Local News

FRIDAY'S SCOREBOARD

MLB NL
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Cincinnati Reds 1, Pittsburgh Pirates 0
Miami Marlins 2, Philadelphia Phillies 1
New York Mets 3, Atlanta Braves 1
Houston Astros 7, Milwaukee Brewers 6
St. Louis Cardinals 12, Washington Nationals 2
Arizona Diamondbacks 8, Chicago Cubs 3
San Francisco Giants 3, San Diego Padres 1
Los Angeles Dodgers 8, Colorado Rockies 0

MLB AL
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Baltimore Orioles 9, Boston Red Sox 1
Cleveland Indians 8, Kansas City Royals 5
New York Yankees 11, Toronto Blue Jays 4
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 7, Texas Rangers 4
Minnesota Twins 4, Detroit Tigers 2
Chicago White Sox 3, Tampa Bay Rays 1
Oakland Athletics 8, Seattle Mariners 2

WNBA Playoffs
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Atlanta Dream 75, Indiana Fever 66
(Dream lead best-of-three East semifinals, 1-0)

Minnesota Lynx 78, Seattle Storm 70
(Lynx lead best-of-three West semifinals, 1-0)

Distracted Driving Crackdown

A SPECIAL TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE IS GIVING A THUMBS UP TO A PLAN TO CRACK DOWN ON DRIVERS INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENTS.
 
CURRENTLY…MOTORISTS IN A FATAL CRASH CAN SEEK COURT SUPERVISION. SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE SAYS THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE. WALTER SPEER AGREES. HIS DAUGHTER WAS KILLED BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER.
 
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WHITE SUCCESSFULLY PUSHED FOR A LAW EARLIER THIS YEAR PROHIBITING THOSE CAUGHT EXCESSIVELY SPEEDING FROM GETTING COURT SUPERVISION. THIS ADDITIONAL CHANGE WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

Tenneco Receives Large Unclaimed Asset

AN ILLINOIS COMPANY IS THE LUCKY RECIPIENT OF THE LARGEST UNCLAIMED ASSET EVER HANDED OUT BY THE STATE TREASURER’S OFFICE.
 
TREASURER DAN RUTHERFORD PRESENTED TENNECO…OUT OF LAKE FOREST WITH A CHECK FOR EIGHT POINT ONE MILLION DOLLARS. THE MONEY COMES FROM 45 PROPERTIES TRANSFERRED ON BEHALF OF PULLMAN COMPANY…WHICH WAS BOUGHT BY TENNECO IN 1996. TENNECO DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE PROPERTIES UNTIL NOW.
 
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TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE ANY UNCLAIMED PROPERTY…VISIT THE WEBSITE…ICASH DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

County Unemployment Numbers For September Released

Area August unemployment numbers were released Thursday and most of central Illinois saw unemployment drop.

McLean County saw one of the areas lowest unemployment rates at 7.3%, which was a 0.4% drop from July.

Tazewell County's 7.6% was also one of the area lows, which was a 0.3% drop.

DeWitt County saw a slight drop in unemployment going from 8.2% to 8.1%.

Piatt County's unemployment was an even half-percent drop, going down to 8%.

Logan County also saw unemployment drop by a half percent, going to 8.4%.

Macon County had one of the state's highest unemployment rates at 11.4%. That was down from 11.6% in July.

Champaign County had an unemployment rate of 8.9%, down from 9.1% in July.

Sangamon County's unemployment came in at 7.9%, down from 8.2% in July.

Shelby County had a 9.4%, up from 9.3%.

The highest unemployment rate in the state was at 12.3% in Franklin, which was down from July.

The lowest unemployment rate was in Brown County at 5.1, unchanged from July.

The largest drop in unemployment went from 13.2% to 11.6% in Alexander County. A difference of 1.6-percent.

Because there were so few gains in unemployment, Jasper County saw a September increase of 0.6%, going from 8.7 to 9.3.

Illinois' overall September unemployment rate was 8.9, down from 9.3 in July. The national average was 8.2, down from 8.6 in July.

D'Backs Pound Cubs

Despite picking up an 8-3 win over the Cubs, the Diamondbacks were eliminated from playoff contention when the Cardinals defeated the Nationals.  Justin Upton was 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored, and Adam Eaton contributed three hits.  Ian Kennedy picked up his 15th win of the year, allowing three runs across five-and-two-thirds innings.  Dave Sappelt hit his second homer of the year in the loss.  Travis Wood dropped to 6-and-13 pitching five innings of five-run ball.

White Sox Lock Up Rays

Alex Rios was 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored as the White Sox picked up a key win on the Rays, 3-1.  Chicago moved to within one game of the Tigers for first place in the AL Central.  Gavin Floyd evened up his record at 11-and-11 allowing one run and two hits in five innings, while Addison Reed picked up his 29th save.  Ben Zobrist hit a solo home run in the first inning, and Tampa Bay only posted two hits the rest of the way.  Jeremy Hellickson fell to 9-and-11 tossing five-and-two-thirds innings of three-run ball.  The Rays trail Oakland by three games for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

Wainwright Leads Cards Past Nats

Allen Craig was 4-for-4 with two RBI as the Cardinals pounded the Nationals, 12-2.   With five games to go St. Louis leads the Dodgers by three games for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Yadier Molina and Shane Robinson each hit a solo home runs for the Cards, who have won five of six.  Adam Wainwright improved to 14-and-13, giving up one run on five hits over six innings.  Roger Bernadina hit a solo home run for Washington.  Edwin Jackson got whacked around to the tune of nine runs in one-and-one third innings to take the loss.  With the Braves loss, the Nats still lead Atlanta by four games in the NL East. 

Trout Season Begins October 20th

THE FALL TROUT SEASON OPENS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH IN ILLINOIS.
 
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SPOKESPERSON CHRIS MCCLOUD SAYS ENTHUSIASTS CAN START FISHING AT FIVE A-M THAT DAY.
 
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ANGLERS MUST HAVE A FISHING LICENSE AND INLAND TROUT STAMP TO PARTICIPATE…UNLESS THEY ARE ON LEAVE FROM ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY…ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 16…OR ARE DISABLED. FOR MORE DETAILS…VISIT: I FISH ILLINOIS DOT ORG.

44th Annual Apple and Pork Festival Underway

The 44th annual Apple and Pork Festival is underway for the weekend in Clinton.

 width=Larry Buss is the Manager of the CH Moore Homestead. The Homestead grounds is where the Apple and Pork festival originated 44 years ago as a way to keep up the Homestead Mansion. Buss says like many festivals around the country, it all began out of necessity and grew from there.

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Clinton and DeWitt County law enforcement officials certainly have a lot of work to do when several thousand people make their way to a town of 75-hundred. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy says they have teamed up with the DeWitt County Sheriff's Department and State Police to make this weekend run smoothly.

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The Apple and Pork Festival continues Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm. Many vendors through the years have sold out of their food items by early to mid afternoon Sunday and with fantastic weather anticipated once again Sunday,

officials are hoping for record setting numbers.

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New Artifacts On Display At Lincoln Museum

New artifacts are on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum that mark the 16th president's ties to agriculture and higher education.

Museum officials in Springfield say the items include an original letter Lincoln wrote to a cousin during his 1860 presidential race. In the letter Lincoln writes about helping plow land. There's also a sculpture of Lincoln showing him chopping wood and reading.

The exhibit also includes Lincoln's personal copy of the first annual report from U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lincoln created the agency in 1862 to specifically deal with food production. Broadcaster Max Armstrong donated the report to the museum in 2000.

Democrat Ad Pits Democrat Against Quinn

A new campaign ad in Illinois pits Democrat against Democrat.  The ad is paid for by State Senator Gary Forby's campaign fund.  

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Forby has been a strong opponent for Governor Quinn's plan to shut down Tamms Supermaxx prison and other facilities in southern Illinois.  He says Quinn's plan will further devastate the area which is already struggling with poverty. Forby is running for re-election in the state's 59th Senate District.

Senate Candidate Wants Term Limits

One Illinois Senate candidate wants lawmakers to limit themselves to ten years in office.  Randy Frese says Illinois needs to follow the lead of 37 other states in the nation and implement term limits.

[audio:rddRandyF1.mp3] [/audio]

Frese is running against State Senator John Sullivan.

Drought Maintains Grip On Most of US

A weekly update on U.S. drought conditions shows the nation's worst drought in decades slightly worsened in the lower 48 states with the Midwest corn harvest in full swing.

The U.S. Drought Monitor's new map posted Thursday shows 65.5% of the contiguous U.S. was experiencing some form of drought as of Tuesday, up from 64.8% a week earlier.

It shows 21.5% of that area was in extreme or exceptional drought - the two worst classifications. That's up three-quarters of a percentage point.

The area of Iowa, the biggest corn producer, deemed to be in exceptional drought rose from 2.4% last week to 2.5%. That most severe classification rose 2.3%age points in Nebraska, to 73.25%.

Conditions in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana remained unchanged.

Peoria Shooting Victim Convicted In 1977 Death

A Peoria man found shot dead had been convicted for a 1977 beating death of a Bradley University professor.

54-year-old Michael Robinson was pronounced dead with a gunshot wound to the head Wednesday on the back porch of a residence. Authorities say three suspects shot Robinson and another man. Police say the second man was shot in the eye and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Robinson had been on parole since 2007 after he was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the death of religion professor Domenico Volturno. Volturno died in July 1977, a week after he was beaten with a pipe over $10.

Universtity of Illinois Gets Federal Money For Nuclear Research

The U.S. Department of Energy is giving the University of Illinois $3.5 million to use on research and development related to nuclear power.

The Energy Department said Thursday the money is part of President Obama's strategy to develop and maintain a wide variety of energy sources.

A department news release says university researchers will use the money to test the performance of new nuclear technology for light-water reactors through computer modeling and experimentation.

The money is part of a $13 million investment the Energy Department announced Thursday for nuclear technology. The rest of the money went to the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee.

Defense Blames Teen For 2009 Beason Slaying

The attorney for a central Illinois man accused of killing a Beason couple and their three children admits his client killed the family's 14-year-old son but says the teen killed the other family members.

Attorney Dan Fultz contends Christopher Harris walked into the family's home during Dillen Constant's killing spree. Fultz says Harris killed Constant in self-defense.

Harris is accused along with his brother of using a tire iron to kill Ruth and Rick Gee and 3 of the couple's children in 2009. They're also charged with attempted murder for an attack on the Gees' then 3-year-old daughter.

During a hearing Wednesday, Fultz asked a judge for access to Constant's criminal, school and medical records.

The judge denied the request, saying it lacked details. Fultz plans to re-file his motion.

Child Abuse Network Offering Training Opportunities

The Children's Advocacy Center has a couple of training opportunities available for anyone who may work with children, or law enforcement and other agencies.

The first is a special three hour training that can be done at any time. Judy Brucker, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center explains they can set up a time to come to an organization or agency to train adults to understand the issues related to child sexual abuse.

[audio:92812childtrain1.mp3] [/audio]

The training provides things for adults who lead young kids what to do or not to do. Brucker says it also give them training on what to do if a situation arises or they suspect something is happening. Brucker says they want to put the protection of the kids on the adults who lead them.

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In early November, the Advocacy Center will host a training for law enforcement officials or other agencies on the advanced child abuse investigative techniques. Brucker says the training will outline all the things that go on in an investigation and why it is important for each group to work together through the whole process.

[audio:92812childtrain3.mp3] [/audio]

The training is November 8 and each year they try to bring in a nationally recognized speaker and this year's speaker is Bob Farley. Brucker explains he is a retired Cook County Deputy Sheriff and U.S. Marshall. He has spent his career specializing in child abuse investigations and reconstruction.

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Seating is limited for the November 8 event which goes from 8 am until 4 pm and is a one day training.

For more information on either training opportunities, you can contact the Brucker at the Advocacy Center at 309-888-5656.

Clinton YMCA Booth To Accomodate Dieters And Allergy Stricken Eaters

If a gluten-free diet has restricted your eating habits at the Apple and Pork Festival in years past, this year one group would like to help change that.

The Clinton YMCA is known for their pork cutlet sandwiches they serve at the Apple and Pork Festival each year. Jann Martin, Executive Director of the "Y" says she sympathizes with those who may have diet restrictions as a result of allergies, so this year she would like to try and serve gluten-free pork cutlet sandwiches.

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Each year the YMCA has their booth out in front of the Homestead, right off of Woodlawn Avenue. Martin says the weekend is a total team effort that just about everyone at the "Y" gets involved in and it is a great weekend for them to raise funds.

[audio:92812appleporky2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Martin, in a good Apple and Pork year, the "Y" can raise around $9-thousand. She explains while that is a good amount for them, 20% of the funds go to the Homestead, and Martin says, they support the Homestead and she doesn't see them moving off the grounds to avoid giving that 20% back to them.

[audio:92812appleporky3.mp3] [/audio]

Martin adds they are located next to the Boy Scouts on the west side of the sidewalk as you walk onto the Homestead grounds.

For those new to the Apple and Pork festival, there are dozens of choices of food, which are all served by DeWitt County's non-profit groups. Funnel cakes, apple cake, lemon shake ups, apple sheet Danish, and Kettle Korn are just some of the dozens of foods that highlight a weekend full of eating and entertainment.

For a list of the entertainment and food vendors, click the Apple and Pork icon at dewittdailynews.com. Or for other stories over the past month highlighting the Apple and Pork weekend, you can visit dewittdailynews.com.

Chase At Dover On Sunday

Round three in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup championship takes place at Dover International Speedway for Sunday's AAA 400.  After finishing second at both Chicago and New Hampshire, Jimmie Johnson is atop the championship standings, as he holds only a one-point advantage over Brad Keselowski.  Denny Hamlin's win last Sunday at New Hampshire moved him to within seven points of the lead.

NFL Notes

>>Marshall Apologizes To Sapp

Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall is apologizing for firing back at former NFL star Warren Sapp with some harsh comments - even though he meant what he said.

He says he's sorry for going public with his feelings and probably should have "kept it private."

Instead, he lashed back at Sapp in an online video Monday for calling him a "retard" in a radio interview. He also posted on Twitter later that day that Sapp apparently challenged him to a fight.

On Thursday, Marshall said he had exchanged emails with Sapp, an NFL Network analyst, before posting the video and that it didn't go well. All that stemmed from an interview with the syndicated "The Dan Patrick Show" in which he ripped Marshall for "talking about Shannon Sharpe."

>>Ravens Keep Browns Winless

(Baltimore, MD)  --  Joe Flacco passed for 356 yards, a touchdown and an interception as the Ravens held off the Browns, 23-16, on "Thursday Night Football."  Flacco also ran in for a score to help Baltimore move to 3-and-1.  Torrey Smith had six grabs for 97 yards and a score, while Cary Williams returned an interception 63 yards for a TD in the win.  Brandon Weeden threw for 320 yards and the interception for Cleveland, which fell to 0-and-4.  Trent Richardson rumbled for 47 yards and a touchdown in the loss.  A night after agreeing to a new labor deal, the regular referees were on the field for the first time this season.

>>Seahawks Butt Heads With Rams In St. Louis

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Fresh off their controversial Monday night win over Green Bay, the Seattle Seahawks will try to make it three in-a-row as they go up against the NFC West rival Rams in St. Louis.  The Seahawks beat the Packers, 14-12, on the final play when an apparent interception in the end zone by Green Bay was ruled a simultaneous catch and touchdown by Golden Tate.  Now 2-and-1, Seattle begins a stretch of four road games in five weeks.  The Rams are looking to recover from a 23-6 setback at Chicago.  St. Louis was limited to just 160 total yards, with QB Sam Bradford getting sacked six times and throwing two picks.  The 1-and-2 Rams have lost three straight to Seattle.

