Dewitt Daily News News

Weekly Weather Update

2013-05-18T14:45:00Z

We finally had a dry week in Central Illinois this week. We have equal chances of above, below and normal chances of rain for the summer months though. We also don't seem to have an increase chance of drought this summer. State Climatologist Ji...

Bill Mitchell Says He Was Angry To Learn That The State Had Diverted A Quarter Of The Money in the Road Fund To Projects

2013-05-18T13:45:00Z

State Representative Bill Mitchell says he was angry to learn that the state had diverted a quarter of the money in the Road Fund to projects other than construction. Tuesday’s report from the Auditor General revealed that over the last ten ye...

SIU Weekly Medical Update

2013-05-18T14:45:00Z

Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year, but people may be reluctant to seek treatment. Depression is a mood disorder that can be treated. About 25 percent of the U.S. population suffers from...

Senator Chapin Rose Proposes School Funding Formula

2013-05-18T14:30:00Z

A report issued in March revealed a wide disparity in how Illinois funds public education between the City of Chicago and downstate and suburban schools. That funding inequity is behind an effort for a wider legislative review of how the state funds ...

Nominations Sought For "Illinoisans Of The Day"

2013-05-18T14:15:00Z

The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is looking for 10 people to honor as Illinoisans of the Day at the fair this August in Springfield. The program recognizes Illinois residents who make a difference in their communities through hard work and ...

Raoul Says "Extremist" Delay Senate Gun-Carry Bill

2013-05-18T14:15:00Z

An Illinois senator is blaming unnamed "extremists" who oppose legislation to restrict the possession of concealed guns for delaying a vote on the issue. Chicago Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul (KWAH'-may rah-OOL') sought a vote on his concealed-carry b...

Expert Says Blood Linked To Beating Victims

2013-05-18T14:15:00Z

An Illinois State Police expert says DNA tests show that blood found in a truck and on a shoe belonging to a man charged with killing five members of a southern Illinois family matches 2 of the victims. DNA analyst William Frank testified Friday tha...

AFSCME Gives Final OK To Contract With State

2013-05-18T14:15:00Z

Illinois' largest union has given the final go ahead on a 3-year contract with the state. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 announced Friday that a second ratification is complete. The union and Gov. Pat Qui...

"Moral Character" Gone From Illinois Senate Gun Carry

2013-05-18T14:15:00Z

Legislation in the Illinois Senate allowing people to carry concealed weapons no longer would require applicants to show they have "good moral character." Sen. Kwame Raoul (KWAH'-may rah-OOL') says the concession to gun-rights supporters who called ...

Illinois Counties On Request For Flooding Aid

2013-05-18T14:10:00Z

Gov. Pat Quinn has asked for 16 more Illinois counties to receive federal aid after flooding last month. Quinn announced his request on Friday. Previously 11 Illinois counties were deemed eligible for federal aid. Counties receiving federal aid are ...

Senate Democrats Want More School Money, Not Cuts

2013-05-18T14:10:00Z

Illinois Senate Democrats are proposing a $156 million boost in primary and secondary education next year. Key budget negotiators say the money would help schools keep pace with funding levels this year. Sens. Heather Steans (STAYNZ') and Dan Kotows...

Illinois Senate Debating Medical Marijuana

2013-05-18T14:05:00Z

The Illinois Senate is debating a measure that would allow physicians to prescribe marijuana to patients who have certain terminal illnesses or debilitating medical conditions. Lawmakers started debate on Friday in Springfield. If they vote and appr...

Illinois Doctor Warns Of Overdoses From New Drug

2013-05-18T14:05:00Z

The Illinois Poison Center says it has received a handful of calls this week about overdoses from a new synthetic hallucinogen in the Champaign area. Dr. Mike Wahl is the center's medical director. He said on Thursday that three calls have come in a...

Father Of Illinois Shooter Gets Probation

2013-05-18T14:05:00Z

The father of a central Illinois teenager who pulled a gun in his class and fired shots into the ceiling has admitted giving the boy the weapon. Forty-3-year-old Rodney Kinder pleaded guilty Thursday to unlawful delivery of a firearm to a minor. He ...

UPDATED: DeWitt County Assistant State's Attorney Issues Letter of Displeasure To Board; State's Attorney Issues Statement

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

After last week's DeWitt County Board meeting which saw the Board vote to petition the Court system for an attorney to advise them on all legal matters. Assistant State's Attorney Lars Dunn did not take kindly to the discussion, and says he felt att...

Prosecution Continues In Beason Killings

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

Prosecutors are expected to continue what has become a lengthy case against an Illinois man charged with the 2009 killing of 5 members of his former wife's family. Prosecutors trying Christopher Harris are expected to continue Friday with more witne...

Brother In Beason Slayings Leaves Stand

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

A man testifying against his brother in the killings of 5 members of a central Illinois family spent roughly eight hours on the stand before attorneys finished questioning him. Jason Harris is testifying for the prosecution in the trial of his broth...

DeWitt County Board Meeting Quiet

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

It was as quiet, and short, of a DeWitt County Board meeting as has been seen in some time Thursday night. There were no heated words exchanged or controversial votes taken. And the meeting last just under an hour. Among a few of the small items on ...

Warrensburg-Latham School Leader Invited To Board For Math Evaluation

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

A local school leader was recently appointed to be a part of a commission geared to look at academics in the state of Illinois. Nancy Brodbeck is the Curriculum Director of Warrensburg-Latham Schools and was recently appointed by the Illinois State ...

Scovill Zoo Welcomes New Animals For 2013 Summer Season

2013-05-17T05:00:00Z

As school begins to wind down, the area zoos will be bustling with youngsters. One local zoo has seen a lot of movement when it comes to the animals they showcase. Ken Frye is the Assitant Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur explains they were se...