SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed a bill that would have raised the minimum salary for full-time public school teachers to $40,000 within five years.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Benton man arrested for possession of meth
August 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On August 24, 2018 at approximately 8:35 p.m., Benton Police conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of North Main Street.
Upon investigating, police arrested Chad A. Kramer, age 46, of West Frankfort for unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Kramer was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On August 24, 2018 at approximately 11:45 p,m,. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of South Main and East Webster Street.
Upon investigating, police arrested Marilyn S. Crabtree, age 55, of Centralia for driving while license suspended.
Crabtree was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On August 25, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to Franklin Hospital, located at 201 Bailey Lane in reference to a battery complaint.
Upon investigating, police arrested Frank L. Humphrey Jr., age 38, of West City for aggravated battery.
Humphrey was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On August 25, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the area of West Main Street in reference to a reckless driver.
Upon investigating, police arrested Ryan T. Minier, age 41, of Thompsonville for driving under the influence.
Minier was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On August 26th ,2018 Benton Police arrested Joey A. Cesar, age 38, of Benton for theft and resisting a peace officer.
Cesar was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Illinois attorney general to meet church officials on abuse
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
CHICAGO — Illinois’ attorney general is planning to meet with Chicago Archdiocese officials to discuss seven priests with links to the state who were included in a scathing Pennsylvania grand jury report on clergy sex abuse.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
With help from new state grant, Centerstone will expand opioid addiction services in Southern Illinois
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
MARION — Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti met with Centerstone CEO John Markley Friday afternoon in Marion to discuss plans for a new treatment facility that will expand services to Southern Illinoisans with opioid use disorder. Sanguinetti is co-chair of the governor’s Opioid Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
New Illinois laws aim to keep college students in the state
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
CARBONDALE — Earlier this month, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed two bills aimed at improving Illinois’ higher education system.
Here’s a link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.
Gov. Rauner kicks off 2018 Du Quoin State Fair
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
DU QUOIN — Gov. Bruce Rauner cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Du Quoin State Fair today, kicking off the eleven-day celebration of Southern Illinois agriculture and the Illinois Bicentennial.
Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe, State Fair Manager Luke Sailer, Assistant Manager Tibretta Reiman, and the twilight parade grand marshals joined in the launching of the 2018 fair, which runs through September 3.
“The Du Quoin State Fair features the best aspects of Southern Illinois, particularly its agriculture and farm families,” Rauner said. “Southern Illinoisans have played a major role in the history of Illinois, and the fair will highlight their contributions to Illinois agriculture and the state’s economic and cultural life.”
“The state’s farm families are a top priority for me and the rest of the governor’s administration,” said Sanguinetti, who serves as the Chair of the Governor’s Council on Rural Affairs. “I am happy to be back in Southern Illinois for the fair to celebrate agriculture’s importance to the state of Illinois.”
Twilight parade grand marshals Gerald and Betty Brown are the first family to be designated as a Bicentennial Farm by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The family has farmed in Illinois since 1816, and Gerald Brown is the fifth generation of the Brown family to own the same piece of land in Union County.
“We are extremely proud of the generations of Southern Illinoisans like the Browns who have made the Du Quoin State Fair possible year after year,” Poe said. “We’re excited to honor farm families’ commitment to agriculture and the future of Illinois.”
“As a native of Southern Illinois, coming to the Du Quoin State Fair was a family tradition,” Sailer said. “We’re excited to welcome another generation of families to celebrate with us at the 2018 Du Quoin State Fair as we honor everything that’s born, built and grown here in Southern Illinois.”
“I am proud to be the Representative for the city of Du Quoin and the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds,” 115th district State Representative Terri Bryant said. “The Department of Agriculture is always innovating and making the fair new again. This year the grandstand lineup features great entertainment, the parade has been moved inside the fairgrounds for a new twist, and I’m greatly looking forward to taking my grandchildren for a ride on the double ferris wheel. I want to wish everyone a great 10 days at the Du Quoin State Fair!”
“We’re only days away from the state’s Bicentennial, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate this significant event in Illinois’ history as part of the festivities at the Du Quoin State Fair,” said state Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo). “Generations of local residents have fond memories that they have made at the Du Quoin State Fair over the years. Over the next week, I look forward to continuing the long tradition of honoring Illinois agriculture and the contributions our farm families make to our region and our state.”
