Frontier League Standings

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment
East Division W L PCT GB STREAK LAST 10
Schaumburg Boomers 28 11 0.718 – 1L 7-3
Washington Wild Things 21 17 0.553 6.5 1W 7-3
Windy City ThunderBolts 20 20 0.500 8.5 4L 3-7
Joliet Slammers 18 20 0.474 9.5 4W 6-4
Traverse City Beach Bums 17 21 0.447 10.5 1W 4-6
Lake Erie Crushers 16 23 0.410 12 1L 3-7
West Division W L PCT GB STREAK LAST 10
Florence Freedom 27 12 0.692 – 3W 7-3
Evansville Otters 21 17 0.553 5.5 1L 8-2
Normal CornBelters 20 19 0.513 7 1L 4-6
River City Rascals 20 20 0.500 7.5 2W 4-6
Southern Illinois Miners 16 23 0.410 11 1W 6-4
Gateway Grizzlies 10 31 0.244 18 7L 3-7

Wild Card

Schaumburg Boomers 28 11 0.718 – 1L 7-3
Florence Freedom 27 12 0.692 – 3W 7-3

Wild Card Teams

W L PCT GB STREAK LAST 10
Evansville Otters 21 17 0.553 – 1L 8-2
Washington Wild Things 21 17 0.553 – 1W 7-3
Normal CornBelters 20 19 0.513 1.5 1L 4-6
Windy City ThunderBolts 20 20 0.500 2 4L 3-7
River City Rascals 20 20 0.500 2 2W 4-6
Joliet Slammers 18 20 0.474 3 4W 6-4
Traverse City Beach Bums 17 21 0.447 4 1W 4-6
Lake Erie Crushers 16 23 0.410 5.5 1L 3-7
Southern Illinois Miners 16 23 0.410 5.5 1W 6-4
Gateway Grizzlies 10 31 0.244 12.5 7L 3-7
Filed Under: Sports

2016 Jefferson County Final Multiplier Announced

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press release from the Illinois Department of Revenue

Jefferson County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to Constance Beard, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier”, is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law.  This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g. school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts).  If there were no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value.  Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic value.  Farmland is not subject to the state equalization factor.

Assessments in Jefferson County are at 32.85 percent of market value, based on sales of properties in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2016 taxes, payable in 2017.  Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.

The final assessment equalization factor was issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor.  The tentative factor issued in March 2017 was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments/county assessor.

If this three-year average level of assessment is one-third of the market value, the equalization factor will be one (1).  If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one (1).  And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1).

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property tax bills will increase or decrease.  Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when they request money each year to provide services to local citizens.  If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then total property taxes will not increase even if assessments increase.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume.  That individual’s portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Parents worried by new Snapchat feature

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/35754975/parents-worried-by-new-snapchat-feature-snap-map

CARBONDALE, IL – Logan Gay, WPSD-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.

The popular photo app Snapchat recently launched a new feature called Snap Map. It’s a quick and easy way to share your location with your followers. But, some parents wonder if the feature goes too far.

That is a concern Carbondale Police Sgt. Amber Ronketto shares. She said Snap Map can potentially be dangerous for people of all ages.

“If you’re checking in at a whole bunch of locations that aren’t your house, a potential criminal who knows where you live or can figure it out from your past check-ins — where you live — (and) can come and burglarize your house,” said Ronketto.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Illinois, Iowa Break Ground on I-74 Bridge Reconstruction Project

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Governor Bruce Rauner’s Office

QUAD CITIES – Governor Bruce Rauner was joined by Illinois and Iowa officials today in a ceremonial groundbreaking to launch a three-and-a-half year bi-state construction project to build a new Interstate 74 Mississippi River Bridge to improve travel and safety through the I-74 corridor.

“Working together, our states and communities will build a modern, state-of-the-art project that showcases the quality of our workforce and creates economic opportunity for generations to come,” Governor Rauner said. “We are building more than just a bridge, but a vital piece of the country’s transportation network that will promote commerce throughout the Midwest.”

Iowa and Illinois share jurisdiction of the I-74 corridor. The Iowa Department of Transportation is the lead agency for the bridge construction project and corresponding projects within Iowa, while the Illinois Department of Transportation is a partner in the bridge project and the lead agency for the related projects within Illinois. Both agencies are working closely to coordinate construction activities with the cities of Bettendorf, Moline, Davenport and Rock Island.

“The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation, along with their design partners, have come up with a plan for a safe, modern and visually spectacular structure that will replace two aging bridges that date back 82 years,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “This new bridge will serve as a vital east-west link for the Midwest and help both states improve their regional and global options for moving goods.”

Construction will begin later this summer and is expected to be complete in 2021. In addition to the bridge reconstruction, the estimated $1.2 billion project will improve travel along I-74 between 53rd Street in Davenport, Iowa, and Avenue of the Cities in Moline, Ill., better connecting the growing communities on both sides of the Mississppi River. A new pedestrian and bike path that connects to existing local paths also is included in the project.