Cubs Swept; Sox Fall Two Back

>>Rays Roll White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  Evan Longoria lifted a solo shot in the top of the ninth to give the Rays a 3-2 win over the White Sox.  Luke Scott also had a solo homer for Tampa Bay, which is now two games behind the Athletics for the second AL Wild Card spot.  Joel Peralta picked up the win while Fernando Rodney earned his 46th save.  Dayan Viciedo knocked in the lone run for Chicago, which is now two games back of Detroit in the AL Central.  Brett Myers suffered the loss in relief.

>>Rockies Sweep Cubs

(Denver, CO)  --  Jordan Pacheco popped a three-run homer and DJ LeMahieu added a two-run blast as the Rockies clipped the Cubs, 7-5.  Chris Nelson and Matt McBride each had an RBI as Colorado swept the three-game set at Coors Field.  The Rockies have won four in-a-row on the heels of a nine-game slide.  Jhoulys Chacin allowed three runs in five innings to get the win and Rafael Betancourt recorded his 31st save.  Anthony Rizzo clubbed a solo homer and drove in two for Chicago.  Chris Volstad lasted just three innings after giving up seven runs on 10 hits to take the loss.  The Cubs lost for the 56th time this season on the road, tying a franchise record set in 1956.

MLB NL
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Cincinnati Reds 2, Milwaukee Brewers 1
New York Mets 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 5
San Francisco Giants 7, Arizona Diamondbacks 3
Washington Nationals 7, Philadelphia Phillies 3
Atlanta Braves 6, Miami Marlins 2

MLB AL
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Detroit Tigers 5, Kansas City Royals 4
Texas Rangers 9, Oakland Athletics 7
Seattle Mariners 9, LA Angels of Anaheim 4
Toronto Blue Jays 6, New York Yankees 0

On Field Drama Ahead For Illinois/Penn State

Last summer's controversy over Illinois coaches talking to potential transfers from Penn State appears to be history. But there's no shortage of drama as the two teams get ready to open Big Ten play.

NCAA sanctions don't prevent the Nittany Lions (2-2) from winning the Big Ten Leaders Division. Some players like tight end Kyle Carter say that's giving the team something to play for. And Penn State has won two straight.

Illinois (2-2) is a contender at this point, too, but has some serious questions on defense after last weekend's 52-24 loss to Louisiana Tech.

Starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is also trying to get healthy after an ankle sprain. Coach Tim Beckman says the junior will be his starter Saturday.

Maroons Host Shelbyville; Sages At Sullivan; Week Six Preview

>> Maroons Look To Bounce Back Versus Shelbyville

The Clinton Maroons look to bounce back from a 40-12 loss at the hands of the Monticello Sages last Friday. The Maroons trailed 21-0 heading into halftime, however two touchdowns in the opening minutes of the second half brought them within a 21-12 score. That was all the closer the Maroons would get as the Sages outlasted the Maroons late for the win. Clinton enters play tonight 1-4 and 0-1 in Okaw Valley Black Action. They'll play host to a 3-2 Shelbyville team who is 35-14 win at Decatur St. Teresa, and has won 3 straight. Game time tonight is 7 pm and you can hear the action on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and also live online at dewittdailynews.com.

>>Sages Travel To Sullivan

The Monticello Sages look to improve on their 4-1 mark tonight as they head into Sullivan to take on a 1-4 Redskin team that is coming off a 49-20 loss at the hands of the Unity Rockets last Friday. It's homecoming week for the Redskins. The Sages beat the Maroons last Friday 40-12 behind the 95 yards apiece on the ground from Ryan Donahue and Dylan Knisely. The Sages are 1-0 in Okaw Valley Black action and Sullivan is 0-1.

Other week 6 action around the area....

Okaw Valley (Black)
Tolono Unity at Decatur St. Teresa

Okaw Valley (Blue)
Maroa-Forsyth at Argenta-Oreana)
Central A & M at Tuscola
Warrensburg-Latham at Meridian

Little Okaw Valley
Cerro Gordo at Villa Grove
Martinsville vs. Heritage East Central
Oakland Tri-County vs. Arthur-Lovington

Apollo
Mattoon at Salem
Mt. Zion at Charleston
Paris at Effingham

Big Twelve
Bloomington (H.S.) at Champaign (Centennial)
Decatur MacArthur at Danville
Normal Community West at Urbana
Normal Community at Decatur Eisenhower

Central State Eight
Chatham Glenwood at Rochester
Jacksonville vs. Springfield at Memorial Stadium
Lincoln at Taylorville
Springfield Southeast at Springfield Lanphier (Sat.)

Corn Belt
Bloomington Central Catholic at Rantoul
Prairie Central at Eureka
Normal U-High at Pontiac
Olympia at Mahomet-Seymour

Heart of Illinois
Tri-Valley at Lexington
El Paso-Gridley at Tremont
Blue Ridge at LeRoy
Fisher at Flanagan-Cornell
Heyworth at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Dee-Mack atFieldcrest

Mid-Illini
Dunlap at Canton
East Peoria at Limestone
Morton at Washington
Pekin at Metamora

Sangamon Valley
Champaign St. Thomas More at St. Joseph-Ogden
Momence at Iroquois West
Paxton-Buckley-Loda at Clifton Central

Non-Conference games for tonight...
Champaign Central at Chicago Marian
Ridgeview at Watseka
Indianapolis Cathedral at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin

Shelbyville Downs Clinton In OVC Shootout

In a game heard on 1520AM & 92.3FM WHOW, the Shelbyville Rams outlasted the Clinton Maroons Friday night in a 46 to 35 Okaw Valley Conference Showdown.

The Maroons (1-5) scored first in a back and forth first half, but Shelbyville (4-2) used a big fourth quarter to pull out the win.

Clinton was led by Sophomore Quarterback Zach Pate, who ran 17 times for 225 yards and a touchdown.  He was also 2 of 4 passing for 106 yards and 2 TDs on his way to being named the Clinton IGA Maroons Player of the Game.  Ky Rezeck ran 16 times for 90 yards and two scores in the loss.

Shelbyville was led by Senior QB Tucker Schwengel, who had 79 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and threw for 145 yards and three scores.  Jordan Brown ran well for the Rams with 111 yards and a TD on 15 carries.

Clinton hosts St. Teresa next Friday night for Homecoming.  Hear the game on 1520AM & 92.3FM WHOW.

Election 'Mania' Mission On College Campuses

Remember "Obamamania?"

In 2008, college campuses were filled with campaign posters and political rallies - and frenzy.

This year, it's hard to find a college student truly excited about the presidential race.

Take Abraham Mulberry, a freshman at Elmhurst College in suburban Chicago. Mulberry says politics again has become "that thing you don't want to bring up." Mulberry is trying to start a club for young Democrats at his school.

Last election, the Elmhurst campus had an active Students for Obama chapter that organized well before the election. But this time, there's nary a campaign placard, for either President Barack Obama or Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

A disappointed Mulberry says the Nov. 6 election isn't the No. 1 hot-button issue at school.

$1-Billion Fertilizer Plan Proposed For Southwestern Indiana

A $1 billion nitrogen fertilizer plant proposed for southern Indiana's Spencer County would create 1,200 construction jobs over three years and about 80 full-time jobs.

Fairfield, Ill.-based Ohio Valley Resources LLC announced Wednesday that it filed an air permit application for the plant with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management last week.

OVR says it plans to build the plant on 150 acres north of Rockport, but the company says competing sites in Kentucky also are being evaluated. Rockport is about 30 miles east of Evansville.

The plant would produce more than 2,400 tons per day of ammonia and 3,000 tons per day of urea ammonium nitrate solution for fertilizer. Some of the ammonia production could be used to reduce emissions in nearby coal-fired power plants.

Emerald Ash Borer Found In Two More Illinois Counties

State Department of Agriculture officials say the destructive emerald ash borer has been found in Lee and Henry counties in northern Illinois.

The borer is a small, metallic-green beetle whose larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, eventually starving the trees to death.

Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves and D-shaped holes in the tree bark.

The beetle is native to Asia and is believed to have arrived in the Midwest about 10 years ago via wooden shipping pallets. It's since killed more than 25 million ash trees.

The recent discoveries bring the number of Illinois counties with confirmed infestations to 26 - more than one-fourth of the state. Thirty-nine counties are under quarantine to prevent people from spreading the beetle by moving wood products.

Former Bears QB McMahon Talks of Early Stage Dementia

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon is suffering from early-stage dementia, and he says if he could do it over, he wouldn't play football.

The 53-year-old McMahon says he knows where he's going when in an airport. But when he meets people, "I'm asking two minutes later who was that?"

McMahon also says when he gets voice messages from friends, he forgets who called after deleting the message.

McMahon led the Bears to the 1986 Super Bowl victory over New England. He is now among dozens of retired players suing the NFL for concussion-related dementia and brain trauma.

Knowing now the effects of the punishment he received in his 14-year NFL career, McMahon said he'd play baseball instead.

Health Department Warns Of Salmonella In Peanut Butter

At least one person from Illinois has fallen ill after eating Trader Joe's Salted Valencia Peanut Butter.  Doctor Connie Austin, with the Illinois Public Health Department, says there could be more.  

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Doctor Austin says if you have the peanut butter in your cabinet, you should get rid of it.

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People in 19 states have contracted salmonella poisoning after eating the peanut butter.  Salmonella causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping and most people feel better after just a few days.  Trader Joe's has recalled the peanut butter.

$52-Million Likely In Illinois Grain Export Sales After Tour

Illinois agriculture officials say they're anticipating more than $52 million in export sales after a group of foreign buyers toured the state earlier this month.

Illinois Department of Agriculture acting director Bob Flider said Wednesday the Illinois Grain Tour had "extraordinary results" this year. He said the previous three tours produced a combined $25 million in sales. Flider says it indicates "strong demand" in foreign markets for Illinois grain, products and services.

The tour brought 22 foreign grain buyers to Illinois from China, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Among the stops were a central Illinois corn and soybean farm, a Mattoon grain, oilseed and food ingredient supplier and an ethanol plant in Hennepin.

Illinois is the country's second largest producer of corn and soybeans.

School Closes Early After Half of Students Call In Sick

The elementary school in the central Illinois community of Ashmore was closed after half its 100 students failed to show up.

Community Unit School District No. 1 Superintendent Jim Littleford said Wednesday that in addition to 51 students, 5 of the school's staff also reported a flu-like illness.

Littleford said the Coles County Health Department suggested a thorough cleaning of the school Wednesday, which will allow it to reopen Thursday.

Littleford said officials are urging sick students to see physicians. Parents were urged to inform school officials of test results because it could help with an investigation into the cause of the illness.

He said there were no reports of the illness earlier in the week and none of the district's other schools had more than a few students out.

Voters Believe Illinois Has Widespread Corruption

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is shedding new light on why people are so cynical about government.   According to a recent poll, nearly 77-percent of registered voters believe corruption runs rampant in Illinois politics.  Charles Leonard says they hope lawmakers on both sides of the aisle see the data and take action.

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Leonard add that's a problem for both parties.

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About 60-pecent of voters believe corruption in Illinois is far more of a problem than in any other state in the U.S.  The business community is only slightly better, with 62-percent of respondents saying corruption is also widespread in Illinois business.  That number was even higher among minorities and those who make less than 50-thousand dollars a year, at about 73-percent.  Leonard says it's highly unlikely that the numbers would be any different if Republicans were in charge in Springfield.

Aflatoxins Concern For Farmers This Year

Illinois farmers are dealing with a variety of issues this harvest season, including long lines at the elevator due to concerns about aflatoxins in the corn crop.  Jared White has more...

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Monticello To Host School Tours Tonight

Monticello school district residents have the opportunity tonight to familiarize themselves with the school buildings and the shape they are currently in.

Since early summer, the Monticello school district's facilities have been under an assessment of their current state. The assessment will serve to outline a plan of action for the district moving forward. A part of this assessment process is community input, and Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Dr. Vic Zimmerman explains tonight, residents can come and be a part of facility tours.

[audio:92712Monticellotours1.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Zimmerman recognizes what a tough decision this is going to be because of the history and emotion tied to the buildings. He says him and his school board are not advocating for one decision, however, he says there will be a cost associated with each decision, and they need to do what is best for the district.

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Along with accommodating students with what a 21st century school should look like, Dr. Zimmerman says this will also go towards attracting new families to the district. He says with communities in Macon and Champaign Counties receiving tax dollars to upgrade their facilities, Monticello has to make do with what they have, and he feels this assessment should help them better compete for families coming to the area.

[audio:92712Monticellotours3.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Zimmerman notes ultimately the community input of the public meetings will play an important role in their decision making process. He explains he was not sure how many to expect but was pleased with the amount of people that came out. He hopes these meetings will better educate the public on the current condition of the schools and the decision they face.

Tonight's meeting gets going at 6 pm at Monticello Middle School.

Ravens, Browns Renew Rivalry In Baltimore

After a dramatic Week Three victory over the Patriots, the Ravens welcome in the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns to Baltimore tonight.  The Ravens moved to 2-and-1 by defeating New England Sunday night.  Rookie Justin Tucker nailed a 27-yard field goal as time expired to give Baltimore a 31-30 victory.  Torrey Smith caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns less than 24 hours after his younger brother was killed in a motorcycle accident.  Cleveland fell to 0-and-3 after losing at home to Buffalo on Sunday, 24-14.  Rookie QB Brandon Weeden tossed two fourth-quarter interceptions for the Browns, who are winless in their first three games of a season for the fifth time in seven years.  

Baltimore has won eight straight against Cleveland, with its last loss coming in November of 2007.  The Ravens will also induct former running back Jamal Lewis into their Ring of Honor at halftime.  Lewis also spent time with the Browns.  The regular referees will be back on the field tonight, as the league and the NFLRA agreed to a new eight-year labor agreement last night.  The NFL had used replacement refs for the first three weeks of the season. 

NFL, NFLRA Agree To New Deal

The regular referees are returning to the NFL.  On Wednesday night, the NFL and the NFLRA announced that they have agreed to a new eight-year labor deal.  The new collective bargaining agreement is still subject to ratification by the NFLRA.  In a joint statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the regular officials will be on the field for Thursday night's game between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

The new labor deal comes after weeks of outcry over the replacement officials' ability to correctly enforce the rules.  Numerous blown and missed calls have plagued the league this season, culminating in a controversial last-second interception ruled touchdown catch that resulted in Seattle beating Green Bay on "Monday Night Football."  Other mistakes have come regarding challenges, timeouts and penalty yardage.

Bears Notes: Forte Optimistic For Monday; Bears Need More Offensively

>>Bears Looking For Spark On Offense

The Chicago Bears envisioned a deep, explosive offense making opponents miserable as they piled up the yards and the points.

This is not what they had in mind.

The Bears (2-1) will try to get their offense going again and shake off two bad performances when they visit the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.

Their offense ranks 27th overall and they're 28th in passing. All of this comes after a busy offseason and a promising opener against Indianapolis.

Coach Lovie Smith says the Bears are simply not going to score "50 points, rush for 300 yards and pass for 500" every week, but they need to perform better on offense than they have of late.

>>Forte Expects To Play Monday

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte expects to play Monday against the Dallas Cowboys after missing a game because of a sprained right ankle.

The Pro Bowl player practiced Wednesday for the first time since he was injured in a loss at Green Bay on Sept. 13. He sat out last week's win over the St. Louis Rams.

He says he thinks he'll "be good to go" and responded "Uh huh, yeah" when asked if he expects to be ready to play against the Cowboys.

