Effingham City Council Votes No On Liquor Code Ordinance
An ordinance to amend the city's liquor code failed in a vote. The amendment would have included a convention center classification for liquor licenses. City Commissioners Matt Hirtzel, Brian Milleville, and Don Althoff voted against the ordinance, while Mayor Merv Gillenwater and Commissioner Alan Harris voted in favor. Hirtzel said he didn't like the wording of the ordinance, and
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Madigan Gets Concealed Carry Extension
Attorney General Lisa Madigan is getting another month to decide whether to appeal the concealed carry ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court has granted her request to push the deadline back to July 22nd. It’s the second extension the court has given her. Madigan wants the extra time because she isn’t sure what Governor Quinn plans to do with the concealed carry bill on his desk. Quinn
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Some Area Ameren Customers Will Soon Have A New Provider
Ameren IL electric utility customers in Mt. Vernon, Dix, Belle Rive, Bluford, Bonnie, Ina, Waltonville, Woodlawn, Washington County, Nashville, Okawville, Ashley, New Minden, Oakdale, Sandoval, Junction City, Central City, Patoka, Iuka, Odin, Kinmundy, Lawrenceville, Grayville, Crossville, Dahlgren, Watson, St. Elmo and Brownstown will begin receiving notice from Ameren that they are being
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Five Businesses Caught Selling Alcohol To Minors In Alcohol Countermeasure Enfo
Illinois State Police District 12 officers conducted Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) surveillance at a number of area establishments during the evening of Wednesday, June 5th in Cumberland, Shelby and Effingham County. The enforcement is used to determine if businesses are selling alcohol to minors.
A total of 37 locations were surveyed in Effingham, Toledo, Sigel, Greenup, Montrose,
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Teutopolis Unit 50 School Board Approves Reinstatement Of Cut Sports Programs
Thanks to a donation by the Teutopolis Sportsbackers booster club, the Teutopolis Unit 50 School District will reinstate a number of athletic programs that had previously been cut due to a a $1-million budget deficit. The Unit 50 school board reviewed a list of athletic programs, submitted by the Sportsbackers, that they wished to bring back. The Board approved the reinstatement of the B
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Teutopolis Sports Physicals Available
Athletic physicals for Teutopolis Unit 50 students who participate in inter-school athletics are available at the Runde Clinic in Teutopolis. Girls athletic physicals are available today from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Boys athletic physicals will be available next week on Tuesday, June 25th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. High school athletes must bring with them all completed forms to receive the physical. These
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Effingham Police Department Investing Burglary
The Effingham Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at the Effingham Masonic Lodge on 300 South 5th Street some time prior to 12:07pm on Friday, June 14th. Entry to the building was gained by breaking a basement window. Eight badges were stolen, valued at a total of $400, along with a projector valued at $100.
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Attorney General Wants More Time To Decide On Concealed Carry
Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants another month to decide whether to appeal the concealed carry ruling. Lawmakers had six months to pass a concealed carry bill, but they waited until the very last day of session to push it through. It’s a compromised bill that has a bit of give and take from people on both sides of the gun issue. Governor Quinn has until July 9th to take action on the
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Quinn Signs Bill Regulating Fracking
Governor Quinn has signed a bill regulating fracking in Illinois. Companies have already leased up to $200-million worth of land in southern Illinois to use for fracking. Opponents argue Illinois is moving too quickly though. They say there’s not enough information on the health risks or environmental effects of fracking, and fear the water will be contaminated in the process. But
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Pension Reform On The Table
Lawmakers are headed back to Springfield this week to tackle the pension problem. They still don’t have a deal and so far, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate aren’t willing to compromise on how to get the $97-billion liability under control. Governor Quinn has suggested they establish a conference committee, which would allow five members of the House and five from the
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No One Injured In I-57 Accident Involving Effingham Man
An Effingham man was involved in an accident in a construction zone on I-57 near Champaign. The accident occurred on Friday, June 14th around 10:45am when 33-year-old Steven Kruse struck the inside concrete bridge rail on Southbound I-57 at milepost 232.5. The vehicle then came to a rest in a construction zone. Kruse was traveling northbound on I-57 when his vehicle left the roadway and traveled
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More Counties Approved For Flood Aid
Fifteen more counties have been approved for federal aid following flooding this spring. The approval means businesses and homeowners can get reimbursed for up to 75-percent of their flood related expenses. Even people with flood insurance are encouraged to apply for federal aid because the feds may pick up the costs of what the insurance companies won't cover. In total, Federal aid through
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Quinn Wants Conference Committee To Find Pension Compromise
After yet another unproductive meeting with legislative leaders on pension reform, Governor Quinn is asking for a conference committee to be formed to find a compromise. Quinn and House Speaker Michael Madigan are aligned in favor of Madigan's stronger measure, but Senate President John Cullerton remains opposed, claiming the bill would be rejected by the courts because of an issue of
