Legislation To Change Gender On Birth Certificate Passes House

May 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/legislation-change-gender-birth-certificate-passes-house#stream/0

SPRINGFIELD, IL – (Brian Mackey – WCBU Radio, Peoria.  Click on the link above to read the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Native Illinoisans would have an easier time changing the gender on their birth certificates, under legislation approved today in the Illinois House.  Under current law, only people who’ve had gender reassignment surgery can ask to change their birth certificates.

Several Republicans disagreed, saying the legislation would make it too easy to change one’s legal gender.  The measure passed narrowly… on a vote of 63 to 43.   It now goes to the Illinois Senate.

NOTE:  Area State Represenatives, Dave Severin (R -Benton), Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City) all voted against the measure.

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

IUOE wants passage of additional 15 cent gas tax in Illinois

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35528946/labor-union-lobbies-for-15-cent-per-gallon-tax-on-gas

WSIL image

(Brandon Merano, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

An Illinois labor union is pushing Senate President John Cullerton to introduce a 15 cent per gallon tax on gas.

That didn’t sit well with Carterville resident Tom Davis.

“You get taxed when you make your money, you get taxed when you spend your money and then you’ve got property taxes,” explained Davis.

Local 150 of the International Union of operating engineers is also pushing for a special tax assessment of electric vehicles because they don’t use any gas when driving on the roadways.

 

 

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

Severin Passes Senate Bill 730 through the House

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Springfield…. Today Representative David Severin (R-Benton) unanimously passed Senate Bill 730 through the Illinois House of Representatives, which extends the Petroleum Education and Marketing Act (PEMA). The Act was planned to expire on January 1, 2018 but will now be extended another 10 years to January 1, 2028.

“IPRB has done a great job of promoting the industry within Illinois,” Severin said. “Some of its other work includes the cleanup of abandoned tank battery sites around the state and developing new processes for remediating historic produced water spills. This extension should enable the IPRB to be of even better service to the public.”

The Act is governed by the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board (IPRB) who works closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The board’s purpose is mainly educational, working to inform the general public of the importance of the industry

Senate Bill 730 now heads to the Governor’s office and waits to be signed. Click here for the bill.

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

Lake wind advisory for today/enhanced risk for severe weather tomorrow

May 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

Before we talk about tomorrow, we are going to take care of the business for today.  The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. this morning until 6 p.m. tonight. Below is the text from the national weather service in Paducah KY:

…LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CDT THIS EVENING…

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Lake Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 6 PM CDT this evening. *

TIMING…From late morning through the afternoon. *

WINDS…South winds will be sustained from 15 to 20 mph with gusts 20 to 30 mph. *

IMPACTS…Winds are expected to be strong enough to cause problems for boaters on area lakes. Small boats will be the most significantly impacted. Boaters on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Rend Lake will be significantly impacted due to their extensive south fetches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Lake Wind Advisory indicates that winds will cause rough chop on area lakes. Small boats will be especially prone to capsizing.

Spending several holiday weekends on Rend Lake, boat traffic will increase today with the upcoming holiday weekend.  The lake is usually choppy with the additional boats on the water.

With south winds gusting up to 30 mph, make sure your craft could handle the choppy waters.  Caution needs to be taken crossing the main body, especially south of route 154.

Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, and White counties are on the southern edge of a marginal risk (level one of five) for severe weather today. There is a very slight chance of large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds.  The storm prediction center has the tornado threat near zero today.

There is only a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms today and tonight, but for any that pop up they could turn severe pretty quick.  I would not alter any outdoor plans for today, I would just keep my eye to the sky.

We are still under an enhanced (level three of five) risk of severe weather for tomorrow.  The main threat will be in the late evening hours.  The atmosphere will be juiced tomorrow, with it hot, humid, and highs in the mid 80’s.

As you can see in the graphic above, straight line winds is the main threat.  The tornado threat is still minimal.  The risk for tornadic activity tomorrow would be a pop up storm in front of the main system.  A storm could go severe in a hurry and an outside chance a supercell could form.

Several are following a Facebook page, that has Franklin and surrounding counties in the bulls-eye for violent tornadoes.  If this was the case, the SPC would place us under at least a moderate or  a high risk of severe weather.  This system is to be very concerned about, but not to panic about.