Coach Lovie Smith tempered that a bit, saying Forte still has "a long ways to go." But either way, the fact that he is practicing is a good sign for the Bears.

La Russa Wouldn't Give Pujols Ten-Year Deal

Retired manager Tony La Russa says signing slugger Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] to a ten-year contract would not have been a smart move for the Cardinals.  The former St. Louis skipper told "ESPN First Take" that he doesn't endorse contracts beyond six years, calling anything longer "scary and dangerous."  Pujols left the Cardinals last winter to sign a ten-year, 254-million-dollar deal with the Angels.  La Russa said Pujols is a great franchise player, so it makes sense for them, but he wouldn't want to risk more than five or six years on any player.

All Locals Lose; Sox Fall To 2nd

>>Astros Blank Cardinals

(Houston, TX)  --  Bud Norris fanned seven over seven-and-a-third shutout innings to lead the Astros to a 2-0 win over the Cardinals.  Norris scattered two hits and no walks en route to improving to 6-and-13.  Wilton Lopez got the final five outs for his eighth save.  Jose Altuve hit a solo homer to help Houston salvage the finale of the three-game set.  The Astros played at home for the final time as a member of the National League.  Chris Carpenter allowed both runs in six innings to take the loss.  The Cards have a three-and-a-half-game lead on the Brewers and Dodgers for the final NL Wild Card spot.

>>Rockies Shutout Cubs

(Denver, CO)  --  Charlie Blackmon hit a solo homer and scored twice as the Rockies blanked the Cubs, 6-0.  Chris Nelson added two hits and two RBI for the Rockies, who have won the first two in the three-game set and three straight overall.  Drew Pomeranz scattered three hits in five innings to improve to 2-and-9.  Jason Berken allowed all six runs in only four innings to fall to 0-and-2.  Chicago has dropped eight of its last nine games.

MLB NL
------
Los Angeles Dodgers 8, San Diego Padres 2
Washington Nationals 8, Philadelphia Phillies 4
New York Mets 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 0
Atlanta Braves 3, Miami Marlins 0
Milwaukee Brewers 8, Cincinnati Reds 1
San Francisco Giants 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 0

>>Indians Rally Past White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Indians put up a run in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to pull out a 6-4 win over the White Sox.  Carlos Santana walked in the tying run in the sixth and Shin-Soo Choo's groundout plated the go-ahead run in the seventh.  Vinny Rottino added a solo homer in the eighth for the Tribe, which finished 3-and-3 on its six-game road trip.  Tony Sipp picked up his first win and Chris Perez closed it out for his 38th save.  A.J. Pierzynski and Alexei Ramirez doubled in a run each for the White Sox, who have lost seven-of-eight to fall one game behind Detroit for first place in the AL Central.  Matt Thronton fell to 4-and-9 with the loss.

MLB AL
------
New York Yankees 8, Minnesota Twins 2
Detroit Tigers 5, Kansas City Royals 4
Baltimore Orioles 12, Toronto Blue Jays 2
Tampa Bay Rays 4, Boston Red Sox 2
Oakland Athletics 9, Texas Rangers 3
LA Angels of Anaheim 4, Seattle Mariners 3

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-27

September 27, 2012

 

Jail Population: 86

Summons Served: 4

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26, revealed that a vehicle driven by Ronald Spain, 22, Decatur, was traveling southbound and came to a stop behind a vehicle driven by Derek Hays, 27, Rantoul, at the stoplight on US Business 51 South at US Highway 51. Spain stated he thought he saw Hays moving forward. He looked down at his phone, and pressed on the accelerator, causing Spain to crash into the rear end of Hays, which was still stopped at the turn light. The crash caused significant damage to the front end of Spain’s vehicle. Hays sustained damage to the rear bumper, tail lights, and the registration plate light. No injuries were reported. Spain was issued a citation for Follow Too Closely. Spain posted his IL Driver’s License as bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Seeking Business To Take Advantage of TIF Fund; Development Opportunities

A TIF fund the City of Clinton has in place is near expiring.

A TIF in the downtown district of Clinton allows for business to take advantage of a facade grant. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters explains the grant allows for the business to make an improvement to their storefront and have the City pay for half of the lowest bid.

[audio:92812facade1.mp3] [/audio]

The TIF is in place to help make the storefront's appearance improve or even some repairs. Mayor Peters feels the several businesses that have already taken advantage of this fund have improved their storefronts and it improves the look of the downtown area.

[audio:92812facade2.mp3] [/audio]

Along the same lines of improving the look of the downtown area, the Mayor says there are many areas of the city that are ready for development. The newest is the block of Washington Street which just saw some older buildings torn down. She notes one thing she's learned since becoming Mayor is businesses want to come in and rent instead of building. She feels this is a good opportunity for anyone with the funding to build and then lease to a business.

[audio:92812facade3.mp3] [/audio]

To get information about the TIF fund for facade work or to get information about development, you can contact Clinton City Hall and talk to City Administrator Tim Followell at 935-9438.

Legislator Criticizes Iowa's Incentives For Plant

A state senator says more than $240 million in state and local tax dollars committed to attract a fertilizer plant to southeast Iowa came on top of as much as $300 million in federal taxpayer subsidies and amount to "the worst economic deal in state history."

Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, said at a Capitol news conference on Monday that he believes the $1.4 billion Orascom project was already headed to Iowa instead of Illinois and that Iowa didn't need to be so generous.

Gov. Terry Branstad's spokesman Tim Albrecht says Iowa needed to provide up to $110 million in tax credits to sway Orascom and says the governor "won't apologize for fighting for every single job that he can bring to the state."

Family of MegaBus Fatality Files Lawsuit

The family of a University of Missouri graduate student who was killed when a Megabus slammed into a bridge pillar along a southern Illinois interstate has filed a lawsuit against the bus operator.

On Aug. 2, Aditi Avhad and her parents were aboard the Megabus heading south on Interstate 55 when it crashed into the pillar near Litchfield, south of Springfield. The double-decker bus was headed from Chicago to Kansas City.

Raghunath Avhad and Vaishali Avhad are suing for wrongful death of their 25-year-old daughter, among other allegations. The lawsuit names Megabus USA, LLC., Coach Leasing Inc., Coach USA Inc., and the driver, Preston Taylor, as defendants.

Megabus spokeswoman Amanda Byers says the incident is still under investigation, and the company continues to cooperate with investigators.

Simon To Answer Questions On Facebook, Twitter

Anyone interested in discussing women's issues can do so in a social media town hall meeting tonight.  Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon says Missouri Congressman Todd Akin put women's issues at the forefront when he said women couldn't get pregnant as a result of rape.  

[audio:rddSMTownhall1.mp3] [/audio]

She says this meeting is not just for women and encourages men to chime in.  

[audio:rddSMTownhall2.mp3] [/audio]

Simon will be fielding questions from 6:30 until 7:30 tonight.  Social media users can submit questions at Facebook.com/SheilaSimonIL or on Twitter using the hashtag #27ALCFW.

Trial Underway In Peoria Infant's Death

Prosecutors in central Illinois say a Peoria woman texted her boyfriend and played video games while her 2-month-old son starved to death in another room.

Assistant State's Attorney Nancy Mermelstein contends 20-year-old Astria Pollard was "completely indifferent" to the condition of her son, Javier. The premature infant died of dehydration and malnutrition in September 2010.

Pollard's trial on first-degree murder and child endangerment charges got under way before a Peoria County judge Monday. She's waived her right to a jury trial.

Pollard has said she didn't intentionally cause the boy's death. Defense attorney Sean Donahue on Monday told the judge his client cared for the child and fed the baby the night before.

University of Illinois Chimes Silent For Week of the Deaf

The chimes that normally ring out over the quad at the University of Illinois are being silenced as part of International Week of the Deaf.

The chimes in Altgeld Hall's tower went silent Tuesday night and will remain that way until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Matthew Dye is a professor of speech and hearing science. He says the university's Sue Wood works as what is known as a chimesmaster. Wood agreed to silence the chimes.

Dye says several dozen people also have signed a pledge to remain silent Wednesday.

The university's observance of International Week of the Deaf also will include 25 Illinois School for the Deaf students performing the National Anthem in sign language at Saturday's Penn State-Illinois football game.

Deadline To Register To Vote Approaching

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.

YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE IN ILLINOIS BY TUESDAY, OCTOBER NINTH. STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JIM TENUTO SAYS THERE ARE SEVERAL LOCATIONS WHERE VOTERS CAN REGISTER.

[audio:register1.mp3] [/audio]

TENUTO ADDS IF YOU’VE REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY AND DON’T HAVE ANY CHANGES…YOU SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO.

[audio:register2.mp3] [/audio]

YOU CAN DO THAT AT STATE DRIVER’S LICENSE FACILITIES…LIBRARIES…TOWNSHIP OFFICES AND SEVERAL OTHER LOCATIONS. VOTERS DO HAVE A LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM. GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH NOVEMBER THIRD…BUT YOU’LL HAVE TO DO THAT AT YOUR COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE AND CAST A BALLOT AT THAT TIME. FOR MORE INFORMATION…VISIT THE WEBSITE: ELECTIONS DOT I-L DOT GOV.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 20

The fall trout fishing season in Illinois opens Oct. 20.

Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said Tuesday the agency stocks 37 ponds and lakes around the state with 70,000 trout prior to opening day.

The program is funded by participants who buy inland trout stamps.

No one may catch trout before 5 a.m. Oct. 20. Anglers must have a fishing license as well as a stamp excepts for those under 16, blind or disabled, or on active military leave.

Fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available for sale at many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.

Baum Chevrolet Buick Remodel Continues, Spring Completion Date Targeted

 width=Remodeling is about a quarter of the way completed at Baum Chevrolet Buick on West Route 54 in Clinton.  Owner Scott Baum tells Regional Radio News, that the extensive remodeling to the building is all about improving customer service.

[audio:Baumcut4Sept2412.mp3] [/audio]

And, while Baum doesn't have a specific completion date, he expects the remodel at his dealership to be done by next spring.

[audio:Baumcut5Sept2412.mp3] [/audio]

Work on the dealership began several weeks ago.

Apple and Pork Music Line Ups Ready For Big Weekend

People from across Illinois will converge on Clinton this weekend for the annual Apple and Pork Festival.

While the festival features lots of traditional food and drink, arts and crafts, the entertainment of the festival is sure to keep the atmosphere of the event lively. Resident Manager of the DeWitt County Museum Larry Buss says the lineup for this year's entertainment is lined up and there's a lot of returning acts along with some new faces. Once again this year, the Clinton High School band kicks things off Saturday morning and a full lineup is on tap through the show for Saturday.

[audio:9612appleporkmusic1.mp3] [/audio]

Sunday's lineup should be good as well. Buss says they were able to book a good group from the Chicago area called "The Rick Lindy And the Wild Ones". Buss notes they should put on a great show, and he notes there is entertainment scheduled for the whole day.

[audio:9612appleporkmusic2.mp3] [/audio]

The Apple and Pork Festival for 2012 is set for Saturday and Sunday. For the full lineup of entertainment or a site map of all the vendors for this year's festival, you can click their icon at dewittdailynews.com.

LA Council Committee Approves Downtown Stadium Agreements

The effort to build a billion-dollar stadium that might lure an NFL team to Los Angeles has taken another step forward.  The L.A. City Council committee devoted to the downtown stadium effort gave the thumbs up Monday to a list of agreements regarding AEG's proposed one-point-five-billion dollar stadium and convention center upgrade, including the project's environmental impact report.  The full council will now vote on the package on Friday.  If approved, opponents will have 30 days to file a legal challenge.  

In testimony before Monday's vote, AEG President Tim Leiweke apologized for the "disruption" caused last week when it was announced that AEG was up for sale, which made some uneasy about the stadium proposal.  Leiweke told council members Monday he and other members of management have signed "long-term contracts" to remain at AEG and they remain committed to the stadium proposal.

NASCAR Releases 2013 Sprint Cup Schedule

 NASCAR officially released its 2013 Sprint Cup Series schedule on Tuesday.  As expected, the Chase race at Talladega Superspeedway will return to its traditional spot on the Sprint Cup calendar.  Talladega will be scheduled for October 20th and become the sixth round in the 10-race Chase.  This year's Talladega fall event was pushed forward to October 7th to allow Kansas Speedway's new pavement to be completely finished.

The 36 point races for next season begins with the Feburary 24th Daytona 500 and concludes with the November 17th race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  The pre-season, non-points Shootout event at Daytona International Speedway will run on February 16th, and the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be held on May 18th.

Replacement Refs Update

>>League Standing By Decision Not To Overturn Late MNF Call

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is standing by the decision not to overturn a controversial call in last night's Monday Night Football game.  It appeared Green Bay's M.D. Jennings intercepted a pass that the refs ruled was caught by Seattle's Golden Tate for a touchdown with no time remaining.  A touchdown called on the field was upheld during video review.  Seattle won the game 14-12.  The league calls the result of the game "final."  The NFL has come under fire in recent weeks for calls made by replacement referees while the regular refs sit on the sidelines in a labor dispute.

>>NFL Continues Labor Talks With Regular Refs

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is continuing labor talks with its locked out referees.  NFL.com reports the league and referees union talked again on Tuesday after having discussions by phone on Monday.  According to the report, the two sides held four "high-level" discussions in New York last week with the main sticking point the referees' pension.  The NFL has been using replacement officials this season after locking out the regular refs when the labor agreement expired in June.

>>Report: Fired LFL Refs Being Used By NFL

(Undated)  --  The NFL is reportedly using referees who were previously fired by the Lingerie Football League for incompetence.  The LFL said in a statement issued to "Deadspin" that a couple of crews who were released for their on-field incompetence are now officiating in the NFL.  The LFL also said the league is releasing the information because it's only fair that NFL fans know who is really officiating the games.

The statement came shortly after the bizarre ending of Monday night's game between the Packers and Seahawks in Seattle.  The fiasco is the latest in the ongoing saga of replacement officials, who were under heavy criticism for the past two weeks prior to Monday's result.  The regular officials have been locked out by the NFL.

Report: Bears Work Out RB Ryan Grant

The Bears reportedly worked out former Packers running back Ryan Grant on Tuesday.  The Notre Dame product, who spent five seasons with Green Bay, has rushed for over four-thousand yards and 25 touchdowns in his career.  The Bears could use some depth at the running back position with Matt Forte [[ for-TAY ]] out with an ankle injury and backup Michael Bush a little banged up during Week Three's win over St. Louis.  Chicago plays at Dallas in Week Four on "Monday Night Football."

Cards Move Closer To WC Spot; Sox Tied With Detroit For 1st

>>Cardinals Blank Astros, Still Hold Wild Card Spot

(Houston, TX)  --  Jaime Garcia tossed seven scoreless innings to lead the Cardinals in a 4-0 win over Houston.  Jon Jay had a pair of RBI while Pete Kozma added an RBI double for St. Louis.  Yadier Molina also drove in a run for the Cards, who are four-and-a-half games clear of the Brewers for the second NL Wild Card spot.  Lucas Harrell gave up two runs and walked six in five innings to suffer the loss.  Jose Altuve and Brandon Laird each managed two hits for the Astros, who have lost three straight and already clinched the worst record in the league.

