court. Bond was set at $10,000.
- Melvin E. Head, 48, of Dix, was arrested Sunday at 8:11 a.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $5,000 and Head was released.
- Cleshae C. Parker-Brantley, 21, of Opdyke, was arrested Sunday at 5:57 p.m. on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $7,500.
- Deborah L. Joslin, 50, of the 15100 block of North Clear Lane, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Sunday on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $250 and Joslin was released.
- Jessie W. Howard, 47, of Ina, was arrested at 11:59 p.m. Sunday on an in-state warrant. Bond was set at $3,500 and Howard was released.
- Melissa L. Allois, 48, of Ina, was arrested Monday at 12:06 a.m. on a charge of violation of an order of protection. full story