I will be monitoring the situation tomorrow.  I now have NWS-chat access.  I will be able to see what the meteorologists in all three of the TV news outlets are saying, as well as local emergency management officials.  I count it an honor to be entrusted with this, and will be able to provide better severe weather coverage.

Below is the hazardous weather outlook issued by the NWS in Paudcah.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight A few thunderstorms will spread eastward into southeast Missouri early this morning. They should dissipate by 10 AM before reaching the Mississippi River. Lightning will be the primary concern. Small chances of thunderstorms are forecast tonight, mainly along the Interstate 64 corridor of southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. A few severe storms with large hail and damaging winds will be possible if storms can develop.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday Thunderstorms are forecast throughout the region Saturday through Sunday evening. Any storms that develop through this period may become severe, but the greatest threats will be late Saturday into Saturday night, and possibly again along the cold front Sunday afternoon and evening.

The latest guidance suggests that one or more thunderstorm complexes may move through the region with primarily a damaging wind threat. Any individual storms would pose a threat of very large hail to go along with damaging winds and possibly a few tornadoes.

In addition, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding where multiple storms train over the same locations. Small chances of afternoon and evening thunderstorms are forecast for all or a portion of the region Tuesday and Wednesday. Better chances of thunderstorms are forecast throughout the area Thursday and Thursday night. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be the primary concerns.

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2017 DU QUOIN STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND LINEUP ANNOUNCED

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Tickets Go On Sale Thursday, June 1

DU QUOIN, IL – Eight dynamic performances plus two FREE concerts are planned for the 2017 Du Quoin State Fair.  State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon announced today that tickets for the

Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand concert series will go on sale Thursday, June 1 via Ticketmaster.com and the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.

For the first time, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a FREE concert in the Grandstand on the opening night (August 25th)of the fair.  Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael, all members of the ’85 Chicago Bears defensive line, have moved from the gridiron to the Grandstand.  The Super Bowl champions have formed a band called The Chicago 6.   Fairgoers can expect to hear everything from ZZ Top to Smokey Robinson and John Mellencamp.

Chris Janson will take the stage on Sunday, August 27th along with High Valley. Janson grew up just across the Illinois state line in Perryville, MO, but moved to Nashville right out of high school to purse his dreams of being in the music industry. Known for his talents on the harmonica and high energy shows fans can expect a great show with performances of hit singles like “Fix a Drink,” “Holdin’ Her” and “Buy Me A Boat.”

Monday, August 28th will feature The Gin Blossoms. The Arizona natives came together in the late 1980’s and got their big break by performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival. After that their career took off with hits like, “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It from You.” They took a brief hiatus, but have come back in full force with “Miss Disarray” being one of their most requested songs.

Granger Smith has exploded on to the music scene recently with a little help from his friend Earl Dibbles Jr., an alter ego he created to make videos and help promote his music. His hits “If the Boot Fits” and “Backroad Song” are sure to be included in Granger’s set list on Tuesday, August 29th.

Dueling Pianos International will be taking the stage on Wednesday, August 30th. This is sure to be a fun filled night as world class dueling piano players entertain fairgoers with a dynamic performance. The show is known for being fun, comedic, and interactive for a show all ages will love.  This Grandstand performance is included with the cost of admission with General Admission seating the night of the show.

On Thursday, August 31st, the Roots & Boots Tour will be coming to the Du Quoin State Fair. This tour features Sammy Kershaw along with Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye. Kershaw found success in the 90s with songs like, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.” Fans will find that familiar sound with his newest album Better than I Used to Be.

Grammy Award winners, Switchfoot, will perform on the Grandstand stage on Friday, September 1st. Formed in California as a garage band, Switchfoot has come a long way with hits like, “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” They also founded their own charity event, THE SWITCHFOOT BRO-AM that helps at risk youth in San Diego. Also performing that evening will be Lifehouse.  The rock band has sold more than 15 million records worldwide and has played sold out shows around the globe for the last decade.  The group is best known for songs such as, “Hanging by a Moment,” “Whatever it Takes,” and “Halfway Gone.”

