http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36614687/dozens-of-veterans-guardians-headed-for-washington-dc
MARION, IL – (Kevin Hunsperger, WSIL-TV. Please click on the link above for stories throughout the day regarding the flight.)
Dozens of veterans, guardians headed for Washington, DC
October 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Bryant E News October 14 2017
October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Dear Friend,
This week was another busy one in the 115th district. Throughout my travels, I have been glad to hear from so many of you as you express your concerns and opinions on the workings of State government. The number one issue I am currently hearing about is the recent signing of HB 40, which makes taxpayer funded abortion the law of the land in Illinois. As you know, I am adamantly pro-life, and I completely oppose the use of taxpayer funds to pay for abortion services. Please read below to learn about steps the House Republicans are taking to repeal key provisions of the recently signed law. I have news on that issue and more in this week’s E News. Thank you for reading!
Sponsoring a Bill to Repeal Taxpayer Funded Abortions
This week I signed on as a chief co-sponsor of HB 4114. The bill would repeal taxpayer funding for abortion procedures in Illinois.
I am proud to stand behind HB 4114 as a chief co-sponsor in the House. The use of taxpayer funds to assist in partial birth abortions, or abortion procedures of any kind at any time of pregnancy for any reason is abhorrent. I’ve heard from hundreds of my constituents that have reached out to me to express their utter disgust at the signing of HB 40 and the use of taxpayer funds for procedures that many folks, including myself, find immoral and reprehensible.
The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” is based on the model of the federal Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funding for abortions other than in cases of rape or incest, or that threaten the life of the mother. Abortions under these circumstances constitute roughly 1% of all abortions. Federal law already requires states to provide Medicaid abortions under these three conditions, and the proposed Act recognizes those federal provisions.
When we return to Springfield, I will be urging my colleagues in the majority party to allow HB 4114 to be voted on. I will keep you updated on this issue as Veto Session approaches.
PFC Tyler Iubelt Memorial Highway Ceremony
On Wednesday, I was extremely humbled and proud to have the opportunity to address residents of Tamaroa, greater Perry County, and students from St. Ann’s Catholic School in Nashville and Tamaroa Grade School, as well as the family of fallen hero PFC Tyler Iubelt today at a very special ceremony.
I joined Senator Paul Schimpf and Representative Jerry Costello in presenting a Resolution renaming a section of Rte. 51 as the PFC Tyler Iubelt Memorial Highway. PFC Iubelt gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country in Afghanistan in November of 2016.
Thank you to everyone that came out to honor this brave hero and his family. May he rest in peace. God bless our service men and women and their families. Thank you all for your service to our country.
DuQuoin Community Service Program
I joined DuQuoin High School Seniors as they prepared to spend the day picking up trash all over DuQuoin. The students are required to complete 15 hours of service in their community in order to graduate.
This is a great program and I want to applaud the school and the students for the pride they are taking in the DuQuoin community.
Stay Connected!
My office in Mt. Vernon is open Monday through Friday and my office in Murphysboro is open Monday through Thursday, each from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also contact me directly through the Contact Form on my website at www.repbryant.com – Your opinions on important topics facing the State of Illinois are invaluable to me. Keep them coming!
Justice Department gives Chicago final sanctuary warning
October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
CHICAGO, IL – (Benjamin Yount, Illinois News Network. Please click on the link above for the full story. Here is an excerpt below)
President Trump’s Administration is giving Chicago one final warning before it may yank millions of dollars in federal policing grants.
Chicago has until October 27 to prove to the Justice Department that the city’s sanctuary policies, such as not asking about immigration status and not holding people in jail for federal immigration officers, isn’t hurting the law enforcement effort in the city.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at a press conference that he’s not afraid of the letter.
“I totally, 100% reject the false choice of Donald Trump and the Justice Department,” the mayor said at a press conference Thursday. “We are not going to be a city that picks between the philosophy of community police and being a welcoming city.”
Auditor’s report recommends changes in Zeigler government
October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36595464/auditors-report-recommends-changes-in-zeigler-government
ZEIGLER, IL- (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV. Please click on the link above for the full story and video. Here is an excerpt below.)
A new auditor’s report on City of Zeigler finances shows former Treasurer Ryan Thorpe started writing himself city checks soon after he was hired in January 2013.
Thorpe is accused of stealing more than $315,000 from the city over the past four years, writing checks to himself, and then altering city records to show approved vendor names instead.
The report also said shake ups in city government are needed immediately, due to “significant deficiencies in internal control.”
It said due to his close ties with Thorpe and his alleged threatening behavior toward city employees, finance commissioner Jim Flood needs to be reassigned to a different commissioner spot.
Sunny with fall like temperatures all week
October 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Today
Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Patchy frost before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 44. Light south wind.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 71. Light south wind becoming south southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 75. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 6 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 6 to 8 mph.
Sunday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Illinois coal producers are praising the Trump administration’s planned rollback of the Clean Power Plan
October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
(Scott Bertam, Illinois News Network. Please click on the link above for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
Illinois coal producers are breathing a sigh of relief following the announcement of the Trump administration’s planned rollback of the Clean Power Plan.
The Obama-era rules were an effort to limit carbon emissions from coal-fired plants. Legal challenges have prevented the regulations from ever actually taking effect.