For updates on the construction schedule, road closures, lane detours and to get the most up-to-date construction news, visit the project website at I74RiverBridge.com. Follow the project on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube @I74RiverBridge

Filed Under: State News

SAVE TIME, BUY ONLINE: ILLINOIS STATE FAIR GATE & PARKING NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Ticket scanning now an option at all Illinois State Fair gates

Press Release from the Illinois department of Agriculture

The Illinois State Fair continues its trek into the digital age! In 2016, the Illinois State Fair unveiled a new mobile app that allows fairgoers to customize their visit to the state fairgrounds. This year, the Illinois State Fair is offering an online payment option for gate admission, parking passes and mega passes with more features to be added as we approach the August fair. In addition to purchasing your tickets in advance, the Illinois State Fair will now have the option to scan those online purchases on your mobile phones at the gate.

“Technology is allowing the Illinois State Fair to evolve,” said State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon. “Scanning tickets is something we have been able to do at the Grandstand for a couple of years now, and we hope expanding this service to our twelve gates will be an added convenience for our fairgoers.”

In addition to purchasing parking and gate admission online, the Illinois State Fair will be moving its Mega Pass sales to this new online initiative. Mega Passes have always been available for purchase online through the state’s e-pay website, but that will no longer be available as of Friday, June 16. It’s important to note the Mega Pass purchase is only a gift certificate and must still be redeemed prior to use at the Emmerson Building where recipients must get a photo ID to accompany the pass.

Here’s how it works. Go to www.eventsprout.com and click on Find Events. On the search bar at the top of the page, enter Illinois State Fair. Once you find and click on the Illinois State Fair listing you’ll be directed to a new page that lists all the items you can purchase online. Click the green Buy Tickets button underneath the picture at the top of the page to begin your purchase.

The tickets purchased online can be printed at home, if you still prefer a traditional paper ticket, or they can be scanned from your phone at the gate. Volunteers at each of the gates will be equipped with electronic scanners. Some of the larger gates will have additional lines to expedite those who have pre-paid for their gate admission and parking.

“This company has a long resume of work with fairs and festivals around the nation,” said Ag Director Raymond Poe. “Not only is this service offered at the county fair level, such as Lake County and Champaign County, but it’s a service that’s offered at music festivals, rodeos and sporting events. I’m happy to see our Illinois State Fair taking the next step in customer service and digital advancement.”

Another added convenience will be offered beginning July 1. Once again the Illinois State Fair is teaming up with a local retailer to make it easier for fairgoers throughout central Illinois to purchase discount admission tickets for the upcoming fair. Beginning July 1, discount admission booklets will be available for purchase at participating County Market grocery stores (Veterans Parkway, Carpenter Street, Monroe Street, 6th Street, Sherman, Chatham, Petersburg and Girard). These booklets are a great idea for any family, or a group of friends, who plan to attend the fair. One booklet provides eleven any day adult admissions to the 2017 Illinois State Fair for just $60, while supplies last. These booklets can also be purchased at the Emmerson Building on the state fairgrounds during business hours Monday – Friday, or by calling 217-782-0775.

New information is being added daily to the Illinois State Fair website and mobile app. You can learn more about the 2017 fair by connecting with us via social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILStateFair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILStateFair
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myilstatefair/

Don’t delay! Make your plans today to visit the Illinois State Fair August 10 – August 20 in Springfield, IL.

Filed Under: State News

Rally planned at Capitol to defend religious freedom

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170626/rally-planned-at-capitol-to-defend-religious-freedom

SPRINGFEILD, IL –  (Mary Hansen, Springfield Journal Register.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Right of conscience could be one topic at a rally focusing on religious freedoms that’s planned for noon Wednesday in the Capitol rotunda.

It’s being organized by the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is planning to attend.

Some Catholics are concerned about their right of conscience, particularly for physicians and other medical professionals who object to abortions, said Donna Moore, the diocese’s director for pro-life activities and special ministries.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Working together we can save lives from drug addiction

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bnd.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article158117754.html

BELLEVILLE, IL (Congressman Mike Bost.  Belleville News Democrat.  Please click on the link above to read the op-ed piece.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Charles “Chas” Karidis, of Madison County, had dreams of being a husband and father, and making his mark on the world. He wanted to be a good role model for his younger brother, Niko. Sadly, these aspirations came to an end in November 2013 when Chas’ mom, Kari, received a phone call that no parent wants to receive. Kari, an assistant principal at Collinsville High School, learned that Chas had succumbed to a battle with heroin addiction just after his 23rd birthday.

This painful loss of a child led Kari to launch Companion’s Companion, a not-for-profit organization that provides support and assistance through education, coordination of resources, support, and advocacy to the companions of people suffering from addiction. Sadly, organizations like Kari’s are needed now more than ever.

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

$15 minimum wage bill arrives at governor’s desk

June 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/economy/minimum-wage-bill-arrives-at-governor-s-desk/article_d4c1a486-5ab4-11e7-911e-c320057b66e3.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL-  (Cole Laterback, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt.)