The Cadillac Three burst on to the music scene with hits like “The South” and “White Lightning,” but lead singer/guitarist Jaren Johnston has written hits for some of today’s biggest mainstream country artists. Hailed for their authenticity and southern rock vibe, they always put on a powerful show. Logan Mize and Chris Cavanaugh will join The Cadillac Three on Saturday, September 2nd.

Ticket prices for each of the Grandstand shows are listed below.

Friday, August 25: Chicago 6

Free Concert – General Admission

Saturday, August 26: TBA

Sunday, August 27: Chris Janson / High Valley

Tier 1 – $25 / Tier 2 – $22 / Tier 3 – $19

Monday, August 28: The Gin Blossoms

Tier 1 – $15 / Tier 2 – $12 / Tier 3 – $9

Tuesday, August 29:  Granger Smith / TBA

Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Wednesday, August 30:  Dueling Pianos International

Free Concert – General Admission

Thursday, August 31:  Roots & Boots Tour with Sammy Kershaw / Aaron Tippin / Collin Raye

Tier 1 – $20 / Tier 2 – $17 / Tier 3 – $14

Friday, September 1:  Switchfoot / Lifehouse 

Tier 1 – $33 / Tier 2 – $30 / Tier 3 – $27

Saturday, September 2: The Cadillac 3 / Logan Mize / Chris Cavanaugh
Tier 1 – $16 / Tier 2 – $13 / Tier 3 – $10

 

Sunday, September 3:  USAC Racing Series
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

 

Monday, September 4:  ARCA Racing Series:  General Tire Grabber 100
Adults – $25 / Child – $10

This year, the Du Quoin State Fair will offer a dynamic deal that allows fairgoers to create their own Grandstand concert experience.  The Score with More ticket package allows fairgoers to customize their visit to the Du Quoin State Fair by selecting three or more concerts to attend plus receive free gate admission for each concert.  Fairgoers cannot duplicate concert selections when personalizing their package. The price for the Score with More package will be dependent upon each fairgoer’s concert selection.  This exclusive offer sets aside a limited number of tickets for each concert.   Special Note:  All ticket packages must be purchased by phone (618-542-1335) or in person on the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.   This offer is not available via Ticketmaster.

On June 1, tickets for two of the fair’s most popular events will also go on sale:  Truck & Tractor Pulls and Demolition Derby.  These tickets will be available for purchase via Ticketmaster.com and at the Du Quoin State Fair Box Office.   Dates, times and ticket prices are as follows:

Monday, August 28:  Truck & Tractor Pull

7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Tuesday, August 29:  Truck & Tractor Pull

7:00pm at Half Mile Track
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

Saturday, September 2:  Demolition Derby

7:00pm at SI Center
Adults (13+) – $10 / Kids (3-12) – $5 / Under 3 – FREE

In addition, the Du Quoin State Fair is accepting applications for those looking to camp on the fairgrounds during not only the Du Quoin State Fair, but also this summer’s Solar Eclipse.   The eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21st – just four days before the state of the Du Quoin State Fair!  Southern Illinois is a top viewing destination for this rare astronomical event. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds offers over 1,000 camping spaces with water and electric hookups, multiple bath houses, unlimited primitive camping, and access to fishing and hiking.   Advance reservations are required, and applications can be found online at www.duquoinstatefair.net.

More details regarding ticket sales, special events, and additional grandstand acts will be released in the coming weeks and months.  Make plans today to visit the wonderful southern Illinois tradition.  We’ll see you at the Du Quoin State Fair August 25 – September 4.

 

 

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

Goble leaves the helm at Benton Grade School District 47

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170523/goble-leaves-the-helm-at-benton-grade-school-district-47

From the District #47 website.

BENTON, IL – (Holly Kee – Benton Evening News – Please click link to read the full story above.  Here is an excerpt below.)

For the past six years, Jay Goble has led the Benton Grade School District 47, bringing it safely through the state’s financial crisis while upgrading both curriculum and facilities.

In just over 30 days, Goble will leave the district and school he’s called home to take the reigns at the North Mac School District.

“I’m a change agent,” Goble said in an interview on Monday. “I like to evaluate and organization and find areas to improve.”

Goble said the Board of Education is currently seeking candidates and hopes to hire a replacement by the end of June.

His last day on the job in Benton is June 30. He will begin his new duties at North Mac July 1.