The Du Quoin State Fair is Southern Illinois’ most popular attraction and has featured many of the nation’s most prominent entertainers since its founding in 1923. New this year is a free admission night on August 24 and the return of the lumberjack show, which features demonstrations and audience participation. Fair events include two days of harness racing, live music, livestock competitions, and more. More information about the state fair can be found here.
Industrial Hemp Act signed into law, Rauner says it will expand farm business potential
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
DU QUOIN — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed the Industrial Hemp Act, Senate Bill 2298, adding Illinois to a growing number of states that permit growth of cannabis cultivated for non-drug uses such as paper- and fabric-making, biodegradable plastics, construction materials and health food.
The governor also signed House Bill 5749 today, easing weight-limit restrictions on state highways during harvest time, improving the competitive outlook for Illinois farmers and agricultural commodities haulers. Both measures will enhance one of the state’s leading industries: farming.
“Legalizing the farming of industrial hemp just makes good sense,” Rauner said. “Roughly 38 states — including our neighbors in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee — have allowed or are considering allowing cultivation of this crop for commercial, research or pilot programs. Our farmers should have this option as well. This new state licensure program begins that process.”
“The Illinois Farm Bureau appreciates Gov. Rauner signing SB 2298 which legalizes the growing of industrial hemp by Illinois farmers,” said Richard Guebert Jr., president, Illinois Farm Bureau. “Illinois Farm Bureau policy, developed by our grassroots members, has long supported the production, processing, and utilization of industrial hemp. Illinois farmers will now have new opportunities to diversify their farms by growing this versatile crop.”
“We are excited that Gov. Rauner is signing into law a bill that will bring a new sustainable agriculture industry and millions of dollars in investment and economic growth to Illinois,” added Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “Industrial hemp will bring new opportunities to Illinois farmers. We are very grateful to the elected officials and advocates that worked so long to pass the right bill for Illinois.”
The Industrial Hemp Act, effective immediately, creates a state licensure program through the Department of Agriculture that enables those who desire to grow the crop to do so. The state Department of Agriculture shall establish rules for THC-level testing of industrial hemp crops.
“Today, hemp products are sold on store shelves throughout Illinois, but our farmers are not able to grow hemp in their fields,” said Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, who chairs the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and attended today’s bill signing at the State Fair in Du Quoin. “Our farmers lead the nation in corn and soybean production. In signing this bill, Gov. Rauner is providing our framers another crop for their fields and another opportunity to compete nationally.”
“Gov. Rauner knows the importance of agriculture to the Illinois economy and I truly appreciate his approval of this legislation,” said Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, chief sponsor of SB 2298 in the House. “The production of industrial hemp has broad support among our farmers and rural families, as they know this will add another potentially significant crop that can be grown in our state. In the early 20th century, Illinois was a national leader in hemp production and I look forward to us returning to that position.”
HB 5749 allows haulers to seek and obtain annual permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation and local authorities to exceed gross axle and gross vehicle weight limits by no more than 10 percent. Permits are to cost $500 with a total combined permit fee of no more than $1,000. State permit fees will go to the State Construction Account Fund.
“Neighboring states allow higher weight limits during harvest time without the requirement of having a harvest emergency declared,” Rauner said. “Illinois has an agriculture workforce that is second to none, and this legislation will help them to more efficiently get their crops to market.”
Agriculture and trucking industry leaders will welcome the change, legislators said.
“This legislation was the direct result of feedback from the agricultural and trucking communities in my district who voiced their growing frustration about the restrictions placed on axle weights. Under current limitations, our in-state businesses were being unnecessarily restricted and unable to compete with our neighboring states,” said Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg. “I’m proud to have been the chief sponsor of this legislation in the Senate, taking significant steps toward ensuring Illinois’ in-state businesses are competitive and consistent with the regulations governing businesses in surrounding states.”
“Local grain elevators will receive more business and farmers won’t have to worry about losing their crops due to the unreasonable hauling limits that were in place before,” said Rep. Phelps Finnie, D-Elizabethtown, chief sponsor of the bill in the House. “This initiative was brought to me by farmers who were facing steep fines just for doing their jobs, and grain elevator operators who were losing business to our neighboring states that were less restrictive. This law will even the playing field so Illinois farmers can do their work to feed America with less government intrusion.”