>>Rockies Rip Cubs

(Denver, CO)  --  Matt McBride hit a three-run homer as the Rockies ripped the Cubs, 10-5, in a rain-shortened opener of a three-game series.  The game was called in the seventh inning.  Josh Rutledge and Tyler Colvin had two RBI apiece for the Rockies in their second straight win.  Carlos Torres was credited with his fifth win.  Dave Sappelt and Starlin Castro went deep for Chicago, which has dropped seven-of-eight.  Chris Rusin allowed six runs in only three-and-two-thirds to fall to 1-and-3.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 6, Washington Nationals 3
Pittsburgh Pirates 10, New York Mets 6
Atlanta Braves 4, Miami Marlins 3
Cincinnati Reds 4, Milwaukee Brewers 2
San Diego Padres 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 1
Arizona Diamondbacks 7, San Francisco Giants 2

>>Indians Edge White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  Corey Kluber and two relievers combined on a six-hitter as the Indians edged the White Sox, 4-3.  Russ Canzler went 3-for-4 with a home run as Cleveland built an early 4-0 lead and hung on to even the three-game set at a game apiece.  Kluber pitched seven innings of two-run ball for the win.  Chris Perez gave up a solo homer to Paul Konerko in the ninth before posting his 37th save.  Francisco Liriano took the loss for Chicago.  A.J. Pierzynski and Dayan Viciedo hit back-to-back home runs for the White Sox in the fifth.  Chicago is now tied with Detroit atop the AL Central after the Tigers beat Kansas City.

MLB AL
------
Detroit Tigers 2, Kansas City Royals 0
Toronto Blue Jays 4, Baltimore Orioles 0
Tampa Bay Rays 5, Boston Red Sox 2
Oakland Athletics 3, Texas Rangers 2 (10 inn)
Minnesota Twins 5, New York Yankees 4
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5, Seattle Mariners 4

Big Ten Surprise: Minnesota, Northwestern 4-0

For all the Big Ten bashing going on, there are a couple feel-good stories playing out at Minnesota and Northwestern.

The Gophers and Wildcats are teams that typically fade from the conference spotlight in October. Right now, both are celebrating 4-0 starts.

Ohio State also has won four straight, but that's no surprise.

Minnesota already has won one more game than it did all of last season, and Northwestern owns 3 of the Big Ten's six wins over BCS-conference opponents.

Minnesota would be 5-0 for the first time since 2004 if it can beat Iowa on the road Saturday. Northwestern opens Big Ten play at home against Indiana.

Apple and Pork To See New Things

If you're making your way to the Apple and Pork festival this weekend, there will be a few new feature act for adults and kids, and also a new kids attraction.

A Springfield man will make the trip to Clinton for this year and showcase his abilities with a whip. Larry Buss, Resident Manager of the CH Moore Homestead explains "The Whip Guy" was on America's Got Talent and does some incredible things with the whip.

[audio:92712whipguy1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Buss, the same family will have an old time train car on hand for the kids to push around. The 'Gandy Dancer' is the person on the car that pushes it up and down the tracks, and kids can what it was like to operate one of those.

[audio:92712whipguy2.mp3] [/audio]

The Whip Guy will only be around the grounds on Sunday, and Buss says he will put on a great show for those who make their way out this year.

You can hear live coverage throughout the weekend from the Apple and Pork Festival on the Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW, and also 3-minute updates on 95.9 FM WEZC. The Apple and Pork Festival is this Saturday and Sunday in Clinton.

Southern Illinois Dentist Pleads Guilty To Fraud

A southern Illinois dentist faces up to 20 years in federal prison now that he's admitted defrauding Medicaid and illegally distributing a prescription painkiller.

Sixty-year-old Walter Dawkins of Mount Vernon pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Benton to fraud involving a health-care program and to unlawfully distributing the controlled substance hydrocodone.

Federal prosecutors say the offenses involved prescriptions written outside the course of Dawkins' medical practice.

Each felony count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Dawkins' sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Appeals Court Denies Rehearsing On Ryan Appeal

A federal appeals court in Chicago has refused a request by imprisoned former Ill. Gov. George Ryan that all the court's judges rehear his appeal seeking an earlier release from prison.

A three-sentence statement Monday from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says the request is denied. It offers no explanation.

Three appellate judges in August rejected arguments that Ryan's 2006 convictions for corruption should be tossed because prosecutors never proved he took a bribe. The court currently has 10 active judges with one vacancy.

The 78-year-old Republican is nearing the end of his 6 1/2-year sentence. His release was scheduled for July 2013, but Ryan's attorneys say he qualifies for a work-release program that will allow him to leave the Terre Haute, Ind., prison in February.

ACLU Upset Over Morning After Pill Ruling

Illinois pharmacies don't have to fill prescriptions for the Morning After pill if it's against their religious beliefs.  But Ed Yohnka with the ACLU of Illinois says the court is setting a very dangerous precedent.

[audio:rddMornPill1.mp3] [/audio]

Yohnka says the court a religious beliefs should not trump a woman's health.

[audio:rddMornPill2.mp3] [/audio]

Yohnka adds this could lead to a slippery slope when it comes to any kind of medication, including things like pain pills.  

[audio:rddMornPill3.mp3] [/audio]

An appellate court cited the Healthcare Right of Conscious Act to protect the pharmacist's religious rights not to sell the pill.  Some often compare the pill to an abortion because it prevents pregnancy.  Yohnka says the court's decision should prompt the Illinois legislature to overturn the HRCA immediately.  The issue has been tied up in the courts since 2005 when former Governor Rod Blagojevich ordered pharmacies to provide the pill. 

Illinois Launches Contest For Rain Barrel Designs

It's time for Illinois students to showcase their artistic skills.

The state's Department of Transportation has launched its 2012 Rain Barrel Design Competition for the third year. The goal is to educate students about storm water management and highlight green efforts.

The department's secretary, Ann Schneider, says the contest's popularity has increased.

Students from 3rd to 12th grade can participate. They should submit an artistic design that can be painted onto a rain barrel. Officials suggest designs that incorporate nature and sustainability, among other things.

Officials say 50 designs will be chosen in November and each of those schools will get a rain barrel.

Schools can enter one submission per age group. Those are 3rd to 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade and 9th to 12th grade.

Pork Producers Warn Of Impending Bacon Shortage

Bringing home the bacon could become a lot more difficult in the near future.  That goes for ham and pork chops too.  The Illinois Pork Producers Association is warning that a potential pork shortage is looming, caused by a spike in feed prices brought on by last summer's drought.  The trade group says its pork producers are losing 40 to 45 dollars a head at market right now and are cutting back on the size of their herds.  That means that the bacon for your bacon cheeseburger or BLT could not only become much more expensive, but harder to find.

Illinois is the fourth largest producer of pork in the country, but some experts say the shortage could go global as early as next year.  The U.K.'s National Pig Association says a world shortage of pork and bacon next year is, quote, "unavoidable."

Quinn Makes Pitch For Brazilian Tourist

Gov. Pat Quinn is making a pitch for Brazilian tourists to visit Illinois.

He says experts predict trips from Brazil to the United States will grow 70% by 2016. Quinn wants Illinois to get its share of those visitors.

He spoke to members of the travel industry in São Paulo on Monday, saying Illinois offers "an authentic American experience."

About 56,000 Brazilians visited Illinois last year.

Quinn is on a 6-day trip to Brazil to promote Illinois. He returns Friday.

Weekly Crop Report

MORE THAN HALF THE CORN CROP HAS BEEN HARVESTED ALREADY IN ILLINOIS.

THE COOL, DRY WEATHER GAVE FARMERS PLENTY OF TIME IN THE FIELDS THIS PAST WEEK SAYS CHIEF STATE CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SCHWAB.

[audio:crop1.mp3] [/audio]

SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS ALSO UNDERWAY. 66 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE DROPPING LEAVES AND EIGHT PERCENT HAVE BEEN HARVESTED. 62 PERCENT OF THE SOYBEAN CROP IS RATED IN FAIR TO POOR CONDITION.

[audio:crop2.mp3] [/audio]

AS FOR OTHER CROPS…FIVE PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED…AND 14 PERCENT OF SORGHUM HAS BEEN HARVESTED. THE THIRD CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS NOW 94 PERCENT COMPLETE. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE NOW STANDS AT ONE PERCENT SURPLUS…48 PERCENT ADEQUATE…36 PERCENT SHORT AND 15 PERCENT VERY SHORT.

DeWitt County Jail Inmate Numbers At All-Time High

The DeWitt County Sheriff's Department is seeing some success with a program they've recently joined.

The Sheriff's Department for the past several month has been housing Cook County inmates as a way to generated revenue and become less dependent on tax payers dollars. DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner says last month they generated over $70-thousand from the contract they have with Cook County.

[audio:92512jailnumbers1.mp3] [/audio]

There are two primary costs that take up most of the budget for the Sheriff's Department. The first is personnel. The Sheriff says by law they are required to have a certain amount of staff on hand whether their jail popoulation is nine or 99. The other is their meals, which they receive from the DJWH, which the Sheriff notes, goes back into the community.

[audio:92512jailnumbers2.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Shofner says since they began housing Cook County inmates, their jail has been as close to full as it has ever been. He says the revenue generated from housing those inmates goes back into the general fund for the Couny Board, and he says it helps the County run smoother as an entity.

[audio:92512jailnumbers3.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Shofner says to this point, the mixing of DeWitt and Cook County inmates has not been a problem. He says they see the same behavioral problems with everybody and he says even Cook County inmates are giving them good feedback on the quality of their facility.

Clinton BOE Finalizes FY13 Budget; Revenue Questions Still Remain

The Clinton School District finalized their Fiscal Year 2013 budget last week.

The district received news from the State of Illinois they would receive around $200-thousand more than they were anticipating for their general revenue fund, however, they are still showing about a $1.5-million deficit. Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Dr. Jeff Holmes explains it is because they still do not know what they will be receiving from Exelon as a part of the appraised value of the power plant.

[audio:92512clintonbudget1.mp3] [/audio]

The Board proposed to Exelon a value of $240-million as their appraised value, which was upheld by the DeWitt County Board of Reviews, however, Dr. Holmes believes Exelon has challenged that by taking it to the Property Tax Appeal Board. If that is indeed what Exelon has done, a ruling could be some time away.

[audio:92512clintonbudget2.mp3] [/audio]

The proposed value the district brought to Exelon was only on a one-year basis, which means soon the district and Exelon will have to meet once again to discuss the values for next year. Dr. Holmes is hopeful when they get together they can get a deal done for next year and then at the same time work out something for this year, which would make the whole problem go away.

[audio:92512clintonbudget3.mp3] [/audio]

Another part of the deficit in FY13's budget is due to Illinois being behind in paying their bills. Dr. Holmes explains of the $1.5-million deficit, a little less than a million of it is money they have but cannot get to. Currently the state owes Clinton Schools is just over $400-thousand.

Bears Notes

>>Marshall Fires Back At Sapp For 'Retard' Comment

Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall criticized former NFL star Warren Sapp for calling him a "retard" in a radio interview.

That struck a chord with Marshall, who has acknowledged receiving treatment for borderline personality disorder and anger management, and he fired back Monday in an online video. He says he can't discuss finances with Sapp "because he filed for bankruptcy," or marriage "because he filed for divorce." Marshall also says he can't speak to him about becoming a father some day because "he's not active in his children's life."

This was in response to an interview with the syndicated "The Dan Patrick Show" in which Sapp, an NFL Network analyst, blasted Marshall for "talking about Shannon Sharpe" and allegedly not knowing this: "He's the first 100-catch receiver (tight end) back to back, retard."

>>Bears' Smith Hopeful Forte Will Play Week Four

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is hopeful running back Matt Forte [[ for-TAY ]] will be back for the team's "Monday Night Football" game at Dallas.  Forte was inactive for the Bears' 23-6 win over St. Louis on Sunday.  He suffered a right ankle sprain against the Green Bay Packers in Week Two.  The Tulane product has 111 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries this season for Chicago.  Forte also has 89 yards on seven receptions.  The Bears are 2-and-1 on the season.

Packers Lose Controversial Game

>>Seahawks Get Controversial Win Over Packers

(Seattle, WA)  --  The Seahawks captured a controversial 14-12 win over the Packers last night.  The game ended when Golden Tate caught a game-winning 24-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson.  It appeared that M.D. Jennings intercepted the pass, as an official appeared to be ready to signal for a touchback while the other signaled for a touchdown.  The play was video reviewed, and the call of a touchdown was upheld.  

Aaron Rodgers passed for 223 yards for Green Bay.  Rodgers said after the game he was given a kicking ball on a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter.  At 1-and-2, the Packers have more losses than they did all of last season.  The Packers host New Orleans in Week Four.

>>Packers React To Stunning Loss

(Seattle, WA)  --  Members of the Packers reacted quickly following last night's loss.  Aaron Rodgers said the call was, quote, "awful."  Packers guard T.J. Lang didn't mince words, saying on his official Twitter account, quote, "Got (expletive) by the refs.. Embarrassing. Thanks nfl."  About 40 minutes later, Lang said, quote, "(expletive) it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs."

Cards, Sox Win; Hold Leads Heading Into Final Week

>>Cardinals Fly Past Astros

(Houston, TX)  --  Pete Kozma hit a two-run homer and Yadier Molina added a solo shot as the Cardinals drowned out the Astros, 6-1.  Matt Holliday drove in two with a single and Daniel Descalso ripped an RBI triple as St. Louis maintains a three-and-a-half game lead on Los Angeles and Milwaukee for the final NL Wild Card spot.  Lance Lynn struck out nine over seven innings of one-run ball to pick up the win and improve to 17-and-7.  Scott Moore singled in a run in the second for Houston's only score.  Fernando Abad gave up a run before exiting in the second inning with a strained right oblique and was charged with the loss.  The Astros have dropped two straight and five-of-seven.

MLB NL
------
Washington Nationals 12, Milwaukee Brewers 2
New York Mets 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 2
Colorado Rockies 4, Arizona Diamondbacks 2

>>White Sox Edge Tribe, Stay One Up On Tigers

(Chicago, IL)  --  Adam Dunn hit his 40th and 41st home runs of the season as the White Sox edged the Indians, 6-5.  Dunn connected on a solo homer in the sixth before blasting a three-run shot in the eighth to give Chicago the lead for good.  Chris Sale received a no-decision after allowing three runs in seven innings.  Brett Myers picked up the victory while Donnie Veal earned his first save.  The Sox remain a game ahead of Detroit in the AL Central after the Tigers defeated the Royals.  Vinnie Pestano suffered the loss in relief for Cleveland.  Russ Canzler hit a two-run homer while Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo each ripped an RBI double in the loss.  The Tribe has lost three of its last four.

MLB AL
------
Baltimore Orioles 4, Toronto Blue Jays 1
Detroit Tigers 6, Kansas City Royals 2
Toronto Blue Jays 9, Baltimore Orioles 5
Texas Rangers 5, Oakland Athletics 4
Chicago White Sox 5, Cleveland Indians 4
New York Yankees 6, Minnesota Twins 3

Illini Problems Because Lack of Pressure On QB?

Defense was supposed to be Illinois' strength but the Illini have given up a total of 97 points in losses to Louisiana Tech and Arizona State.

Defensive tackle Akeem Spence said Monday that this year Illinois (2-2) isn't blitzing nearly as much. He said linebackers in particular are being asked to play back and react.

Coach Tim Beckman says part of what went wrong Saturday in a 52-24 loss to Louisiana Tech was due to the Bulldogs' ability. They're 1 of the top scoring teams in the country.

Beckman also says Nathan Scheelhaase (SHEEL'-hows) is his starting quarterback as the Illini get ready for Big Ten play Saturday against Penn State (2-2). Scheelhaase was pulled Saturday because of his ongoing ankle injury.

