CHICAGO – Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation to bring greater transparency to state government finances, limiting the use of intergovernmental agreements to end the longtime practice of paying employees from one office out of other State agencies’ appropriated funds. At the same time, the Governor called for the provisions of the legislation to be applicable to the offices of all Constitutional officers.

“Transparent governing has been a hallmark of this administration and I support efforts to challenge status quo policies and practices, particularly those that are perceived to undermine the public’s confidence in their government,” Rauner said.

“Unlike previous administrations, we have been transparent in reporting headcount and salaries of all Governor’s Office employees,” Rauner said, “and our administration is spending less on total agency-wide payroll than the previous administration.”

 “The same level of transparent accounting ought to apply to all State Constitutional Offices as a necessity for accomplishing their work for taxpayers,” the Governor said urging the General Assembly to extend the truth-in-budgeting principle to the Offices of the Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.”

“The taxpayers of Illinois need to know how their money is being spent,” Rauner said. “The state’s constitutional offices have an obligation to be accountable for their spending and this would be a major step toward achieving that goal.”

House Bill 5121 becomes effective upon becoming law, eliminating the use of IGAs with future appropriations enacted. It is anticipated those appropriations will be made in Fiscal Year 2020.

The Franklin County Farm Bureau Board of Directors were able to award $100 grants to 18 4-H participants this year.  This is the 4^th year that Franklin County has awarded these grants. Criteria include that student fill out the application themselves and answer question about their request. It must be signed by their 4-H Leader and their parents. Once the grant is awarded they must bring in there purchase or a picture of them with their purchase.

We called each of the 18 applicants into the office for a one-on-one interview. Each of them were able to give detailed answers to questions when asked about their project and indicated that they enjoyed the interview process.

This year’s recipients were:  Jacie Minor – Benton, Seth Clark, Grayson Clark, Dennison Clark – Macedonia, Jaxon Payne, Emmerson Payne, Trevor Beaty, Sidney Wilson – Ewing, Anna Kistner, Tony Kistner, Seth Loucks, Wyatt Loucks  – Scheller, Holden Allsop and Keira Alsopp – Whittington, Andrea Douglas and Chelsea Douglas – Mulkeytown, Derek Sample – Sesser and Grace Kemp – Johnston City.

ELMHURST — Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law today a bill to protect prescribing medical authorities from civil or professional liability when a police officer delivers an epinephrine auto-injection during an allergy-related emergency. The bill also clarifies protection already afforded to police officers.

Senate Bill 2226 is intended to expand availability of the life-saving, first-responder program originally implemented in January 2017 under what is more commonly known as Annie LeGere’s Law. Annie LeGere was just 13 when she died in August 2015 after suffering a severe allergic reaction, likely to something she’d eaten, during a sleepover.

Today’s bill signing took place in Elmhurst, where Annie attended Sandburg Middle School.

“The LeGere family’s tireless efforts have made a meaningful difference in the food allergy community and increased public safety across the state of Illinois,” Rauner said. “The LeGeres lost their daughter, Annie, due to an unforeseen and severe allergic reaction. The use of an EpiPen when first responders arrived at the scene may have slowed the reaction sufficiently to save her life.”

While the original law offered liability protection to administering police officers, SB 2226 expands liability protection to also include those providing the standing prescriptions that supply police agencies with the EpiPens. It also clarifies that officers and prescribers are protected against “civil or professional” liability in the event of injury or death arising from use of an epinephrine auto-injector.

CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois University announced former football player Jeff Jones will return as an associate athletic director for internal operations Sunday in a news release.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

7-20-18 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash at Il. Rt. 148 at Park St. Road. A 1999 Ford Econoline driven by Michelle J. Leeper age 50 of Herrin was east bound on Park St. Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the stop sign at the intersection with Rt. 148. The Econoline traveled through the intersection, into the path of a north bound 1997 Ford Ranger, driven by Gaylord E. Eckhoff age78 of Sesser. Gaylord Eckhoff was not injured. Michelle Leeper received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. She was ticketed for disobeying a stop sign.