“The Clean Power Plan going away means that power plants that could not comply with the air emissions limits are going to be kept online,” said Phil Gonet, president of the Illinois Coal Association. “We’ll be able to provide them with coal to provide reliable energy.”
Mating Time is Here, Don’t Veer for Deer
October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
IDOT, IDNR remind motorists to drive cautiously during fall breeding season
SPRINGFIELD – Autumn brings shorter days, cooler temperatures and a new set of driving habits for Illinois motorists. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources warn drivers to be vigilant during mating season as deer will be more active and visible throughout the state. The risk for deer vs. vehicle crashes greatly increases in October, November and December, especially at dusk and dawn.
“Deer can dart in front of a vehicle in the blink of an eye,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “It’s instinctual to swerve out of the way, but in doing so, drivers could lose control of the vehicle and cause a more severe crash. If you’re attentive and watchful for deer encounters, these safety tips could make all the difference.”
Motorists are urged to follow these safe driving tips during mating season:
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in the eyes.
• Slow down if you see deer. They travel in groups, so more are likely in the area.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer can stop in the middle of the road or double back.
• If a collision is inevitable, try to glance the vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic.
Approximately 40 to 45 (actually 41%) percent of crashes in Illinois involving deer in 2016 occurred in October, November, and December – with November being the highest-risk month. 75 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involving deer happened in rural environments, with over 70 (actually 72%) percent of all crashes taking place at twilight or nighttime.
In 2016, there were 14,759 motor vehicle crashes involving deer in Illinois, over one thousand crashes less than the 2015 total. There were 14,248 crashes that resulted in damage to property or vehicles only, down from the 15,431 in 2015. Personal injuries tallied 581 in 2016 versus 628 in 2015 and 569 in 2014. The number of fatalities dropped, from eight in 2015 to five in 2016.
The top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2016:
1. Cook 439 7. Williamson 287
2. Madison 415 8. Rock Island 278
3. Will 389 9. Bureau 277
4. Sangamon 344 Pike 277
5. Fulton 328 Lake 277
6. Peoria 311 10. Jackson 273
“Deer-vehicle accidents can occur any time of year, but deer are especially active in the fall during their mating season,” said Wayne Rosenthal, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “Motorists should be on the alert for deer near roadways during early morning and evening hours, especially near wooded areas, field edges and waterways.”
If you do hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident so the appropriate law enforcement can assist. Do not get out of the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road. You can visit the IDNR website for information on how to claim a deer that has been involved in a crash.
From the Illinois Department of Transportation
FOWLER WEEK IN REVIEW OCTOBER 9-13
October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
HARRISBURG, IL- As the fall begins in earnest, Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) continues to stay busy around the district.
This week, Fowler met with constituents, served as “Principal for a Day,” learned a little about some of the products manufactured in the 59th district and made various other stops around southern Illinois.
Fowler was welcomed to the Brookport City Council in Massac County on Wednesday where he met with council members and learned more about their plans for improving their city.
Students, administration and staff welcomed Senator Fowler to Lincoln K-5 Elementary School in Marion on Wednesday as “Principal for a Day.” While at the school, Fowler visited 24 classrooms and had a chance to chat with students over lunch. He also met with teachers, staff, and the school’s administrators.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is just around the corner, and Fowler is offering constituents several opportunities to show veterans that their sacrifices are remembered. Students in 6, 7, and 8th grades are encouraged to participate in Senator Fowler’s Veterans Day Essay contest, while all constituents are asked to submit a tribute and photo of their friends and family who have served our country to be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 1 through Nov. 13. More information about both opportunities is available at Senator Fowler’s website senatorfowler.com
Future of Recycling Program in Doubt Due to Public Abuse
October 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
William McPherson -Benton Gazette Photo
BENTON, IL – (William McPherson, Benton Gazette. Please Click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt below)
Benton city officials and employees have expressed frustration with public misuse of the new recycle bins located on Grand Street. They say barring a halt to the abuse, the city might be left with no choice but to discontinue the recycling program.
At a recent City Council meeting back in August, the Benton council approved to go with Republic Services for a new recycling program which it was said would save the city thousands per year compared to their former contract while offering improved recycling services for Benton residents. For one, recyclables no longer needed to be separated, with the one provision residents would have to adjust to being that glass would no longer be allowed in the bins.
However, since the beginning of the new program, according to Benton Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller there has been rampant misuse and abuse. Pictures sent to the Gazette by Benton Public Information coordinator Rachel Gartner showed heaps of trash of all kinds, including household furniture stuffing the bins, which are intended solely for recycling usage.
City Approves Mach1 for Liquor License, Discusses Expanding Number of Pour Licenses for Video Gaming
October 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (William McPherson, West Frankfort Gazette. Please click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
Randy Mires of Mach1 was approved for a Class A pour license at a recent West Frankfort City Council meeting.
The planned Mach1 development was contingent on getting this approval Jordan said, because they need the liquor license in order to set up video gaming. This is why, Jordan said, the pour license was being approved so early before any construction was set to begin.
Mayor Tom Jordan said that Mires has been trying to bring a gas station to West Frankfort for the past three years. The West Frankfort Mach1 will be built on the ground which formerly was the West Frankfort Pizza Hut located near the Outlet Mall and I-57 interstate exit, and will also have a space at the current home of the Special Occasions bridal shop—who will in turn be bringing their business into the Outlet Mall, Jordan said.