Gov. Bruce Rauner has received a bill that would set a $15 minimum wage in Illinois, tying the Prairie State for the highest rate in the nation.

Just days before Cook County’s minimum wage hike to $10 an hour is set to take place, Democrats in the General Assembly set legislation on Rauner’s desk that would raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. According to the department of Labor, $15 an hour in 2022 would tie California and New York for the highest minimum wages in the nation.

David Borris, the owner of Hel’s Kitchen Catering in suburban Northbrook, says low minimum wages end up hurting taxpayers in the long run because workers rely on government subsidies rather than solely on their paychecks.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

World Changers work to change Huntington for the better

June 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://marshallparthenon.com/14049/news/world-changers-work-to-change-huntington-for-the-better/

Mitchell Kerley, working on the wheelchair ramp and the Barnes’ residence. Kerley was with the Thompsonville First Baptist youth group, and was a valedictorian of the Class of 2017 at Frankfort Community High School.  

HUNNINGTON, WV (Marshall University Parthenon.  Please click to read the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The sounds of construction and home repair could be heard throughout Huntington last week while members of the Christian organization World Changers volunteered at 14 different worksites throughout the city.

The crews worked on several different projects at homes throughout Huntington such as building wheelchair ramps, painting, building decks, replacing roofing and other home improvement needs.

The volunteers, who took up lodging in Huntington High School at night, consisted of 139 students and adults from 10 different churches from Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee.

One of the Huntington homes that World Changers worked on during the week belonged to Isabell Barnes, whose mother is in a wheelchair. Barnes said that she has been trying to have a wheelchair ramp built at her house for years and that World Changers is an answered prayer.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Slider, Thompsonville News, West Frankfort News

Regional Superintendent Donkin Distributes 63rd sales tax check for Franklin County Schools

June 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the office Regional Office Of Education #21 Superintendent, Matt Donkin

Dependability is a trait all of us would welcome in Illinois government. In 2008, educational leaders in Williamson County who were fac ing growing needs in their school fac ilities noticed a new law that would allow voters to approve a sales tax dedicated to meeting those needs. Seeing this opportunity for a dependable revenue stream, they went to work educating the public and invited the new Regional Superintendent of Schools, Matt Donkin, to join them and demonstrate how the flow of money would be a transparent and dependable process that could be trusted. After voters in Williamson County approved their measure and others could see the success of the effort, voters in Franklin County approved a similar resolution in 20 II . Students, the construction workers, and the local businesses that serve those groups have benefited from the sales tax as our students have been able to see changes in fac ilities to keep up with wealthier areas in other parts of the state.

As Donkin leaves Regional Office of Education #21, he has received and is distributing the I 05’h payment for the Williamson County school fac ility sales tax and its 63,d payment for Franklin County. The office received the June payment from the state on Monday, June 12, 201 7, of$592,993.34 for Williamson County and $200,169,89 for Franklin County. It will distribute those funds to the school districts with territory in those counties today, Monday, June 26, 201 7

In total, since July 2008, schools with territory in Williamson County have received a total of $57,616,455.26. Since April 201 2, schools with Franklin County territory have received a total of $12,226,043.77. School districts may use these funds on building construction and maintenance items and not on teacher salaries or operating funds.

As state law directs ROEs to distribute these funds and allows them to hold the funds in their accounts for up to 30 days and collect interest, the ROE has accumulated approximately $24,838.88 in interest from the Williamson County Sales Tax distribution since July 2009 and approximately $3,094.50 since April 201 2 from the Franklin County Sales Tax distribution for a total of $27,933.38. Most local school districts have agreements in place with the ROE so it may keep interest earned and utilize the funds to provide services to the school districts. The ROE has spent $25,466.81 from that amount to building inspections and other health and life safety services to the school districts in the ROE.”

“As I authorize the last distribution payment of my tenure, I am proud that we have been seen as dependable in a state that needs more of that and hope that the public respected the transparency that we promised and showed with their money,” said Donkin. “A lot have benefited, but our students benefited the most and we are grateful for all that help to give them the chance to compete with others and succeed during their lives'”

Questions regarding the distribution of the sales tax and the process can be answered by the Regional Superintendent. For more information on each school district’s plans, you should contact the local superintendent.

June 2017 Received for June 26, 2017

Distribution from the  School Facility Sales Tax with Fall 2016 Enrollment Numbers

School District Fall 2016 Housing Report June 2017 for

June 26, 2017 Distribution
Fr co Enrolled Percentage
Akin CCSD 91 81 1.34% $2,685.73
Benton CCSD 47 1,103 18.27% $36,572.37
Benton CHSD 103 577 9.56% $19,131.69
Christopher CUSD 99 796 13.19% $26,393.11
Ewing-Northern CCSD 1 1 5 195 3.23% $6,465.65
Frankfort CUSD 168 1,719 28.47% $56,997.19
Sesser-Valier CUSD 196 654 10.83% $21,684.80
Thompsonville CUSD 1 74 307 5.09% $10,179.25
Zeigler-Royalton CUSD 188 575 9.52% $19,065.38

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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