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Illinois Boaters Could See Stiffer Penalties For Boating Under The Influence
The beginning of the summer boating season may see a wave of harsher penalties for boat operators found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.The General Assembly approved a plan in the spring that would allow the state to suspend or revoke a person's driver's license if they are involved in a serious boating accident and found to be impaired. A Spokesman for Governor Pat Quinn
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Campaign Kickoffs Via Video Gaining Popularity
Political candidates are turning to technology to get their messages across. Two of the three official candidates running for governor have announced their campaign through online videos. It may seem a bit impersonal but political scientist Chris Mooney says it gives the candidates more control of the message and the image they want to get across. He says the video announcements won’t
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GOP Lawmakers Push to Make College More Affordable
Lawmakers are trying to make it more appealing for Illinois students to stay in state for college. A group of Republican state reps introduced the College Affordability plan, which would give families a $1,000 tax credit if their child or children attends a public university in Illinois. They also want to create a new 529 savings plan which allows families to bank up to $10,000 every year
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Mattoon Man To Serve Jail Time For Dining And Dashing
A Mattoon man is headed to jail for three years for skipping out on the tab a local restaurant. Anthony Malabehar recently pleaded guilty to stealing from Alamo Steak House in Mattoon when he didn't pay his $70 tab in an incident that occurred on April 4th. It was the second time in two months that he'd plead guilty to not paying his bill. The two incidents did not occur at the same
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Crops Faring Best In Illinois' Eastern Region
Crops in Illinois' eastern region are faring best this season. The National Agriculture Statistics Service says corn and soybean crops are growing better in the eastern region than anywhere else in Illinois. According to the service, 100% of corn has been planted in the eastern region and 98 percent of the corn has emerged. Also, 88 percent of the soybeans in the region have been planted with
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Attorney General Madigan Joins Call For Smart Phone Kill-Switch
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is joining her colleagues in other states to advocate that a "kill switch" be built into smart phones to discourage theft. Smart phone thefts have been rising rapidly, and cost consumers tens of billions of dollars a year, but advocates of disabling technology say that number would drop if thieves couldn't sell or use a stolen phone. Cell phone
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Transit Group Pushing Change In Motor Fuel Tax
A group of advocates for roads, bridges and mass transit want to see a change in the way the state assesses its tax on gasoline. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition is pushing a bill that would tax motor fuel based on the wholesale price, rather than on the amount sold. The move would add about 14-cents to the pump price based on today's prices, but the tax would rise or fall with the
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Effingham County Youth Ambassadors Hosting 4-H Fun Night
The Effingham County Youth Ambassadors (ECYA) are hosting their free 4-H Fun Night event this Friday from 7:00-9:00pm at the Effingham County Extension Office. The event is aimed at children ages 5-12, but anyone is welcome to attend. The Effingham County Youth Ambassadors is a 4-H Club made up of High School & College 4-H members that focus on Leadership, Community Service, & promoting 4-H. Most
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Attorney General Madigan Still Mulling Run For Governor
Attorney General Lisa Madigan is strongly considering a run for governor, but she won't say when she plans on making a final decision. Madigan says right now, she's focusing on her long list of duties as the Attorney General. Madigan would face a primary battle against current Governor Quinn and former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley next March if she decides to get in the race.
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State Sees Economic Activity Rises In 2012
Illinois continues to see a rise in economic activity. According to a recent report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis Illinois saw its gross domestic product rise by just under 2% in 2012. That puts Illinois in the middle of the pack at 26th among all 50 states. However, the pace of Illinois' gain was slower compared with the Great Lakes Region and the nation as a whole. In 2011 the
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St. Anthony Church Nearing Fundraising Goal
Effingham's St. Anthony Church has reached 89 percent of its $2.5 million Rise to the Challenge fund drive goal. The multi-million dollar campaign was launched earlier this spring to raise funds to help repair the church’s roof and steeple along with interior repairs caused by water damage. Members of the church and community have given $2,220,000 in donations since
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Mattoon Hospital No Longer Hiring Smokers
Smokers wanting a job at a hospital in Mattoon will have to kick the habit before applying. Starting July 1st, the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital will be screening applicants and won't accept new hires that smoke. Officials say it’s all about promoting healthy communities and healthy living, while keeping the smell of smoke out of their facility. The measure won't apply to current
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Illinois And Missouri Talking About Renewing Football Series
University of Illinois officials are looking to revive their football rivalry with the University of Missouri. The St. Louis Sports Commission is trying to facilitate a deal with both schools that would create a bowl game or neutral site game between the Illini and Tigers. The schools drew an average of more than 62-thousand fans to the Edward Jones Dome in St Louis for previous matchups.