 

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

Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) risk of severe weather for Saturday

May 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

I haven’t had to do an update in a while.  I hope you have enjoyed this stretch of beautiful weather we have had.  We will have two perfect days weather-wise coming up with highs mid 70’s today and in the lower 80’s tomorrow.

Saturday we are under an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather.  I have been keeping my eye out on this system since yesterday.  I was expecting to be under a slight risk today.  With the Storm Prediction Center issuing an enhanced three days out, their confidence is pretty high.

As you can see in the graphic, large hail and damaging winds are the main threat.  The tornado threat is low.  That will be determined if the wind shear factor increases.  There will be a lot of instability.  In the graphic to the left, Dr. Greg Forbes of the Weather Channel, has his TORCON rating as a three for Southern Illinois on Saturday.  That means there is a 30% of going under a tornado warning in a 50 mile radius of a given point.

As far as timing, the threat could come in the afternoon until the overnight hours, into Sunday morning.  I would not alter my plans for Saturday afternoon yet, as there is a chance we could get nothing.

In my opinion, and keep in mind I only had six credit hours of meteorology in college, for Saturday afternoon I see more pop up thunderstorms ahead of the main system.  With the instability, the atmosphere will be juiced, with it being sunny, humid and highs in the mid 80’s.  There is a very small chance that one of these storms could become a super cell.

If you are out on the water, or out camping, I would become particularly aware from about noon Saturday into the overnight hours on Sunday.  I would keep a NOAA weather Radio with me.  I would begin to take action if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning was issued for a bordering county.

I will be home on Saturday monitoring the radar.  I will give updates on the Facebook page when storms are a couple hours away that would be a threat to Franklin County or the rest of Southern Illinois.

Below are some safety tips of being outdoors and severe weather strikes.

 

 

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

West Frankfort mayor looks at pitfalls of workers’ comp

May 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35501360/west-frankfort-mayor-looks-at-pitfalls-of-workers-comp

WSIL image

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Roni Leforge, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt.)

The Illinois Senate could take a vote on some lingering problems related to workers’ compensation in the so-called “grand bargain” budget.

Illinois already has high workers’ compensation claims, prompting Governor Bruce Rauner to push for a change to how claims get evaluated and paid to lower costs on businesses and attract more jobs to the state.

The plan has support from several political leaders like West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan, who calls workers’ comp reform a must. Jordan says the city sees workers’ comp claims frequently, and each year the city puts aside $500,000 for those claims.

But rising health care costs and insurance premiums, could wipe that money out, quickly.

“This year, we have paid $310,377 in workers’ compensation claims,” said Mayor Jordan.

That’s only five months into the year, and why he wants to see costs go down.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, West Frankfort News

Local political analyst talks gerrymandering in Illinois

May 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35500285/local-political-analyst-talks-gerrymandering-in-illinois

CARBONDALE, IL (Brandon Merano, WSIL-TV  Please click on the link above for the full story and accompanying video.  Here is an excerpt.)

The United States Supreme Court struck a blow this week against so-called gerrymandered districts, saying politicians in a North Carolina case “relied too heavily on race, in their creation.”

Politicians redraw those districts with each new census, typically to favor the party in power, and it’s had a big effect on Illinois politics.

In redistricting, politicians redraw voting districts in their state.

That’s where political analyst Jak Tichenor says, redistricting often turns into “gerrymandering.”

“The legislature draws the map, so that means, generally speaking, the party that’s in power draws the map to their political advantage,” explained Tichenor.

According to a study by The Economist, Illinois has the most gerrymandered districts in the country.

 

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

Senate Dems approve $5.4B tax increase; budget fight continues

May 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170523/senate-dems-approve-54b-tax-increase-budget-fight-continues

SPRINGFIELD, IL – (Doug Finke, Springfield Journal-Register. Please click on the link above to read the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.

Opting to stop waiting for Republican support, Illinois Senate Democrats Tuesday moved ahead with a tax-hike-and-spending plan aimed at finally trying to end a stalemate that has left the state without a permanent budget for nearly two years.

The Democrats’ plan calls for about $5.4 billion in higher taxes, including raising the personal income tax rate from the current 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent. The package also includes extending the state sales tax to a number of services not now taxed, although the final list was reduced from previous versions of the bill.

All of the bills passed with no Republican support.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News