Saluki Men’s Basketball summer camps offered for kids K-8, June 18-21

Task Force recommends building state-of-the art facility at Quincy Veterans Home

 

SPRINGFIELD  – The Combined Veterans’ Capital Needs Task Force, created by Governor Bruce Rauner to analyze infrastructure needs and develop key strategies on how to improve the health and safety of residents at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy (IVHQ), has submitted a final report to the Governor and General Assembly.

“This report encompasses months of research and dialog around the needs facing our veterans of today and for generations to come,” said Erica Jeffries, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs and Chair of the Task Force. “The recommendations offered will support residents at the home in Quincy and provide a template for veterans’ housing across the state.”

The Task Force provided four recommendations for continued remediation efforts at the home and notes that “anything less than complete reconstruction will fall short” of its full support. The recommendations include:

• Building a new, state-of-the art skilled nursing care facility that could house up to 300 residents.
• Constructing a new, underground water loop that feeds existing buildings and new construction.
• Develop an alternate water source and make improvements to the existing water treatment facility as necessary.
• Purchase and renovate the closed, off-site nursing facility to provide a safe and comfortable temporary living environment for up to 180 IVHQ residents. The facility could hold up to 90 residents permanently.

The estimated cost of complete reconstruction is between $202 and $245 million dollars, which requires the approval and appropriation of the General Assembly.

“Legislators from both sides of the aisle have promised to put financial support behind our efforts to rebuild this home and take care of the veterans who have served our country,” Governor Rauner said. “Our number one goal is to protect our heroes. We’ve already taken significant steps to reduce the risks of Legionella at the home and we look forward to working with the General Assembly to put stronger protections in place.”

The Task Force report also put forth the following legislative initiatives that will expedite the process on rebuilding the campus and protecting Illinois’ heroes for generations to come.

• Pass SB 3128, which will extend the sunset date for the Design Build Act (30 ILCS 537/5) and permit CDB to use the design-build delivery method on public projects. 
• Pass SB 667, SB 3127, and SB 3144, which will allow the state to access federal reimbursement funding for capital projects. There is currently more than $12 million in the fund, with an additional $4 million expected in the near future.  The bills have cleared the Senate and are currently awaiting action in the House.
• Increase thresholds for financial disclosures in the Illinois Procurement Code. Section 50-35 of the Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/50-35) requires financial disclosures from all vendors and subcontractors with a contract over $50,000 prior to work beginning on a project.  Waiting for compliance from vendors and subcontractors can slow the project start time.  Increasing the threshold for financial disclosure requirements form $50,000 to $250,000 can help expedite the projects referenced in this report.

• Modify the Veterans Affairs Act, granting licensing and control of off campus buildings to ensure continuity of care for residents who are housed at the off-site nursing facility.

“We are working with the General Assembly to draft language for the legislative initiatives and look forward to passage by the May 31^st deadline,” said Michael Hoffman, senior advisor to the governor.

The report is available here, on the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs website.  

Annual safety campaign calls on public to remain alert during riding season

SPRINGFIELD – With winter finally in the rear-view mirror, Gov. Bruce Rauner is encouraging all drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts to be extra cautious as more bikes start hitting the roads.

Rauner joined motorcycle safety advocates and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today to kick off Motorcycle Awareness Month and IDOTs annual Start Seeing Motorcycles Campaign.

“I’m an avid rider myself,” Rauner said, “I know how important it is for all of us to be aware of who’s on the road with us. Just last week, a good friend of mine, a veteran, was seriously injured when a pick-up truck didn’t see him. He’s still in the hospital today. We’re asking everyone to stay focused and check their rearview mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. We all have a part to play when it comes to keeping our roads safe.” 

Although motorcycles represent 3 percent of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, they account for 15 percent of traffic fatalities. There were 1,097 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2017 – 162 were motorcyclists, eight more than 2016, according to preliminary data.

During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles.

All riders are urged to take precautions to ensure they stay visible to other motorists. By wearing the appropriate protective gear, getting regular maintenance checks and taking advantage of IDOT’s free motorcycle safety courses, they make the roads safer for themselves and other drivers.

A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles so all other motorists are advised to avoid distractions and be on the lookout at all times.

“Warmer weather means more bikes on the road and more interaction between motorcyclists and other vehicles,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “The number of fatalities and injuries involving motorcycles is heading in the wrong direction. That’s unacceptable. By staying alert and extra vigilant, we can begin to reverse these trends.”

Start Seeing Motorcycles is made possible by the teamwork among IDOT, the Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) and other organizations that promote motorcycle education, awareness and safety

“Riding motorcycles safely is just as important as driving cars safely,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “All of us have a responsibility to do our part to ride and drive safely. We want to remind motorcyclists of riding dangers, practicing safe riding habits, ensuring they are operating a safe vehicle having the correct classification on their driver’s license We are also asking drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”

Visit startseeingmotorcycles.org for more information on IDOT’s free motorcycle training and safety programs.

Patriotism is running high as the final plans are being made for the 2018 Old King Coal Festival to run May 10^th thru the 13^th in downtown West Frankfort. Parade Director, Sharon Ossig, says parade entries are exceeding expectations due to the excitement of the festival theme and the “Wave On Old Glory” parade theme.

In going along with the patriotic theme, Old King Coal Festival is proud to have Jared Bullock, a disabled American veteran who served in Afghanistan, as the Grand Marshall. Bullock, a member of the U.S. Army 7^th Special Forces Group, lost his right arm and leg while serving in Afghanistan in November 2013.

Bullock will be escorted in the parade by members of the Patriot Guard Riders. Frank Caruso, a local member of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders, is expecting many members to participate in this year’s Old King Coal Parade. According to Caruso, many members from throughout Illinois and possibly Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky may be in attendance.

The Old king Coal Festival also welcomes the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, which is part of the 375 Air Mobility Wing, plus other military entries from area VFW’s, American Legions and the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge 819 who will bring their 40 foot American flag.

 American country artist, Ronnie McDowell, who is best known for his 1977 hit “The King is Gone, a tribute to Elvis Presley, who had recently died recently wrote the song “Wave On Old Glory, and has graciously allowed the festival to use this as their parade theme. McDowell, a three time Vietnam war veteran,  takes the stage at the festival Saturday evening beginning at 9 pm in a free concert honoring veterans.

For a complete lineup of the Old King Coal Festival go to www.oldkingcoalfestival.org.