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Illinois Corn Planted, Beans Lagging Behind Last Year
Slowed by a stormy, wet spring, corn growers in Illinois and the rest of the Midwest have finally gotten this year's crop into the ground. The U.S. Agriculture Department reports that 95% of the corn crop has been sown, and 85% of that crop has emerged, which is down from the pace of a year ago. Illinois farmers are turning now to soybeans. 71% of that crop is planted nationwide, down from
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Thousands To Receive Money after Foreclosure Settlement
Tens of thousands of people in Illinois can expect to receive a check in the mail by the end of the week. Attorney General Lisa Madigan says about 30,000 people who lost their homes to foreclosure between January 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2011 will get about $1,500 each. It's part of a $43-million national settlement against Ally, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells
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Crossroads Bank Celebrating 40th Year Anniversary
The Crossroads Bank in Effingham is celebrating its 40th year anniversary. The bank opened in 1973, with their facility being in a trailer in the back of where their current 2000 South Banker Street location stands.
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Illinois State Police District 12 Releases May Figures
Illinois State Police District 12 has released its activity and enforcement figures from the month of May. Troopers in District 12, which includes Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, and Richland Counties, answered 950 calls for service and handled 2,167 incidents in the field during the month. Enforcement figures totaled 1,538 citations and 1,305
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New Law Would Make Tossing Cigarette Butts Illegal
Legislation that will make it a crime to toss a cigarette butt to the ground is headed to the governor for his signature. Under the bill, cigarette butts would be added to the list of items for which a person could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor for littering. If found guilty, a smoker could be fined a maximum of $15,000. The law would be added to the state's Litter Control Act.
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Still No Pension Deal After Leaders Meet
After meeting with Gov. Quinn Monday morning, the two leaders of the legislature are not yet in agreement on how to proceed on pension reform. Senate President John Cullerton wants a bill that's a hybrid of his bill and the one passed in the House. House Speaker Michael Madigan is insisting on a Senate vote on the House-passed bill first. The House version saves more money, but requires more
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Check Your Home For Fire Safety
The State Fire Marshal is making a special effort to remind people about the importance of fire safety in the home. Families across the state are encouraged to evaluate every fire safety feature in their homes. That means make sure all smoke detectors work, keep a small fire extinguisher on hand, have an escape plan, and be sure to have a safety kit in case of emergency, which includes a
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Niemerg Sentenced To Five Years In Prison
25-year old Kelci Niemerg, of Dieterich, was sentenced to five years in prison for injuring an infant in her care over two years ago. Niemerg, who was sentenced Friday, pled guilty in April to one count of aggravated battery to a child. Niemerg admitted to forcibly placing Nathan Dill, who was 7-months-old at the time, into a playpen while she was watching him. The incident occurred on May 7th, 2011.
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Concealed Carry Not Taking Effect Yet
There's a bit of confusion about whether people legally can carry a gun this weekend, but Illinois State Police are sending a strong reminder that the law has not changed yet. The carry ban is still in effect in Illinois which means people still can't carry a gun in public. Lawmakers did pass a concealed carry bill but Governor Quinn hasn't signed it yet. In fact, he has until July 9th
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Congressman Shimkus' Staff To Be In Greenup
Members of Congressman John Shimkus' staff will be hosting office hours in Cumberland County on Tuesday, June 18, from 9:30am-11:00am. The office hours will be at the Greenup Village Hall, on 115 East Cumberland Street. This will continue Shimkus' tradition of having his staff hold office hours.
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Fire Department Set to Begin Smoke Detector Program Monday
The Effingham Fire Department will be conducting its annual community Smoke Detector Program, starting Monday, June 10th and ending on Wednesday, June 12th. Remember, smoke detectors save lives, but only if they are working properly. It is the goal of the Effingham Fire Department to make sure that every resident is protected by a working smoke detector.