Clinton Police Report for 9-25

 

CITATIONS 9/24/12

CHRISTOPHER J. WELCHEL 37, LINCOLN OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. BOND POSTED

TYLER W. HAMBLIN 26, CLINTON NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

ERIC W WINDER 19, DECATUR SPEEDING 75 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

STEVEN D. MAYO 51, DECATUR SPEEDING 74 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

 

ON 9/24/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED ANGELA F. BOWLES 33, LINCOLN FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. BOWLES WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-25

 September 25, 2012

 

Jail Population: 86

Summons Served: 3

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 23, revealed that a vehicle driven by Phillip Solgard, 32, Danville, was traveling westbound on County Highway 11 approaching the curves near the residence at 6080 Rowell Road. Solgard failed to negotiate the curve correctly and left the roadway on the south side of County Highway 11. Once he left the roadway, the rear of the vehicle struck a culvert as it ramped off a farm entrance, the vehicle became stuck and a passenger of the vehicle was getting the vehicle out of the ditch. Solgard’s vehicle sustained major damage. The rear driver’s side wheel and rim were missing, the rear bumper was ripped off and both rear quarter panels, the rear driver’s side door and much of the undercarriage received damage from the accident. Solgard was issued citations for Driving Under Influence, Failure to Reduce Speed and Improper Lane Usage. Solgard posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 7:26 a.m. on Monday, September 17, revealed that a vehicle driven by Mark Chen, 24, Decatur, was northbound on US Route 51 driving in the left hand lane of traffic. Due to dense fog, Chen did not see a semi tractor and trailer stopped at the red traffic light at the intersection of Business Route 51 Clinton. The driver stated he swerved sharply to his right striking the rear of the semi trailer. It is unknown if the trailer sustained damage. Chen sustained excessive damage to the drivers side. It is believed the driver of the semi is unaware Chen’s vehicle struck his trailer as he drove off when the light changed.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Drought Brings Concerns Over Baiting For Waterfowl Hunters

Due to ongoing drought condition, farmers are mowing or tilling their unharvested crops to collect insurance payments.

 width=The Department of Natural Resources, DNR, reminds hunters the manipulation, including mowing or tilling, of those unharvested crops is not a normal agricultural practice for waterfowl hunting purposes. DNR Conservation Police Officer Ray Wichus says IDNR has received guidance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that federal baiting laws apply even during times of drought.

[audio:92612waterfowl1.mp3] [/audio]

It is recommended hunters familiarize themselves with baiting laws in Illinois. Wichus says they can have a representative from the USDA to find out if the amount of spillage at the site is more than what is regulated. Wichus adds, hunters shouldn't have to bait in Illinois. He believes there is enough game that the animals shouldn't have to be baited.

[audio:92612waterfowl2.mp3] [/audio]

There can be cases where a penalty could result in the loss of the firearm that is used and the game taken. Wichus says to avoid any issues, do homework before you head out hunt. He encourages scouting the night before, day, or week before.

[audio:92612waterfowl3.mp3] [/audio]


Frequently Asked Questions regarding hunting crop fields mowed or tilled due to drought insurance claims:

1. If a standing grain crop is 100% void of any ears (corn field produced no ears), can the field be mowed then hunted?

Yes, as long as there is no grain present in the field. A field that produces NO ears of corn will probably be a rare occurrence.

2. If a standing grain crop has any amount of grain present after it is mowed, can it be hunted?

No, it is a “baited area” until 10 days after the complete removal of the grain.

3. Can a standing crop that was mowed be disked and made legal for hunting?

The field can only be hunted after all exposed grain has been completely removed or buried for a period of 10 days. Hunters should keep in mind that if a dry field is tilled to the extent that no grain is visibly present, strong winds or the first rain is likely to wash off some covered grain, thus still making it a baited situation.

4. Why can a person not hunt over a mowed area?

Under federal baiting regulations, mowing or tilling of a standing crop is not a “normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or normal soil stabili-zation practice” as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service.

For questions about federal baiting regulations, please call 217-782-6431, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cheating Complaints Glossed Over

School administrators and state education officials across the country have received complaints about cheating on standardized tests echoing those in Atlanta. But an investigation has found authorities often treat them as isolated or aberrant events.

Earlier this year that 196 districts nationwide exhibit patterns of suspicious test scores similar to those found in Atlanta. The investigation reports now that some of those districts have responded the same way Atlanta did: by minimizing, isolating or glossing over improprieties.

Nearly always, officials focused narrowly on a single classroom or, at most, a single school - the approach the Atlanta Public Schools used for years before a scandal over systemic cheating erupted three years ago.

The report examined records from schools in Alabama, Texas, Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis and Illinois.

Smaller Bills Coming For Ameren Customers

Ameren electric customers will see smaller bills between now and the end of the year.  The Illinois Commerce Commission this week ordered the company to cut electric delivery rates by 48-point-one million dollars.  Jim Chilsen, with the Citizens Utility Board, says the lower rates can be tied to the company's smart grid plans.  

[audio:rddameren1.mp3] [/audio]

Utilities statewide are now allowed to recoup the costs of so-called "smart-grid" upgrades through rate hikes, but Ameren hasn't yet presented an acceptable upgrade plan. Chilsen adds a new plan is in the works, but Ameren is running out of time to get it approved.

[audio:rddameren2.mp3] [/audio]

Utilities are allowed to raise rates to recoup the cost of upgrading their grids, but Ameren's initial smart-grid upgrade was rejected.  Chilsen says it's re-tooling plans, but another delivery rate decrease could take place in January if it's also rejected.

Illinois Court Backs Pharmacists On Morning After Pill

An Illinois appellate court has ruled in favor of 2 pharmacists who objected to providing emergency contraception because they said it infringed upon their religious beliefs.

A lawsuit by Luke Vander Bleek and Glenn Kosirog challenged a 2005 executive order by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich requiring all pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the so-called morning-after pill.

They argued they were protected by the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act. That law says health professionals cannot be punished if they refuse to offer a service because of their conscientious convictions.

Friday's ruling applies only to the two pharmacists. But their lawyer, Francis Manion, says the precedent means the state cannot go after other pharmacists who similarly refuse to provide the pill.

High Hay Prices Overwhelm Owners

The skyrocketing price of hay has left some Illinois horse owners overwhelmed.

A spokesman for the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County says he's been inwith calls from people to give up their animals because they can't afford to feed them.

The Children's Farm in Palos Park says they get calls every day from people who want to donate their horse.

The cost of a single bale of hay is already much higher than last year. The newspaper's check online showed up to $9 this year compared with $3 average for last year.

The trend is echoing nationwide. Farmers and ranchers are having a tough time growing hay because of the widespread drought.

Report Shows 200 Flagged To DCFS Died Since 2000

A report says more than 200 children who'd been flagged to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services were killed over an 11-year period.

The report used records from police, prison and the medical examiner to look at deaths from 2000 to 2011.

The agency's Office of Inspector General investigates the deaths.

In many cases, calls had been made to the agency's abuse hotline. Sometimes, agency workers made mistakes or failed to act quickly. The agency's inspector general says in one case a worker lied about creating a safety play.

DCFS Director Richard Calica says the deaths are disturbing but resources are limited.

The state is making big budget cuts and case workers are overwhelmed.

Corn Harvest Update

Corn harvest is moving at a rapid pace across central Illinois, as farmers look to put the Drought of 2012 behind them.  Jared White has more...

[audio:91812CIHarvestUpdateWRAP.mp3] [/audio]

CPD To Collect Unused Drugs Saturday of Apple and Pork

Got expired medications? Bring 'em to Apple and Pork.

The Clinton Police Department will be collecting any unused prescription drugs to make sure they get disposed of properly. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy says many times prescription drugs are not disposed of properly, which can have devastating effects on the water systems from which thousands draw for drinking water.

[audio:51012policeupdate1.mp3] [/audio]

Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters encourages anyone coming into town to take advantage of this opportunity. The police department will be out collecting those unused drugs Saturday of Apple and Pork. She also notes this is not the only time to take advantage of the collection, as the department has this available year round in their lobby.

[audio:92412takebackap1.mp3] [/audio]

This is a good opportunity for anyone coming from outside the area who may not have a program like this in their town to see to it old, expired, or unused drugs get disposed of properly.

[audio:92412takebackap2.mp3] [/audio]

In late April of this year, the Police Department collected over 400-pounds of drugs.

Those wishing to take advantage of the program from outside of Clinton, the Clinton Police Station is at the corner of Washington and Quincy, one block off of Center Street.

Driving there on Saturday also may be challenge.

Maroa-Forsyth Could Become Independent in 2014-15

The Okaw Valley Conference shake up of last week may impact Maroa-Forsyth the most in the near future.

Administrators of the school were disappointed in the way things ended Tuesday when nine schools made their intentions known to leave the conference and begin their own. High School Football Coach and Athletic Director at Maroa-Forsyth, Josh Jostes says he was not surprised to hear they not invited to the discussion table, or to join the others in leaving the conference.

[audio:92412maroareax1.mp3] [/audio]

It is now no secret the reasoning behind this shake up is football. Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools, Mike Williams says it is disappointing to have good long term relationships and rivalries end over it.

[audio:92412maroareax2.mp3] [/audio]

The option for M-F schools to join the nine teams in a new conference is still a possibility, however, Williams notes it is going to be up to the nine teams and how they set up for a tenth team join. He adds, as of right now, it is looking more and more likely that Maroa-Forsyth will be an independent come the school year 2014-15 and maybe even beyond.

[audio:92412maroareax3.mp3] [/audio]

Williams feels if the situation was handled differently from the beginning, and all parties were at the tables for talks, instead of secret meetings, things could have moved along much quicker and things would be very different. A conference break up also impacts Maroa-Forsyth because they have coop sports programs with other schools as well, which would end those relationships.

Hamlin Grabs Chase Win At New Hampshire

Denny Hamlin bounced back in the Chase for the Sprint Cup after winning Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  Hamlin started the Chase as the first seed but had a disappointing run at Chicagoland which put him 15 points out.  The number-11 car finished ahead of Jimmie Johnson for his fifth win of the season.  Johnson's second-place run put him atop the Chase standings after two out of ten races.  He's one point up on Brad Keselowski, who finished sixth.  Jeff Gordon finished third at Loudon, followed by Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne.  Defending Cup champion Tony Stewart was seventh.

Cards Double Up Cubs; Sox Swept, Lead at 1

>>Cards Double Up Cubs

(Chicago, IL)  --  Allen Craig went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI to back six strong frames from Kyle Lohse as the Cardinals doubled up the Cubs, 6-3.  Lohse fanned five and allowed three runs on five hits to improve to 16-and-3 on the season.  Jason Motte closed it out to nail down his 40th save for St. Louis, which has won six of its last seven games.  Pete Kozma homered and added a sac-fly in the win.  Alfonso Soriano popped a solo homer and Wellington Castillo added an RBI double for Chicago.  Justin Germano gave up four runs in five-and-two-third frames to absorb the loss.

MLB NL
------
New York Mets 3, Miami Marlins 2
Atlanta Braves 2, Philadelphia Phillies 1
Milwaukee Brewers 6, Washington Nationals 2
Pittsburgh Pirates 8, Houston Astros 1
Arizona Diamondbacks 10, Colorado Rockies 7
San Diego Padres 6, San Francisco Giants 4
Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Cincinnati Reds 3

>>Angels Lock Up White Sox

(Anaheim, CA)  --  The Angels finished off a three-game sweep the White Sox with a 4-1 win behind a 3-for-4, two-RBI afternoon from Albert Pujols.  Kendry Morales hit his 22nd home run of the season, while Jered Weaver improved to 19-and-4 after dealing six-and-one-third innings of one-run ball with four strikeouts.  Los Angeles is only two-and-a-half games behind the A's for the second Wild Card spot in the AL.  Dayan Viciedo plated the only run for Chicago.  Gavin Floyd took the loss.  The White Sox are a game ahead of the Tigers for first place in the AL Central.

MLB AL
------
Minnesota Twins 10, Detroit Tigers 4 (G1)
Oakland Athletics 5, New York Yankees 4
Boston Red Sox 2, Baltimore Orioles 1
Tampa Bay Rays 3, Toronto Blue Jays 0
Cleveland Indians 15, Kansas City Royals 4
Texas Rangers 3, Seattle Mariners 2
Minnesota Twins 2, Detroit Tigers 1 (10 inn) (G2)

Bears Crush Rams; Pack On MNF

>>Bears Roll Over Rams

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago Bears' defense held the St. Louis Rams without a touchdown and Major Wright added a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown en route to a 23-6 victory at Solider Field.  Michael Bush added a three-yard rushing score and Robbie Gould kicked three field goals for the Bears, who improved to 2-and-1 and have won their last four meetings against the Rams.  Jay Cutler finished 17-of-31 passing for 183 yards with an interception for Chicago, which was without Matt Forte because of an ankle injury.  Sam Bradford completed just 18-of-35 passes for 152 yards with a pair of interceptions as the Rams managed just 160 yards of total offense.  Danny Amendola hauled in five passes for 66 yards for St. Louis, which has dropped 11 of its last 12 road games.

>>Jags Rally Past Colts

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  Cecil Shorts hauled in the game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass from Blaine Gabbert with 45 seconds remaining and the Jacksonville Jaguars edge the Indianapolis Colts, 22-17.  Gabbert finished 10-of-21 for 155 yards with the score for Jacksonville, which picked up its first win of the season.  Maurice Jones-Drew totaled 177 yards on 28 carries with a score in the victory.  Andrew Luck had 313 yards on 22 completions with touchdown tosses to T.Y. Hilton and Mewelde Moore for Indianapolis.  Luck also had 50 yards via the ground for the Colts, who drop to 1-and-2 on the season.

NFL
------
Dallas Cowboys 16, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10
Minnesota Vikings 24, San Francisco 49ers 13
Tennessee Titans 44, Detroit Lions 41 (OT)
Cincinnati Bengals 38, Washington Redskins 31
Kansas City Chiefs 27, New Orleans Saints 24 (OT)
New York Jets 23, Miami Dolphins 20 (OT)
Buffalo Bills 24, Cleveland Browns 14
Arizona Cardinals 27, Philadelphia Eagles 6
Atlanta Falcons 27, San Diego Chargers 3
Houston Texans 31, Denver Broncos 25
Oakland Raiders 34, Pittsburgh Steelers 31
Baltimore Ravens 31, New England Patriots 30

>>Packers Square Off Against Seahawks On "MNF"

(Seattle, WA)  --  The Green Bay Packers hit the road for the first time this season as they take on the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on "Monday Night Football."  The Pack split a pair of home games to start the campaign, losing to the 49ers before bouncing back against the Bears.  Green Bay comes in rested after playing in Week Two's Thursday night game.  This begins a stretch of four road games in five weeks for Green Bay.  After a near-miss at Arizona, Seattle corralled the Cowboys 27-7 in their home opener a week ago Sunday.  The Seahawks are 17-and-8 all-time on "Monday Night Football," the best winning percentage all-time.  Seattle will play four of its next five on the road.

Illini Routed; ISU Tops Western; MAC With Big Weekend

>>Louisiana Tech Routes Illini

Louisiana Tech turned six Illinois turnovers and a 284-yard, four-touchdown night from quarterback Colby Cameron into a 52-24 road upset of Illinois Saturday.

Cameron's favorite target was Quinton Patton who caught six balls for 164 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs.

Illinois (2-2) turned the ball over three times in the first quarter and the Bulldogs (3-0) cashed in for an early 21-7 lead.

Cameron and Patton connected on a pair of early third-quarter touchdowns that put the Bulldogs up for good, 35-17.

After missing the past two games with a sprained ankle, Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was ineffective and left the game in the first quarter. Reilly O'Toole was 19 of 25 for 120 yards in his place.

The Bulldog defense sacked Illinois' quarterbacks five times.

