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