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Record Breaking Year for Helen Matthes Library
The financial year that ended on April 30th was a record setting one for Effingham's Helen Matthes Library. During the year, library users checked out or used over 163,000 items, an increase of 16% from the previous year. Other records included a 53% increase in attendance at adult programs, and a 24% increase in youth program attendance.
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Mattoon Woman Arrested For Striking Pregnant Woman
Mattoon Police arrested 31-year-old Samantha R. Clark at 2:35am on Wednesday, June 5th.. The arrest occurred in the 1400 block of Marshall Avenue in Mattoon. Clark was charged with Aggravated Battery. The charge alleges that she struck another woman who is pregnant. Clark was taken to the Coles County Jail.
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Governor Quinn Taking Blame For Lack Of Pension Deal
Governor Quinn has been taking the brunt of the blame for the legislature's failure to reach a pension deal before wrapping up session. But Political Scientist Kent Redfied says Quinn has little leverage when it comes to getting things through the legislature. He says the stalemate can be blamed on policy differences between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.
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Horse Ranch Opens At Vandalia Correctional Center
The Vandalia Correctional Center has opened a new "Second Chance Ranch," which gives both horses and inmates an opportunity to grow. The Correctional Center keeps former race horses from being slaughtered and it helps inmates learn to trust and work together. The facility was built mostly by its inmates, including several stables on the property and even the welded signs that hang
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Officials Warn To Look Out For Roofing Scams
Anyone impacted by recent storms should be on the lookout for roofing scams. State officials say homeowners and business owners should always use a licensed professional for roofing services. They should also keep in mind that Illinois law requires contractors to put their license number on all contracts. And, if the contract is canceled, contractors are required to provide a refund within ten
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South Central Schools Make Athletic Cuts
Another area school has been forced to make cuts due to budget problems. South Central School District 401 approved a motion to eliminate a number of athletic programs at Wednesday's Board of Education Meeting. The Board agreed to eliminate middle school track, and both middle school and high school softball. The South Central School district previously made a number of activity cuts
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Quinn Gets Extra Time To Sign Concealed Carry
Governor Quinn will get an additional 30 days to review the concealed carry bill, which means he could hold out until July 9th to sign it. He'd been under pressure to sign the bill by this Sunday but the court has given him an extension because it hasn't actually reached his desk yet. Quinn's not sure if he'll support the bill but he promises to give it a thorough look-over
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College Students To Pay For State's Credit Downgrades
College students could feel the brunt of the state's latest credit rating downgrade. State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says that's because universities will have to pay more in interest when they go to borrow money. Rutherford says the higher interest rates will translate into increased student fees. Fitch's Rating Agency dropped the state's credit from A to A-minus earlier this week
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Gas Prices High Because of Refinery Problems
Gas prices in Illinois and other parts of the Midwest have been going up as prices around the rest of the nation are falling. Industry analysts say refinery problems, weather, and taxes have combined to drive prices up to $4 per-gallon and higher. The core of the problem has been the conversion of a BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, to handle cheaper Canadian crude oil, which has led to a cut
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Mattoon Police Department Releases Click It or Ticket Results
The Mattoon Police Department conducted its annual Click It or Ticket mobilization to save lives from May 10-27. With support from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Mattoon Police Department joined other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois in this annual effort to get more motorists to buckle up – and to save more lives. During the mobilization, the Mattoon
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Effingham City Council Considering Comptroller Assisted Debt Collection Program
The Effingham City Council discussed a resolution to authorize an agreement with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller to assist the city in its efforts to collect delinquent debts owed to the city for unpaid utility bills. The bills date back over the last seven years. Through the program, past debt will be collected by the Comptrollers Office.
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Illinois Lawmakers Approve Concealed Carry Bill
Illinois is set to become the last state in the country to have concealed carry of guns. The state Legislature approved a bill today, sending it to Governor Pat Quinn's desk. The bill bans the carrying of weapons on public transportation, casinos, government buildings and stadiums. The bill includes several provisions in hopes of keeping those with mental health issues from having firearms.
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Fracking Bill Headed To Governor Quinn
Illinois lawmakers have given the go ahead to companies that want to pull oil and natural gas out of large, underground rocks. Supporters say it could put about 45-thousand people to work.
Illinois already allows vertical fracking and supporters say so far, there haven't been any major environmental factors. The newest bill would allow more fracking and it puts regulations in place in
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