“Harvest time for farmers is difficult work with long hours, especially when they are hauling their yields to storage sites,” added Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, who co-sponsored the bill. “Allowing the haul weight to increase during harvest season will not only make things easier for our farmers, but it allows Illinois to compete equally with other states that have higher weight limits on their roadways. Agriculture is the backbone and the No. 1 economic driver of Illinois’ economy. This added tool can help our farmers be even more productive, which in turn helps the entire state.”
HB 5749 takes effect in July 2019.
Gov. Rauner leads Route 66 motorcycle ride, Bicentennial Plaza dedication for Constitution Day
August 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner led the Illinois Bicentennial Route 66 motorcycle ride, which made stops in Wilmington, Pontiac, Lexington and Lincoln en route from Shorewood to Springfield — all in celebration of the day 200 years ago when Illinois adopted its state Constitution in Kaskaskia. Later in the day, Rauner dedicated the new Illinois REALTORS Bicentennial Plaza, which is adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion.
“Two hundred years ago on this date, the first Illinois Constitution was adopted, and today we commemorated that legacy with the ride, a barbecue at the Governor’s Mansion and the dedication of the Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Springfield,” Rauner said. “The ride was a great way to appreciate the living history of Illinois along Route 66, and the plaza will serve as an amenity that the public can enjoy for generations to come.”
More than 500 participants started the day at a kick-off rally at Conrad’s Harley-Davidson in Shorewood and continued along the route before concluding in Springfield for a barbecue at the Governor’s Mansion. Stops included a visit to the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, a Route 66 motorcycle license plate presentation at the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, a lunch stop at Kelly’s on 66 in Lexington and a water stop at The Mill Museum in Lincoln.
Following the barbecue, Rauner joined First Lady Diana Rauner, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, Illinois REALTORS President Matt Difanis, Eli’s Cheesecake CEO Marc Schulman, and the University of Illinois Marching Band to dedicate the Bicentennial Plaza. The ceremony featured a flyover by the Illinois National Guard.
“Illinois REALTORS® is proud to work with state and local officials to celebrate the state’s bicentennial,” said Matt Difanis, the association’s president. “Bicentennial Plaza, a REALTOR® Community partnership is a wonderful birthday gift, and we’re excited at how it will complement the historic district which includes the Governor’s Mansion.”
“It’s been a special day of celebrating Illinois’ rich history, her dynamic present and — with everyone’s continued commitment — an exciting next 200 years,” Rauner said. “We continue to work hard to create a solid path for our state’s next chapter.”
ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL
On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.illinois200.com.
Landmark legislation approved to cover hearing aids for children
August 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed landmark health legislation that requires Illinois insurers to cover replacement costs of hearing aids every three years for hearing-impaired children who are 18 or younger.
The governor signed House Bill 4516 late this morning at the Capitol with 10-year-old Hunter Martin and his mother, Ramona Martin, present. Hunter and his brother, Owen, 7, both wear hearing aids. Hunter, who resides in Illiopolis, testified in front of House and Senate committees in 2017 and again this year to advocate for the new law.
“This bipartisan legislation will enhance the quality of life for young Illinoisans who are hearing impaired,” Rauner said. “Because they are growing, children need replacements for their hearing aids more often. The devices are costly. Children who have to go without struggle not only with day-to-day interactions but also are at a disadvantage in their classrooms.
“I know Ramona and Andrew Martin are very proud of this young man, their son Hunter, who so effectively brought this matter to the attention of members of the General Assembly,” the governor added.
Hearing aids can cost about $4,000. The new law requires insurers to provide one hearing instrument for each ear every 36 months for those 18 and younger. The law also provides that repairs are covered when deemed medically necessary and provides ear examinations, selection, fitting and adjustment of ear molds are covered when medically necessary.
“When a child cannot hear properly, a host of problems can arise, including falling behind in school and behavioral challenges,” said State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Hearing aids are medically necessary for children to successfully go to school and grow. We must ensure they are available to all children who need them.”
“This legislation will help families afford to give their children a tool for success,” said Rep. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, the chief sponsor in the House. “Working with Hunter and his family, we accomplished this goal. Hunter knows first-hand what it is like to be a child with hearing loss. He hopes to help not only himself and his brother, but all children in Illinois by providing access to quality hearing instruments.”
HB 4516 is effective immediately.
Here’s the complete 2018 Du Quoin State Fair grandstand lineup
August 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The Du Quoin State Fair will kick off Aug. 24 and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and through the grandstand box office. For more information, visit duquoinstatefair.net
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan with the complete grandstand lineup.
