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

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

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

Severin Encouraged By Nurses Reaching Agreement with the Administration

May 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) today announced that the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) has reached an agreement with the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) on the issue of subcontracting in correctional facilities. This agreement will ensure that nurses working in correctional facilities will not be laid off.

“When the layoffs were first announced, my Republican colleagues and I immediately asked the administration to reconsider by rescinding the layoffs and returning to the negotiating table,” Severin said. “So I’m pleased that the INA and the Administration were able to come to an agreement that will allow these layoffs to be permanently avoided. I appreciate the administration’s willingness to negotiate and offer reasonable solutions to solve the crisis and the nurse’s reciprocating and negotiating in good faith. The goal all along was for a compromise to be reached to permanently avoid the layoffs. So I’m pleased with the end result and hope that we see this kind of compromise in all areas of state government.

The terms of the agreement will take effect on July 1, 2017.

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

ISP District 13 telecommunicater receives top award

May 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press release from the Illinois State Police

Du Quoin, IL – Karen L. Foster was chosen by the Illinois State Police, for telecommunicator of the year, for 2016.  Ms. Foster received a letter of commendation from District 13 for her efforts in assisting with an officer involved shooting in January 2016.  Ms. Foster is credited with keeping calm, steady, and focused while officers were trying to establish a perimeter and obtain medical attention for the suspect.

Another example of Ms. Foster’s professional demeanor occurred in May 2016.  Ms. Foster was part of the communications staff who handled the radio traffic during a five-day manhunt for a subject who was wanted for an officer involved shooting.  Ms. Foster displayed an extremely positive demeanor while assisting other Telecommunicators and sworn officers, including the FBI, with tracking this subject.

Ms. Foster is a knowledgeable employee and is well versed in her job duties as well as Department policies and procedures.  She possesses the knowledge to handle work of the most complex nature.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, State News

FOWLER WEEK IN REVIEW MAY 15 – 19

May 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A “de-coupled Grand Bargain” was the focus of attention at the State Capitol this week, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

Despite the opposition of Fowler and his Senate Republican colleagues, the legislative majority shoved through their 15th consecutive unbalanced budget. The budget was predicated on $1.2 billion in savings through a potentially unconstitutional “pension reform” plan, which would likely diminish benefits guaranteed under the Illinois Constitution.

The Illinois Senate acted on eight pieces of the original legislative package intended to bring an end to the two-year budgetary impasse. Other components of the package included an expansion of gaming, a short-term property tax freeze, short-term borrowing without a guarantee of paying down the backlog of bills.

Senator Fowler was pleased by the gaming expansion which would call for a gaming license to be issued in unincorporated Williamson County. The gaming license would add economic opportunities in the 59th District, along with the expansion of positions at other already establish casinos and horseracing facilities.

A smaller component of the “Grand Bargain” focusing on procurement reforms passed the Senate will nearly unanimous approval. The revision of the government contracting process will be streamlined and enable universities and agencies to get “more bang for the buck,” enabling the cost of government to be slightly less.

The Senate Republicans were displeased by a bailout for the grossly mismanaged, fiscally strapped Chicago Public School (CPS) system. After many weeks of meaningful negotiations on a school funding reform package, the Senate sponsor of the legislation insisted that a $250 million in special deals be left in for the CPS. Additionally, Southern Illinois taxpayers would be left holding the bill for Chicago’s school pension system.

Senator Fowler hopes that both sides of the negotiating table will continue to work on talks that will settle the budget impasse. It is imperative that a balanced budget with significant reforms is passed by the scheduled adjournment on May 31 or the results could be catastrophic.

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

Rep. Severin Joins Colleagues in Calling on Attorney General Madigan to Force Legislators to Comply with Balanced Budget Requirements

May 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release From State Representative Dave Severin’s office 

SPRINGFIELD, IL Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) signed a letter with 39 of his Republican colleagues requesting that the Attorney General use her power to force the General Assembly to pass a revenue estimate. A revenue estimate establishes how much the government expects to bring in over the next fiscal year. Using this estimate the General Assembly plans how much it can expect to spend for the next fiscal year. The Illinois Constitution requires the General Assembly to agree on an estimate as the basis for determining a budget.

Representative Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) penned the letter, calling for the Attorney General to step in. Rep. Severin says it is about time the AG forced the General Assembly to comply with the Constitution.

“It’s common sense that the state shouldn’t spend what we don’t have,” said Severin. “Yet without a revenue estimate, we do not even know how we can expect to be able to spend for the coming year. The majority party has failed in taking the first step toward achieving a balanced budget, and as a result we would like the Attorney General to step in and force their hand.”

As of Friday, only 12 days remain until the May 31 deadline to pass a budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The past two weeks the House of Representatives have spent less than 6 hours in session

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

‘American Pickers’ is headed to Illinois. They need you to tell them where to go.

May 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article150799882.html

(History Channel image)

BELLEVILLE, IL (Dana Rieck, Belleville News-Democrat.  Please click on the link above to read the full story.  Here is an excerpt below)

History Channel’s documentary series American Pickers will film several episodes in Illinois beginning in June — and they’re asking locals to send in information on large, private collections or accumulations of antiques in the state.

A release from the show stated that the series documents Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz exploring “the fascinating world of antique ‘picking.’”

The two men want to learn the history behind the collections and the people that own them.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, State News
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