7-20-18 at 5:00 pm Deputies responded to an incident in rural Thompsonville in which the complainant stated he has been the victim of a theft and also had been struck by a vehicle as the alleged thief fled the scene. The investigation led to the arrest of Dara L. Doan age 39 of West Frankfort. She was charged with aggravated battery, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. The incident is still under investigation and more arrests are possible.

7-21-18 at 5:49 am a Deputy responded to a reported domestic dispute in rural Ewing. The Deputy arrested Joseph J. Chaney age 29 for aggravated domestic battery and was placed in handcuffs in the patrol cars prisoner cage. The Deputy, who was working alone, was attending to the complainant and left Chaney unattended for a short time. During this time, Chaney was able to free himself by apparently “slipping” the handcuffs and escaping the patrol car’s inmate cage by damaging the car’s rear door. A manhunt then began and other Sheriff’s Deputies were summoned, joined by Benton and West City Police Officers. Chaney was eventually located and taken into custody at Lake Benton at approximately 1:00 pm. Both Chaney and a Sheriff’s Deputy were treated for heat exhaustion at a local hospital. Chaney is being held in the Franklin County Jail on charges of aggravated domestic battery, felony escape from a Peace Officer and felony criminal damage to Government supported property. Both the Sheriff’s K-9 and Benton Police’s K-9 were deployed in the manhunt. The Sheriff’s Office gratefully acknowledges the assistance of both the Benton and West City Police, as well as Abbott E.M.S.

7-21-18 at 4:30 pm Deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute at the North Marcum Beach area of Rend Lake. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Jeremy L. Connor age 34 and Michelle A. Connor age 33, both of Christopher and both for domestic battery.

7-21-18 at 10:34 pm Deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the North Sandusky Campground at Rend Lake. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Caleb M.D. Czak age 19 of Mt. Carmel for aggravated battery.

7-22-18 at 5:37 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Rend City Road ¼ mile east of Water Road. A 2001 Oldsmobile Alero was west bound on South Rend City Road behind a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox that was also west bound. The Alero attempted to pass the Equinox as the Equinox was trying to make a left turn, causing a collision. There were no injuries and the driver of the Alero, Breanna L. Slack age 16 of Sesser was ticketed for improper passing and failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-23-18 at 9:38 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash in Orient. A 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Fredrick N. Bowling age 33 of West Frankfort, was south bound on Lincoln Street, lost control, ran off the roadway to the west, over corrected and ran off the roadway to the east, struck a utility pole and then a tree. The driver received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire E.M.S. He was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-23-18 at 3:28 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Yellow Banks Road at Dry Road. A 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Jacqueline Reimer age 51 of Christopher was east bound when a 1985 Honda 3-wheel A.T.V. pulled into the path of the Grand Caravan from Dry Road, attempting to cross Yellow Banks Road and proceed south on Dry Road. The A.T.V. was driven by Matthew D. Gunn age 26 of Christopher. He received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort E.M.S. He was ticketed for failure to yield right of way, operating an uninsured vehicle and improper operation of an A.T.V. on the roadway. A passenger on the A.T.V. Katie N. Gunn age 26 of Christopher received major injuries and was air evacuated out to an out of state hospital. There were no injuries reported to any of the occupants of the Grand Caravan.

7-24-18 at 12:37 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Highway Rt. 149 just east of West Frankfort. A 2007 Hyundai Sonata driven by Shirley F. Mondino age 72 of West Frankfort was stopped on Rt. 149, facing east waiting for traffic to clear intending to make a left turn (north) into a private driveway. A 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Judith E. Prock age 75 of Thompsonville, was also east bound and struck the Sonata in a rear-end type collision. Shirley Mondino received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire E.M.S. Judith Prock also received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort E.M.S. Prock was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-24-18 at 5:56 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Orient. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Rachael E. Pollack age 40 of Orient for domestic battery.

