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15 months of talks; deal reached with state employees union

15 months of talks; deal reached with state employees union

 

Governor Pat Quinn today is praising Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 members’ final ratification of a new union contract covering approximately 35,000 state employees. Negotiations took more than 15 months and the agreement received final ratification by AFSCME members in a vote that concluded yesterday. 

Kids: Have a great rural photo from southern IL? Enter state contest

Kids:  Have a great rural photo from southern IL?  Enter state contest

 

–“If you’re a young photographer looking to make your mark in the state of Illinois, then get your cameras ready for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest,” said Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford.  

Inspection could slow traffic on Wabash Bridge

Inspection could slow traffic on Wabash Bridge

 

The Indiana Department of Transportation reports there will be temporary lane restrictions on the State Road 62 Wabash Memorial Toll Bridge on Thursday.

On Thursday, May 16, bridge inspection teams will finish their bi-annual inspection of the structure. This work is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time.  Crews will use Friday, May 17, should weather be a factor. 

Online research tool helps find books appropriate for students' level

Online research tool helps find books appropriate for students' level

 

Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White and State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch today encouraged all students across Illinois to access a free online tool designed to promote summer reading and keep students” brains active before school resumes in the fall. State leaders agree that summer vacation should not signal a break from learning for Illinois” 2 million students.

“By reading during summer months, students can build a strong bridge from one school year to the next,” Governor Quinn said. “This free online tool is a great way for children to spend time with their parents while sharpening reading skills and preparing for the year ahead.”

Illinois Lt. Gov. announces support for medical marijuana bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)- Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced her support Monday for House Bill 1, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) awaits a final vote in the Senate.

 Simon, a former Jackson County prosecutor, noted that HB1 would establish the most restrictive medical marijuana program in the nation and takes best practices from the 18 other states that have enacted similar legislation in recent years.

Buckle up: State police will be watching

Buckle up:  State police will be watching

 

Through the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Illinois State Police troopers will be participating in the   “Click It or Ticket” Campaign.  This will be accomplished through the use of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (O.R.E.P.) and Seatbelt Enforcement Zones (S.B.E.Z.) throughout the District 19 counties. 

In addition, District 19 Troopers will be conducting s.T.E.P. (special Traffic Enforcement Patrols) patrols, which involve a combination of increased enforcement and public information designed to raise the awareness and compliance of all traffic laws.  Finally, Troopers will be aggressively enforcing the “Fatal Four” traffic violations most associated with fatal traffic crashes:  Speeding, DUI, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving.       

Former southern IL mayor enters guilty plea on fraud, obstruction charges

Former southern IL mayor enters guilty plea on fraud, obstruction charges

 

Former Bridgeport, Illinois mayor Max Schauf has entered a guilty plea to charges of federal mail fraud and obstruction of justice.

Schauf, 56, was indicted last November by a federal grand jury.  The indictment charged Schauf with three counts of Mail Fraud and one count of Obstruction Of Justice. Each of the charges carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.