>>ISU Tops Western

Darrelynn Dunn carried the load for FCS power Illinois State in Saturday's 23-3 victory over Western Illinois, rushing 29 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

The 15th ranked Redbirds (4-0) stayed perfect on the road this season at 2-0 and it is the first time since 1967 Illinois State has started a season with four straight wins.

Dunn gave Illinois State its first score of the afternoon with a 2-yard touchdown run at the 4:02 mark in the first quarter. It was the third 100-plus yards rushing effort in a game this season by Dunn.

Illinois State totaled 373 yards of offense against Western Illinois (2-2), which managed only 137 yards and a field goal themselves. A 21-yard field goal by Pat Smith with five minutes to go in the third quarter was the only drive ending in a score for the Leathernecks.

>> MAC Wacks Big Ten, Big East, Big 12

You could call Saturday, the Big MAC.

The Mid-American Conference racked up four big victories Saturday against schools from BCS automatic-qualifying conferences.

It started with Central Michigan winning 32-31 at Iowa of the Big Ten by scoring nine points in the last minute, the final three on David Harman's 47-yard field goal with 3 seconds left.

Northern Illinois took out Kansas of the Big 12, 30-23, and the MAC got two home victories against the Big East.

Western Michigan beat Connecticut of the Big East 30-24, and Ball State won another against the Big East with a late touchdown against South Florida. Willie Snead made a sensational one-handed 19-yard TD catch in the back of the end zone for Ball State with 1:02 left and in the Cardinals' 31-27 victories.

The MAC gave it a good go to make it two victories against the Big Ten as Eastern Michigan led No. 21 Michigan State 7-3 at halftime and trailed only 9-7 heading into the fourth before falling 23-7.

The day was reminiscent of Sept, 20, 2003, when MAC teams beat three ranked opponents. Those three big wins came from Marshall (over No. 6 Kansas State in Manhattan), Northern Illinois (over No. 21 Alabama in Tuscaloosa) and Toledo (over No. 9 Pittsburgh at home).

Clinton Police Weekend Report

ON 9/22/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED MICHAEL L. POLLOCK 30, DECATUR FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, SHAWN M. COVENTRY JR 31, DECATUR FOR POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA A MACON COUNTY WARRANT AND ILLEGAL TRANSPORTATION OF ALCOHOL, AND KENNETH L. WINHOLTZ JR 24, DECATUR A CITATION FOR ILLEGAL TRANSPORTATION OF ALCOHOL. POLLOCK AND COVENTRY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS AND WINHOLTZ WAS RELEASED ON A NOTICE TO APPEAR IN COURT.

 

ON 9/23/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JOHN E INMAN 28, WAPELLA FOR BATTERY. INMAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

CITATIONS 9/22/12

RYAN SCHROAT 24, DECATUR SPEEDING 78 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONEAND OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. BOND POSTED

ELIJAH L. BOYD 22, DECATUR SPEEDING 73 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

DANIEL L. CHURCH 33, MAROA SPEEDING 74 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

 

ACCIDENT

ON 9/22/12 CLINTON POLICE INVESTIGATED A PROPERTY DAMAGE ACCIDENT AT VAN BUREN & MADISON ST. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY CAROLEE EMERSON 62, CLINTON WAS EASTBOUND ON VAN BURENST. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY SANDRA S. PEGUES 66, SPRINGFIELD WAS NORTHBOUND ON MADISON ST AND WENT INTO THE INTERSECTION AND COLLIDED WITH EMERSON. PEGUES WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR DISOBEYING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

September 22, 2012

 

Jail Population: 87

Summons Served: 2

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 23, 2012

 

Jail Population: 88

Summons Served: 2

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 24, 2012

 

Jail Population: 88

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Lucas Heppe, 34, Champaign, was issued citations for Driving Under Influence. Heppe posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Ryan Harrison, 24, Decatur, was issued citations for Driving While License Suspended/Revoke, Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Harrison posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Joseph Grosso, 27, Fisher, was issued a citation for Illegal Transportation Alcohol. Grosso was issued a notice to appear and was released.

 

Bruce O’Rear, 41, Pana, was issued citations for Driving Under Influence and Improper Lane Usage. O’Rear posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Police Department Readies For Busy Apple and Pork Weekend

The busiest weekend of the year in Clinton, means the busiest weekend for the Clinton Police Department.

As tens-of-thousands will make their way to the city of Clinton this weekend, the traffic around the area will definitely increase. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy says of the many problems a small community could face with that many people coming to a town, their biggest issue is traffic.

[audio:92512policeap1.mp3] [/audio]

Something new officials tried last year was the closing of Center Street to allow for the tractor's providing transportation to move easier. Chief Reidy felt that was a move that paid off and he says they will do it once again this year.

[audio:92512policeap2.mp3] [/audio]

Through the course of the weekend, extra officers will be out and about to patrol what will be busy streets of Clinton. Chief Reidy feels it is worth it to make sure an event like Apple and Pork can be successful. He notes this is a huge event for the community and it's organizations and groups.

[audio:92512policeap3.mp3] [/audio]

Chief Reidy says in the many years he's been around the festival, he can't remember the last time there was bad weather for the weekend, and he hopes that trend continues. Center Street will be closed off early Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm.

Extensive Remodeling Work Being Done at Baum Chevrolet Buick

 width=(provided photo) Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton is undergoing a major remodel on both the inside and outside of their building on West Route 54. Owner Scott Baum tells Regional Radio News, that they're excited about all the work.

[audio:Baumcut1Sept2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Baum says that while it's been difficult to work around the remodel, everyone has been great to work with.

[audio:Baumcut2Sept2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

 width=(provided photo) Baum added the remodel includes an addition to the east side of the dealership.

[audio:Baumcut3Sept2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Baum says the remodeling at Baum Chevrolet Buick should be completed by next spring.

DC Sheriff Joins Twitter

Social media buffs can now follow DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner.

Sheriff Shofner recently made the leap into the "Twitter-sphere" and he says so far it's been a transition. He feels Twitter is a great way to get information out in a quick, and easy manner and he adds he pretty impressed with what can be done with it.

[audio:92212sherifftwitter1.mp3] [/audio]

For those who have never used Twitter, it is a social media platform that has evolved to more than everyday experiences, comparable to a Facebook update, and now takes the shape of shared links to interesting content on the web, conversations around hot topics , photos, videos, music, and real-time accounts from people who are in the midst of a newsworthy event. While many view this as a good thing, the Sheriff has mixed feelings.

[audio:92212sherifftwitter2.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Shofner says right now they are using Twitter to release information that comes across their desk instead of doing so many news releases.

You can find Sheriff Shofner at the handle, @SheriffShofner.

Also you can find DeWitt Daily News on Twitter under the handle, @DeWittDN.

USDA Changes Report Release Times

USDA has changed its release time for several major USDA statistical reports.
 
Starting January of 2013 - the National Ag Statistics Service and World Agricultural Outlook board will issue reports at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. Alan Brugler with Brugler Marketing and Management says the agency claims the shift will result in more liquidity - less volatility in regards to report reaction - and the greatest access to the report among all interested parties.
 
[audio:reportchange1.mp3] [/audio]
    
Brugler questions why USDA chose to continue to release the reports during the trading session. While he is disappointed in the move - he doesn’t see a major market impact with the change.
 
[audio:reportchange2.mp3] [/audio]
 
The current USDA release time of 7:30 a.m. Central will remain in effect until January 1st. The time for livestock reports currently released at 3:00 p.m. will not change.

Weekly Weather Update


We saw a very cool this week, and we can continue to see mild temperatures this weekend. State Climotologist, Jim Angel says we will warm back up next week to the 70s.

[audio:wx.mp3] [/audio]

Tution Wavers Went To State Workers' Children

A published report shows Illinois lawmakers handed out more than 400 college tuition waivers in the past decade to children of campaign donors or state workers.
 
Even as the roundly criticized legislative scholarship program was winding down, lawmakers were doling out questionable waivers.

The General Assembly voted to abolish the century-old program as of Sept. 1. The Tribune analyzed lawmaker-awarded waivers since 2001 and found at least 75 lawmakers had awarded scholarships to children of political donors. More than 300 went to children of state workers - including judges making $140,000.

Before it was discontinued, the program allowed legislators to grant the equivalent of 2, 4-year scholarships each year. Lawmakers could divide them up as they chose.

Chicago Stirke Likely To Affect Other IL Schools


Parents across Illinois may want to take a close look at the Chicago teacher strike. It could affect their local schools for years to come.

Experts say management and labor everywhere will scrutinize the Chicago deal to see what can be adapted to local needs.

Decisions on how to include student performance in teacher evaluations will be of huge interest. So will seemingly mundane issues like reducing teachers' paperwork or protecting them from abusive principals.

Both sides will also look at the big picture. They'll see that Chicago teachers went on strike, largely kept parents on their side and managed to win some concessions.

Robert Bruno of the University of Illinois at Chicago says he thinks there are "a lot of nervous school boards around the state."

Ill. Teacher Pension System Lowering Expectations

The pension system for thousands of Illinois teachers is officially lowering the forecast of how much money it will make on investments.

Instead of assuming an 8.5% rate of return, the Teachers' Retirement System will now base its plans and projections on 8% growth.

The prediction of less money in the future means the retirement system faces a bigger funding problem. The latest estimate is that TRS has only 42.4% of the money it needs for pensions in the decades ahead.

The retirement system's executive director says assuming a lower rate of return is the prudent thing for long-term planning.

The change also means the state's annual contribution to the pension fund will increase slightly next year.

Car Seat Safety Checks Being Conducted This Weekend

IT’S NATIONAL CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK…AND STATE OFFICIALS WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL ILLINOIS KIDS ARE BUCKLED UP CORRECTLY.

CAR CRASHES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AGES ONE TO 12. STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRAFFIC SAFETY DIRECTOR JOHN WEBBER SAYS THAT RISK COULD BE CUT IN HALF IF PARENTS FOLLOWED THE BASIC GUIDELINES.

[audio:carseat1.mp3] [/audio]

STATE LAW REQUIRES EVERYONE IN THE CAR TO BE FASTENED IN. FOR KIDS…HOW AND WHERE THEY ARE BUCKLED UP DEPENDS ON AGE AND WEIGHT. SECRETARY OF STATE POLICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SYDNEY ROBERTS SAYS THAT CAN GET A LITTLE CONFUSING.

[audio:carseat2.mp3] [/audio]

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKS WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY ALL OVER THE STATE. TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT THE WEBSITE: BUCKLE UP ILLINOIS DOT ORG.

Suicide Prevention Tips

Suicide is a major public health problem in the U.S. that can be prevented.

There are about 36,000 suicides in the U.S. each year and about 600,000 attempted suicides are treated in hospital emergency departments. Even when the suicide attempt does not result in death, the individual and family suffer great pain and anguish, says Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, assistant professor of psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He offers some factors that can cause some adults to attempt suicide.

[audio:siusuicide1.mp3] /audio]

Dr. Bennett says it is very important for individuals who are suffering from mental disorders to see a mental health counselor. He says there is no specific formula for knowing if someone plans to attempt suicide, but offers this advice to family members.

[audio:siusuicide2.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Bennett advises family members or close friends to make sure an individual who might be thinking about suicide gets help from their primary care physician or a mental health counselor. Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

IHSA Friday Scores

IHSA SCORES

At Arcola
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Villa Grove 33 F
Arcola 19
    
At Auburn
SANGAMO
Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop]   7:00
pm
Auburn  
    
At Bismarck (B.-Henning)
VERMILION VALLEY
Sidell (Jamaica) [Salt Fork Coop] 0 F
Bismarck (B.-Henning) 18
 
   
At Bloomington (Central Catholic)
CORN BELT
Pontiac 6 F
Bloomington (Central Catholic) 28
    
At Bunker Hill
PRAIRIE STATE
Nokomis [Coop] 54 F
Bunker Hill 6
    
At Champaign (St. Thomas More)
SANGAMON VALLEY
Clifton (Central)   7:00
pm
Champaign (St. Thomas More)  
 
   
At Danville (H.S.)
BIG TWELVE
Decatur (Eisenhower) 7 F
Danville (H.S.) 29
    
At Decatur (D. Lutheran)
PRAIRIE STATE
Mt. Olive 41 F
Decatur (D. Lutheran) 0
    
At Dunlap
MID-ILLINI
Metamora 49 F
Dunlap 32
 
   
At East Peoria
MID-ILLINI
Canton 13 F
East Peoria 48
    
At Eastern Illinois Univ.
APOLLO
Mattoon   7:00
pm
Charleston  
    
At Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran)
PRAIRIE STATE
Kincaid (South Fork) [Coop] 45 F
Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran) 14

At Farmer City (Blue Ridge)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) 49 F
Farmer City (Blue Ridge) 7
    
At Fisher
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Downs (Tri-Valley)   7:00
pm
Fisher  
    
At Fithian (Oakwood)
VERMILION VALLEY
Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) [G.R.F.-Chrisman Coop] 38 F
Fithian (Oakwood) [O.-Armstrong-Potomac Coop] 19
 
   
At Flora
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Lawrenceville 33 F
Flora [Coop] 7
    
At Gillespie
SOUTH CENTRAL
Hillsboro   7:00
pm
Gillespie  
    
At Greenville
SOUTH CENTRAL
Roxana 26 F
Greenville 58
 
   
At Heyworth
HEART OF ILLINOIS
LeRoy   7:00
pm
Heyworth  
    
At Lincoln
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (H.S.) 21 F
Lincoln 28
    
At Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) 20 F
Colfax (Ridgeview) 57
 
   
At Mahomet (M.-Seymour)
CORN BELT
Rantoul 20 F
Mahomet (M.-Seymour) 56
For Mahomet - Seymour: 434 yards rushing Jordan Rock 19 carries 179 yards 5 TD's Tyler Francisco 8 carries 190 yards 1 TD For Rantoul: Larry Creighton 25 carries 183 yards 2 TD's
    
At Maroa (M.-Forsyth)
OKAW VALLEY (BLUE)
Macon (Meridian)   7:00
pm
Maroa (M.-Forsyth)  
    
At Marshall
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Newton   7:00
pm
Marshall  
 
   
At Martinsville
NON-CONFERENCE
Danville (Schlarman) 0 forf.
Martinsville 1
    
At Milford
VERMILION VALLEY
Westville   7:00
pm
Milford [Coop]  
    
At Minonk (Fieldcrest)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Flanagan (F.-Cornell) [F.C.-Woodland Coop] 52 F
Minonk (Fieldcrest) 18
 
   
At Monticello
OKAW VALLEY (BLACK)
Clinton 12 F
Monticello 40
    
At Morton
MID-ILLINI
Bartonville (Limestone) 14 F
Morton 40
    
At Moweaqua (Central A & M)
OKAW VALLEY (BLUE)
Argenta (A.-Oreana) 12 F
Moweaqua (Central A & M) 41
 
   
At New Berlin
SANGAMO
Pleasant Plains   7:00
pm
New Berlin [Coop]  
    
At Niantic (Sangamon Valley)
SANGAMO
Riverton 24 F
Niantic (Sangamon Valley) [Coop] 7
    
At Normal (Community West)
BIG TWELVE
Normal (Community) 23 F
Normal (Community West) 35
 
   
At Oakland
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Cerro Gordo [C.G.-Bement Coop] 0 F
Oakland [Tri-County Coop] 47
    
At Olney (East Richland)
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Robinson   7:00
pm
Olney (East Richland)  
    
At Pana (H.S.)
SOUTH CENTRAL
Piasa (Southwestern) 14 F
Pana (H.S.) 7
 
   
At Paxton
NON-CONFERENCE
Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) 6 F
Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) 7
    
At Pekin
MID-ILLINI
Washington 14 F
Pekin 20
    
At Peoria Stadium
MID-STATE 6
Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central) 35 F
Peoria (Manual) 8
 
   
At Quincy (Notre Dame)
MID-STATE 6
Peoria (H.S.) 29 F
Quincy (Notre Dame) 33
    
At Richwoods Stadium
MID-STATE 6
Peoria (Richwoods) 34 F
Peoria (Notre Dame) 17
    
At Salem
APOLLO
Effingham (H.S.)   7:00
pm
Salem  
 
   
At Shelbyville
OKAW VALLEY (BLACK)
Decatur (St. Teresa) 14 F
Shelbyville 35
Tucker Schwengel, Shelbyville QB, 22/33, 232 Yards, 4TD, 19 Rushes for 111 yards. Darin Breeden, Shelbyville WR, 162 Yards, 2 TD's
    
At Shiloh
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Arthur (A.-Lovington) [Coop] 42 F
Broadlands (Heritage) [East Central Coop] 0
    
At Springfield (Lanphier)
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Rochester   7:00
pm
Springfield (Lanphier)  
 
   
At Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Jacksonville (H.S.) 6 F
Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) 21
    
At Springfield (Southeast)
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Chatham (Glenwood) 49 F
Springfield (Southeast) 7
    
At St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden)
SANGAMON VALLEY
Gilman (Iroquois West) 29 F
St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) 52
 
   
At Stanford (Olympia)
CORN BELT
Fairbury (Prairie Central) 42 F
Stanford (Olympia) 14
    
At Tolono (Unity)
OKAW VALLEY (BLACK)
Sullivan [S.-Okaw Valley Coop]   7:00
pm
Tolono (Unity)  
    
At Tommy Stewart Field
BIG TWELVE
Decatur (MacArthur)   7:00
pm
Champaign (Central)  
 
   
At Tremont
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Lexington   7:00
pm
Tremont  
    
At Urbana (H.S.)
BIG TWELVE
Champaign (Centennial)   6:30
pm
Urbana (H.S.)  
    