7-24-18 Deputies are investigation the thefts of two vehicles from the same rural Mulkeytown residence. One of the vehicles was subsequently recovered near Desoto in Jackson County. Another vehicle reported stolen from the state of Kansas was also recovered in the general area in rural Mulkeytown. These thefts may be related to a series of vehicle thefts that occurred in Perry County.

7-25-18 at 9:44 pm Deputies responded to a reported disturbance in Freeman Spur. The incident resulted in the arrest of Jesse D. Mcclure age 47 of Freeman Spur for an active warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges and for resisting arrest.

7-25-18 at 6:37 pm Deputies are investing a motor vehicle theft in rural West Frankfort. This theft is believed to be related to an earlier motor vehicle theft that occurred in Benton. A 17 year old male has been arrested in connection with that theft. He is being held in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. More arrest are anticipated. The vehicle stolen from rural West Frankfort has been recovered in rural West Frankfort, wrecked in a ditch.

WARRANT ARRESTS

7-23-18 Kevin R. Lee age 48 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on unlawful violation of an order of protection.

7-24-18 Jeromy V. Boccok age 37 of Marion. Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

7-25-18 Trina L. Greenwood age 49 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-27-18 Michael A. Perkins age 38 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for residential burglary.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you live in the Illinois countryside, don’t be surprised to hear that a developer wants to build a solar farm in your neighbor’s field.

Here’s a link to the story at the Belleville News-Democrat.

REND LAKE FISHING REPORT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Phone (618) 724-2493
Fax (618) 724-4089
e-mail : rendinfo@usace.army.mil
Web site http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend
“Like” us on Facebook at Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center

MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES RATING BAIT OF CHOICE SUGGESTED LOCATIONS REGULATIONS

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Fair Minnows, spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs, soft plastics. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and South Marcum Cove. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit.
1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length.

CRAPPIE

Good Meal worms. Small or medium minnows (8-10 ft. deep).
Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs.
Fish are moving out to the main lake points and can be found at main points south of Hwy 154. Best action is 8-10 feet deep near brush. From shore, fish near structures, hot spots are South Sandusky, North & South Marcum. Brush piles are holding lots of fish. Try main lake drop off areas. 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer

BLUEGILL

Fair Small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets. From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Fish shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Set bait at half of water depth. Fish in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks. 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.

CHANNEL
CATFISH

Good Large minnows, leeches, cut shad, shrimp, dip bait, night crawlers, and Sonny’s stink bait. Hoss’s Hawg Bait. Try leeches in moving water. Drift fish the flats. Set line 3-4’ from the shore over rocks and in shallow bays. Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, and Jackie Branch. 10-1 feet depth. Creeks doing well. 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.
Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.

WHITE BASS
Fair In-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs. Reports of fish being caught around the 154 bridges. Fish around along the rocks and drop-offs. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. 20 fish creel limit.
No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily

Information as of: 07/28/2018
LAKE LEVEL: 406.31 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 406.87 WATER TEMP: 82°F
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS locations are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office or online at www.enjoyrend.com. Contact Mark Cazier for more information at (618) 724-2493.

BENTON, IL – Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake on Saturday, July 28th, as they host Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for a special late night program.

This program, titled “Night Owls”, will give the audience a chance to get up close and personal with live, rehabilitated owls. Presented by Bev Shofstall of the Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, this entertaining program will introduce the audience to these nocturnal birds of prey as they learn their stories, their unique characteristics, and their importance in Illinois ecosystems. Free Again Wildlife is a rehabilitation center focused on conservation and education efforts based out of Carterville, IL. Don’t miss this chance to see and meet these wonderful creatures in this nighttime program.

“Night Owls” will be presented on July 28th, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Rend Lake Visitor Center and Project Office. Programs featuring live animals tend to fill up very quickly, so please plan accordingly as seating is limited. As always, Environmental Science Series programs are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all ages.

The 2018 Environmental Science Series at Rend Lake will continue next week with the “Babaloo Music and Fun Show”. Enjoy this one-man musical comedy act with fun songs to entertain children, adults, and families. This program will take place on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Rend Lake Visitor Center and Project Office.