Governor Quinn to Appeal FEMA Denial of Disaster Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's denial of assistance to homeowners affected by the southern Illinois tornado. Quinn issued a statement Monday saying he informed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano of his decision.

Meanwhile, Sen. Dick Durbin and other lawmakers plan to meet with FEMA Director Craig Fugate (FYOO'-gayt) on Wednesday to challenge the decision. Quinn says Illinois is doing everything it can to help communities hit hard by storms on February 29th, including the Saline County town of Harrisburg, where seven people died and 98 homes were destroyed by an F4 tornado. But he says some assistance needed by residents is available only through a federal disaster declaration. FEMA says there's enough private insurance and other resources for Illinois to recover.

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Illinois State Police Seize Eleven Pounds of Cannabis in Effingham County

A routine traffic stop in Effingham County leads the Illinois State Police to seizing a large amount of cannabis. A state trooper stopped a grey Ford Escape, driven by 35-year-old Jason E. Dipietro of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday March 6th for speeding.

The trooper made observations that lead to a search of the vehicle. The search revealed ten-bags of cannabis weighing 11.3-pounds in the vehicle. Dipietro was charged with possession of cannabis and cannabis trafficking. He is being held on $250,000 bond in the Effingham County Jail.

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Marion County Police Beat for Monday, March 12th, 2012

A 17-year-old Central City man remained in the Marion County Jail Monday for alleged aggravated battery and domestic battery. Jacob Schleuter of North Park was arrested by Central City Police.

A 26-year-old Mt. Vernon man is being held for alleged domestic battery and resisting arrest. Christopher Bratton of South 18th is accused of grabbing and choking Elizabeth Walton of North Sycamore Street at her home following an altercation. Walton eventually was let go and was able to call police.

An 18-year-old Kinmundy man was arrested over the weekend for alleged domestic battery. Rickey Recter III of Krutsinger Road is accused of grabbing 19-year-old Ashley Sturdivant of the same address by the throat and choked her. Recter had already left the home by the time deputies arrived. He was stopped walking a short distance away.

20-year-old Warren Telford of East Baseline Road in Walnut Hill was arrested by Junction City Police for violation of the 0 tolerance law and fleeing police. He was released after posting $120 bond.

The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of copper and damage to an electric meter at a home on North Oak Street in Patoka just purchased by Kay Cain. The sheriff's department is investigating a criminal damage to property complaint.

William White of Copple Road reported the vinyl was pulled back off of an outbuilding in an apparent attempt to see what was inside. White reported no entry was gained.

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Illinois' 2012 Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 7th

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced Monday the 2012 spring trout fishing season in Illinois will begin Saturday, April 7th at 5:00am. The IDNR stocks more than 60,000 rainbow trout each spring in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted. The trout program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps.

To participate in the trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp. The annual fishing licenses for the 2012 season are valid through March 31st, 2013. Anglers may not take trout from any of the stocked sites from March 15th to the opening of the season on April 7th at 5:00am. Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal opening will be issued citations.

During the spring trout season the daily possession limit for trout is five fish. Local stocked sites in southern Illinois include: - Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond - Marion County: Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes State Park - Wayne County: Sam Dale Conservation Area Trout Pond Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov, or by calling DNR Direct toll-free at 1-888-673-7648. For more information about the trout stocking program, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424 or check the web site at www.ifishillinois.org.  

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Centralia City Council To Consider Fining Those Allowing Cats To Run At Large

Owners of cats in Centralia could be fined for allowing them to run at large.  The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to modify the animal control ordinance to establish a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $250 upon conviction.   The ordinance would apply to any owner or keeper of a cat who has been informed either verbally or in writing that a property owner or person with lawful possession of a property does not want the cat on that property. 
 
Animal Control Officer Bobby Patton II is suggesting the change because the reports of stray cats are increasing in the city.  Centralia cat owners are reminded that even if kept indoors, cats are required to be licensed and must show proof that their vaccinations are current.

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