At Vandalia
SOUTH CENTRAL
Litchfield 6 F
Vandalia 47
 
   
At Virden (North Mac)
SANGAMO
Athens [Coop] 51 F
Virden (North Mac) 36
    
At Warrensburg (W.-Latham)
OKAW VALLEY (BLUE)
Tuscola 38 F
Warrensburg (W.-Latham) 14
    
At Watseka
SANGAMON VALLEY
Momence 6 F
Watseka 21
 
   
At Williamsville
SANGAMO
Pawnee 0 F
Williamsville 44
 

National Friday Scores

FRIDAY'S SCOREBOARD

MLB NL
------
Chicago Cubs 5, St. Louis Cardinals 4 (11 inn)
Philadelphia Phillies 6, Atlanta Braves 2
Milwaukee Brewers 4, Washington Nationals 2
Los Angeles Dodgers 3, Cincinnati Reds 1 (10 inn)
New York Mets 7, Miami Marlins 3
Houston Astros 7, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
Arizona Diamondbacks 15, Colorado Rockies 5
San Francisco Giants 5, San Diego Padres 1

MLB AL
------
Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers (PPD/Rain)
New York Yankees 2, Oakland Athletics 1 (10 inn)
Baltimore Orioles 4, Boston Red Sox 2
Tampa Bay Rays 12, Toronto Blue Jays 1
Kansas City Royals 6, Cleveland Indians 3
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6, Chicago White Sox 2
Seattle Mariners 6, Texas Rangers 3

WNBA
------
Indiana Fever 66, Washington Mystics 53
Minnesota Lynx 89, Phoenix Mercury 66
Seattle Storm 84, San Antonio Silver Stars 75

Halos Handle White Sox

(Anaheim, CA)  --  Torii Hunter and Albert Pujols each had a pair of RBI to help the Angels top the White Sox, 6-2.  Mike Trout scored twice and had a solo shot for Los Angeles, which is three and a half games back of Oakland for the second AL wild card spot.  Ervin Santana struck out 11 and gave up one run and two hits in seven frames for the win.  Alejandro De Aza started the game with a solo jack for Chicago, which is a game and a half up on the Tigers for first in the AL Central.  Jake Peavy allowed five runs in as many frames for the loss.

Cubs Rally To Beat Cardnials In Extras


(Chicago, IL)  --  Darwin Barney hit a game-tying, two-run homer in the ninth and David DeJesus singled in the game-winner in the 11th as the Cubs rallied past the Cardinals, 5-4.  Barney also had an RBI single and DeJesus finished with four hits as Chicago won the opener of the three-game set at Wrigley Field.  Alberto Cabrera got the win in relief, while Joe Kelly took the loss.  Chris Carpenter was in line in the win for St. Louis after pitching five innings of two-run ball in his season debut.  He had been out all year after having surgery for a nerve issue in his neck.  Pete Kozma stole home in defeat.

Halloween Costume Party At Lincoln Museum Oct. 18

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is planning a "Spooktacular Evening with Abe" for next month.

Families are invited to wear Halloween costumes for the event on Oct. 18. It costs $10 per family and tickets must be purchased in advance.

The event will include historical figures "haunting" the exhibits, eerie lighting and music, spooky stories and a costume contest with prizes for kids.

There will be a special showing of the "Ghosts of the Library" program and refreshments will be served.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday Around Central Illinois Guests

Join us Monday for Around Central Illinois at 8:40 and 9:10 when we'll talk to Monticello Superintendent Dr. Vic Zimmerman, then Geoff Ladd of the Logan County Tourism Bureau. And if you miss an interview you wanted to hear, just visit dewittdailynews.com and click on the Around Central Illinois tab at the top of the page and you can hear all of our interviews from the past week.

Illinois Wants College Students To Check Fire Alarms

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging college students moving into apartments and dormitories to ensure there are working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed Saturday Look Up! Pay it Forward Day and September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

Students should also identify emergency exits when moving into new places.

Quinn signed a law last month that requires fire sprinkler protection in on-campus dorms at public and private colleges by September 2014.

Look Up! was created by Kathleen Moritz in 2005 after her 22-year-old son Tanner Osborn and two others died in an off-campus apartment fire in Chicago. That prompted lawmakers in 2010 to require sprinklers in fraternity and sorority houses.

Abortion Case Heard In Illinois Supreme Court

The state’s High Court will decide what happens next for a law that requires parents be notified when their young daughters are seeking an abortion.  Paul Linton with the Thomas More Society says parents have vital health information that doctors should know before performing the procedure.

[audio:rddAbort1.mp3] [/audio]

Lorie Chaiten [[ Chay-ten ]] with the American Civil Liberties Union says the young girls are typically mature enough to make the decision without their parents.

[audio:rddAbort2.mp3] [/audio]

Chaiten adds most young women don’t go into the procedure uninformed.

[audio:rddAbort3.mp3] [/audio]

Chaiten feels informing the parents could put the minors in a very dangerous situation.

[audio:rddAbort4.mp3] [/audio]

The Illinois' Parental Notification of Abortion Act passed in 1995 but has never been enforced because of the legal dispute.  The American Civil Liberties Union brought the suit, claiming the law discriminates against young girls and puts some in very harmful family situations.  They’re asking the Supreme Court to kick it back down to the Circuit Court so judges can hear testimony about the safety of abortions.  Even if the law is enforced, it just requires parental notification for the procedure, not parental consent.  The Justices will submit an opinion soon.

New Census Data Shows Poverty Rising In Illinois

New U.S. Census data show that poverty increased in Illinois in 2011, as the economy continued its slow recovery from recession.

The new numbers from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey were released Thursday.

They show an estimated 1.9 million people in the state were living below the federal poverty line last year.

That's almost 150,000 more than in 2010.

In Chicago, the numbers increased by 15,000 last year for a total of more than 261,000.

At the same time people are earning smaller paychecks, as laid-off workers move on to take lower paying jobs.

University of Michigan economist Sheldon Danzinger tells the paper that "the low-paying sectors are growing," while higher-paying industries continue to trim jobs.

Recent Rain Easing Drought In Certain States

A weekly tracker of the nation's worst drought in decades says parched conditions continue easing in key Midwest states as farmers step up their corn harvests.

The U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday says recent rainfall that benefited portions of the Corn Belt came too late to help already damaged corn crops. But the moisture may plump up still-maturing soybeans.

The report shows about one-fifth of the contiguous U.S. remains in the two worst categories of drought - extreme and exceptional. The swath still dealing with exceptional drop dropped by less than half of a percentage point, to 5.96%.

The amount of Kansas still in the worst drought classification fell by 9%age points to 51.04%. Missouri and Arkansas showed improvement in the extreme or excessive drought categories.

Illinois Man Charged With Hurling Fire Bomb At Police

A man in central Illinois has been charged with hurling a Molotov cocktail in front of a police squad car.

No one was injured in the incident Sunday.

19-year-old Cody Stine, of Eureka, has been charged with unlawful use of weapons and is being held on $50,000 bond.

A police report on the incident says a man ran up to the roadway carrying an object topped by a foot of flames and threw it in front of the patrol car. It spread a line of burning liquid across both lanes of the highway.

The officer had to drive on the curb around the flames.

Police say the officer arrested Stine at his home, where other incendiary devices were found.

Illinois Unemployment Up Slightly In August

THE ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INCHED UP A BIT LAST MONTH.

THE STATE JOBLESS RATE CAME IN AT NINE POINT ONE PERCENT IN AUGUST…SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE EIGHT POINT NINE RECORDED IN JULY. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SPOKESPERSON GREG RIVARA SAYS THAT’S TYPICAL OF THIS LONG RECOVERY PERIOD.

[audio:idesaug1.mp3] [/audio]

THE SECTOR WITH THE BIGGEST JOB GAINS LAST MONTH WAS EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH SERVICES…WHICH RIVARA SAYS REFLECTS SCHOOLS RE-OPENING.

[audio:idesaug2.mp3] [/audio]

96-HUNDRED JOBS WERE ADDED IN AUGUST.

Drought Hurting Rural Economy In Ten States

The economy in rural parts of 10 Midwest and Western states continued to look weak in September as the drought weighed down agricultural businesses.

A new survey of bankers in the region released Thursday showed that the overall economic index remained in negative territory at 48.3 in September.

That was slightly better than August's 47.1 and July's 47.9, but any score below 50 on the 1 to 100 index suggests that the economy will contract in months ahead.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the drought is already hurting businesses linked to agriculture like ethanol and farm equipment dealers.

The survey covers rural areas of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The confidence index was also weak at 43 in September, up from August's 39.6.

Farmers Asked To Make Calls from the Combine For A Farm Bill Now

The Illinois Corn Growers Association is joining other farm groups in asking farmers to pick up their cell phones and make a call from the combine to their member of Congress. ICGA vice-president Paul Taylor, a farmer from Esmond, IL, says that it’s a simple request….

[audio:PaulTaylor1.mp3] [/audio]

Time is short to accomplish the 2012 Farm Bill before Congress heads home to campaign hard ahead of the November elections. Congress knows a Farm Bill is important, but they say that they’re really not hearing from farmers on the issue. That’s why, Taylor says, now is the time to make those calls from the combine for a Farm Bill Now.

[audio:PaulTaylor2.mp3] [/audio]

To make it easy, a toll-free number has been established for farmers to use to make that call to their member of the U.S. House. 888-WHY-CORN will direct you to the U.S. House of Representatives operator who will transfer you to your Representative’s office.

Calls from the combine are needed today through Friday, before Congress leaves Washington, DC, at the end of the week.  Again that toll-free number is 888-WHY-CORN, or 888-949-2676.

County Board To Investigate Perpetual Care Fund With Landfill

The DeWitt County Board's Land Use Committee will revisit bringing on a perpetual care fund with the landfill.

A meeting in Piatt County in August has made this a real possibility and Land Use Committee Chair, Terry Ferguson explains this is something that could be in place whether or not a chemical waste landfill would ever be permitted. Ferguson notes, Peoria Disposal, the parent company for Area Disposal, has agreements like these in place in other areas.

[audio:92112landuse1.mp3] [/audio]

Ferguson explains this fund benefits both the County and the landfill. This gives a fund for ongoing monitoring should there be any problems. This gives the landfill an opportunity to prepay for any problems, and it gives the County an opportunity for available cash for monitoring.

[audio:92112landuse2.mp3] [/audio]

This agreement could generate close $8-thousand a month, based on agreements Peoria Disposal has entered into in other areas of the state. Ferguson explains Area would make an initial contribution and then there would be a rate of interest to have a steady flow of income.

[audio:92112landuse3.mp3] [/audio]

There is no legislation mandating this agreement, and according to Ferguson, this would have to be an agreement between the County and Area Disposal.

Chase Continues At Loudon

One down and nine to go, as the Chase for the Sprint Cup continues on Sunday in Loudon at the Sylvania 300.  For the second consecutive season, New Hampshire will be the second stop in the Chase.  Last year, Tony Stewart opened the Chase with back-to-back wins in Chicago and New Hampshire en route to winning the title for the third time.  Last weekend at Chicagoland in the Chase-opener, Brad Keselowski beat Jimmie Johnson by 3.17 seconds for his fourth win of the season and eighth of his career.

Bears D-Line Coming Up Big; Rams Visit Bears

>>Rams Roll Into Windy City To Battle Bears

(Chicago, IL)  --  The St. Louis Rams head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears Sunday at Soldier Field.  After a near miss at Detroit, the Rams rebounded for a 31-28 win over RG3 and the Redskins in Sunday's home opener.  Sam Bradford threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns as St. Louis overcame an early 21-6 deficit.  Danny Amendola tied an NFL record with 12 first-half receptions and finished with 15 catches for 160 yards and a TD.  The Bears are coming off a 23-10 loss at Green Bay but are well rested after playing in Week Two's Thursday night game.  After throwing for 333 yards against the Colts, Jay Cutler was just 11-for-27 for 127 yards and four picks against the Pack.

>>Bears Defense Line Stepping Up

Henry Melton figures he might have a few words for Sam Bradford when the Chicago Bears meet the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, and they probably won't be nice.

It's just a Texas-Oklahoma thing.

The former Longhorn says he'll probably have something "dirty" to say to Bradford if he sacks him, and the way the Bears' defensive line has been performing, he just might get to the quarterback.

A big concern when the season started, that unit is performing well so far. With Julius Peppers creating his usual havoc and other players stepping up, the Bears are tied for second in the NFL with eight sacks.

They got to Aaron Rodgers five times in last week's loss at Green Bay after three against Indianapolis' Andrew Luck.

Eli's Giants Skin Panthers

Eli Manning threw for 288 yards and a touchdown as the Giants crushed the Panthers, 36-7.  Andre Brown rumbled for 113 yards and two scores on the ground for New York, which moved to 2-and-1 on the young season.  Ramses Barden caught nine balls for 138 yards while the Giants defense created four turnovers.  Cam Newton was intercepted three times while throwing for 242 yards.  Steve Smith hauled in four passes for 86 yards while Greg Olson managed seven catches for 98 yards in the loss.  Carolina dipped to 1-and-2 with the defeat.

White Sox To Decline Peavy's Option; Carp To Make 2012 Debut

>>Carpenter To Start Today

(Chicago, IL)  --  Chris Carpenter makes his season debut for the Cardinals today.  The 37-year-old right-hander will start the first of a three-game series against the Cubs this afternoon at Wrigley Field.  "Carp" has been out all year with a shoulder injury.  He is 95-and-42 in eight seasons with St. Louis.

>>White Sox To Decline Peavy's Option

(Chicago, IL)  --  Right-handed pitcher Jake Peavy is reportedly not staying in the Windy City beyond 2012.  Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the White Sox will decline Peavy's 22-million-dollar club option for 2013.  Chicago will pay a four-million-dollar buyout to make Peavy a free agent.  The 31-year-old has had a bounce-back season after a rough 2011.  Peavy has posted an 11-and-11 record with a 3.26 ERA in 29 starts.  He's struck out 177 batters, his highest total since 2007 with the San Diego Padres.

Royals Walk Off On Sox; Cards Sweep Astros; Reds Clinch Playoff Spot

>>Royals Walk Off On ChiSox

(Kansas City, MO)  --  Eric Hosmer's RBI single in the ninth completed a comeback from three runs down as the Royals downed the White Sox, 4-3.  A.J. Pierzynski was 2-for-4 with an RBI for Chicago.  Jesse Crain took the loss in relief.  The White Sox now hold a two-game lead over Detroit in the AL Central.  The Southsiders kick off a three-game series against the Angels tonight in Anaheim.  Jake Peavy will go up against Ervin Santana in the opener.

MLB AL
------
Cleveland Indians 4, Minnesota Twins 3 (10 inn)
Oakland Athletics 12, Detroit Tigers 4
New York Yankees 10, Toronto Blue Jays 7
Tampa Bay Rays 7, Boston Red Sox 4
Texas Rangers 3, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1

>>Cards Clip 'Stros For Series Sweep

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Carlos Beltran's two-run double snapped a 3-all tie in the sixth inning and the Cardinals held on for a 5-4 win over the Astros.  Allen Craig hit a three-run homer in the first for St. Louis, which swept the three-game series at Busch Stadium.  Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia pitched six innings of three-run ball for the win.  Jason Motte fanned the side in the ninth for his 38th save.  Bud Norris allowed all five runs in less than six frames to take the loss for Houston.  Brandon Laird drove in two runs and Justin Maxwell and Brandon Barnes had RBI hits for the 'Stros, who fell to 48-and-102.

>>Reds Sweep Cubs To Clinch Playoff Spot

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Reds became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season with a 5-3 win over the Cubs.  Cincinnati broke up a scoreless game with a five-run seventh inning, capped by a two-run double from Henry Rodriguez.  Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]] pitched six shutout innings to improve to 18-and-9 with the win.  Alfredo Simon gave up a run in the ninth, but held on for his first save.  The Reds clinched at least a Wild Card berth and reduced their magic number in the NL Central to two.  Manny Corpas took the loss.  Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-5 with two RBI for Chicago.  Reds manager Dusty Baker missed his second straight game while in the hospital with an irregular heartbeat.

MLB NL
------
San Diego Padres 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 5
San Francisco Giants 9, Colorado Rockies 2
Milwaukee Brewers 9, Pittsburgh Pirates 7
Washington Nationals 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 1
Philadelphia Phillies 16, New York Mets 1

lllini Host Louisiana Tech

The Illinois Fighting Illini host Louisiana Tech on Saturday evening in Champaign.  The Illini are coming off a 44-0 victory versus Charleston Southern last weekend to improve to 2-and-1 on the season.  Their lone loss came in Week Two at Arizona State.  Starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase missed his second-straight game last weekend with a sprain ankle.

HS Football Week Five Preview

>>Sages Host Maroons

The Monticello Sages will look to bounce back after a tough loss last Friday to Maroa-Forsyth. The Sages lost at Maroa 21-7, and the Maroons fell 47-22 at Central A&M. Monticello is 3-1 and Clinton is 1-3 entering action tonight. You can hear all the action live on a special simulcast broadcast on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and also on 95.9 FM WEZC, and on dewittdailynews.com.

Okaw Valley Conference action kicks off tonight as well...

In Okaw Black action:
Decatur St. Teresa at Shelbyville
Sullivan at Tolono Unity

Okaw Valley Blue
Argenta-Oreana at Central A & M)
Macon Meridian at Maroa-Forsyth
Tuscola at Warrensburg-Latham

Little Okaw Valley
Arthur-Lovington vs. Heritage East Centra
Cerro Gordo at Oakland Tri-County
Villa Grove at Arcola

Big Twelve
Champaign Centennial at Urbana
Decatur Eisenhower at Danville
Decatur MacArthur vs. Champaign Central at Tommy Stewart Field
Normal Community) at Normal West

Central State Eight
Chatham Glenwood at Springfield Southeast
Jacksonville at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin
Rochester at Springfield Lanphier
Springfield at Lincoln

Corn Belt
Eureka vs. Normal U-High at ISU Hancock Stadium (Sat.)
Fairbury Prairie Central at Stanford Olympia
Pontiac at Bloomington Central Catholic
Rantoul at Mahomet-Seymour

Heart of Illinois
Tri-Valley at Fisher
El Paso-Gridley at Blue Ridge
Flanagan-Cornell at Fieldcrest
LeRoy at Heyworth
Lexington at Tremont
Dee-Mack at Ridgeview

Sangamo
Athens at Virden
Pawnee at Williamsville
Petersburg PORTA at Auburn
Pleasant Plains at New Berlin
Riverton at Sangamon Valley

Sangamon Valley
Clifton Central at Champaign St. Thomas More
Iroquois West at St. Joseph.-Ogden
Momence at Watseka

Non-Conference games for this week:
Chicago St. Patrick at Bloomington (Sat.)
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Paxton-Buckley-Loda

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-21

 

September 21, 2012

 

Jail Population: 93

Summons Served: 2

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 10:36 p.m. on Thursday, revealed that a vehicle driven by Bethany Nelson, 45, Bloomington, left Whitney’s Cove bar and traveled on Jemima Road coming to a stop at Illinois Route 10. Nelson turned east onto Illinois Route 10. She was unable to negotiate the turn correctly and ended up in the ditch on the west side of Illinois Route 10. For an unknown reason, she kept the vehicle in the ditch and continued travelling eastbound eventually striking a guidewire and the Central Illinois Ag sign, causing major damage to the front driver’s tire and rim, the front bumper, grill, hood, windshield, driver’s side headlight, roof and luggage rack. After striking the Central Illinois Ag sign, the driver overcorrected and crossed over Illinois Route 10 entering the east side ditch. Finally, after approximately 50 feet of driving in the east side ditch, Nelson regained control of the vehicle and maintained the vehicle on the roadway. No injuries were reported and the vehicle was towed from the scene. Nelson was issued citations for Driving Under Influence, Failure To Give Information After Striking Property, Improper Lane Usage and Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle. Nelson posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DeWitt County Sheriff Joins Twitter

Social media buffs can now follow DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner.

Sheriff Shofner recently made the leap into the "Twitter-sphere" and he says so far it's been a transition. He feels Twitter is a great way to get information out in a quick, and easy manner and he adds he pretty impressed with what can be done with it.

[audio:92212sherifftwitter1.mp3] [/audio]

For those who have never used Twitter, it is a social media platform that has evolved to more than everyday experiences, comparable to a Facebook update, and now takes the shape of shared links to interesting content on the web, conversations around hot topics , photos, videos, music, and real-time accounts from people who are in the midst of a newsworthy event. While many view this as a good thing, the Sheriff has mixed feelings.

[audio:92212sherifftwitter2.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Shofner says right now they are using Twitter to release information that comes across their desk instead of doing so many news releases.

You can find Sheriff Shofner at the handle, @SheriffShofner.

Also you can find DeWitt Daily News on Twitter under the handle, @DeWittDN.

Monticello Defeats Clinton 40-12

As heard on The Big 1520AM & 92.3FM WHOW and 95.9FM WEZC, the Monticello Sages defeated the Clinton Maroons 40-12 at Monticello.

For the Maroons (1-4),  Zach Pate had 12 carries for eight yards and completed two of 11 passes for 18 yards. Greg Osgood carried the ball twice for 53 yards and a touchdown. Kye Rekzek was awarded the Clinton Maroons IGA Player of the Game, carrying the ball 11 times for 50 yards and also had an interception returned for a touchdown.

For the Sages (4-1), Ryan Donohue had 28 carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Parker Trice completed seven of 11 passes for 58 yards and an interception. He also carried the ball 14 times for 59 yards. The Monticello Sages 1st State Bank of Monticello Player of the Game award went to Dylan Knisley who had 12 carries for 95 yards and three touchdowns.

The next Maroons broadcast will be next Friday night as the Maroons host the Shelbyville Rams on WHOW.

The next Sages broadcast will be next Friday night as the Sages take on the Sullivan Redskins on 95.9 WEZC at Sullivan.

Illinois Senator Calls On Gov. Quinn To Drop Prison Closure Plan

Illinois state Sen. Gary Forby is urging Gov. Pat Quinn to drop his prison-closure plans with inmate numbers at an all-time high.

The Benton Democrat said Quinn should reconsider after reports said the prison population hit a record -- 49,154 -- last weekend.

The Corrections Department denied a figure that large even though the analysis was based on the agency's own numbers.

Quinn says a tight budget requires closure of 5 correctional facilities -- including Tamms in Forby's district. The Democrat pledges it can be done safely.

Quinn spokeswoman Kelly Kraft said Forby's comments are "filled with inaccuracies based on an inaccurate report" but did not explain why the administration is refuting its own numbers.

The AP's latest analysis of Corrections numbers shows 49,171 prisoners.

Quinn Wants To Restore Funding For Kids

Governor Quinn says he's still interested in shutting down state prisons, despite reports of overcrowding.  Lawmakers included money in the budget to fund the prisons but Quinn says he has a different plan for that cash.  

[audio:rddNoClose1.mp3] [/audio]

Law enforcement agencies across the state have called on lawmakers to restore funding to the Department of Children and Family Services.  The Department had to cut a program that helps keep foster kids together, a move that law enforcement agencies claim could cause crime rates to go up.   Lawmakers will be back in session in November.  They could vote at that time to either override Governor Quinn's veto to fund prisons or add money to the DCFS budget.

World Class Cancer Treatment Facility In Springfield

There's a world-class treatment facility for kids with a rare form of cancer in Springfield.  Doctor Michael Pranzatelli [[ Pran-za-tell-ee ]], with the Southern Illinois School of Medicine, says kids from all over the globe come in to be treated for a condition known as OMS, which is a cancer found in the body cavity.

[audio:rddOSM1.mp3] [/audio]

When a rare form of cancer takes a way a child's ability to walk, talk, or even sit up on their own, doctors in Springfield are there to help them recover.  Doctor Michael Pranzatelli, with the Southern Illinois School of Medicine, says ER doctors may not always recognize the signs of OMS and often misdiagnose it as a viral infection.

[audio:rddOSM2.mp3] [/audio]

Once OMS attacks a child's body, it takes about two weeks for the worst of the symptoms to appear.  If left untreated, the child can become permanently brain dead but if the tumor is caught in time, the child can potentially make a full recovery.  Doctor Pranzatelli says they're currently treating 355 kids.  He says recovery time varies from patient to patient but some respond to treatment after several days.  One of the most rewarding aspects of Doctor Pranzatelli's job is following up with the kids and seeing their progress - from walking and talking to running marathons, riding horses, and even doing karate. 

Kirk Urges Pension Action

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is speaking out about the state's current credit downgrade.  In a video, Kirk says the downgrade impacts everyone in Illinois.  
[audio:rddKirkPens1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Standard & Poor's downgraded the state's credit rating from A to A-plus last month, citing the state's failure to act on pension reform.

Cubs Name Kane County As Class A Affiliate

The Chicago Cubs say the Kane County Cougars have become their Class A affiliate, marking an end to their relationship with the Peoria Chiefs.

Both the Cubs and the Cougars said Wednesday they'd reached a 2-year deal. The Cougars play just outside Geneva in northern Illinois.

Reports had indicated for weeks the Cubs were making the move, but neither team had confirmed the information until Wednesday.

Earlier in the day the St. Louis Cardinals announced they signed an agreement to make the Peoria club their Class A affiliate through 2016.

Kane County had been part of the Kansas City Royals system.

Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug said the Royals had been a great partner and called the decision difficult.

Quinn: Republicans Full Of Bologna On Medicaid Claim

Republicans say Governor Quinn is taking his time booting ineligible people off Medicaid.  Governor Quinn says the GOP is full of bologna.

[audio:rddNoReform1.mp3] [/audio]

Governor Quinn says Republicans are falsely accusing him of dragging his feet when it comes to booting ineligible people out of the Medicaid program.

[audio:rddNoReform2.mp3] [/audio]

Quinn says Republicans are pulling a political stunt just before the election.  He says they know there are contract and procurement rules that must be followed in order to get the rolls cleaned up accurately.  Quinn signed a proposal earlier this year that made more than two-and-a half billion dollars in cuts to the Medicaid program.  Cleaning up the rolls was a part of that package.

Illinois High School Goes On Lockdown Wednesday

Mason City authorities say they are talking to a person of interest who may have caused a school lockdown with a report of a gun on campus.

Mason County Sheriff's Sgt. John Windsor says about 800 students at Illini Central High School and adjacent elementary and junior high schools were locked in classrooms Wednesday, after a caller made the report.

Some students say they had to wait in their classroom for about two hours before being walked with their hands up out of the school.

In a statement, Illini Central Superintendent Lori Harrison said the "potential threat" forced a four-hour lockdown which ended after the Mason City school was deemed secure.

Police Chief Michael Schoo wouldn't identify the person of interest investigators are talking to.

Monticello Focused On Moving Forward After Okaw Movement

Nine schools in the Okaw Valley Conference submitted letters Tuesday afternoon of their intent to leave the Okaw Valley Conference and start their own conference (Sullivan, Shelbyville, Warrensburg-Latham, Meridian, Central A &M, Clinton, Tuscola, Decatur St. Teresa, and Argenta-Oreana).

Monticello, Tolono Unity and Maroa-Forsyth are the remaining three schools in the aftermath of a meeting which saw an invitation to join extended to Clinton, and in a surprising move, Clinton accepted. Randy Moss is Monticello High School's Athletic Director and Assistant Principle. He says they were caught off guard by the move of Clinton High School but he anticipated eight schools leaving would eventually happen.

[audio:92012okawreax1.mp3] [/audio]

Moss from the beginning, back in May when talks of dismembering began, has not been pleased with the way things have been handled. He says he wishes the decision for these schools to leave the conference would have come sooner, however, he says it is now in the past and Monticello along with the other two schools have to move forward and figure out what is best for the group.

[audio:92012okawreax2.mp3] [/audio]

Having success in football seems to be the outlier in this situation which may cause some administrators to be weary of down the road being removed from a conference because of that sucess. He explains Monticello will remain in contact with administrators from Tolono Unity and Maroa-Forsyth as they work for the future of their programs.

[audio:92012okawreax3.mp3] [/audio]

Because Monticello is a founding member of the Okaw, they have the rights to the conference name. Moss says as long as they can, they would like to retain the Okaw name and try to make it continue on.

Join us on Friday morning as Regional Radio News will have reaction from Maroa-Forsyth administrators on the Tuesday happenings in the Okaw.

Clinton To Conduct City Wide Clean Up Saturday

As the Apple and Pork Festival approaches, Clinton civic leaders are encouraging residents to take some time this weekend and clean up.

The Apple and Pork festival is next weekend and Mayor Carolyn Peters would like to see the City look its best for the tens of thousands of people that will converge on Clinton for the weekend. She says in an effort to promote cleaning up, there will be a city wide clean up which Area Disposal will have containers for resident to drop large items for free.

[audio:92012cityclean1.mp3] [/audio]

Mayor Peters says with the thousands of people making their way to the city, she would like to make the city look presentable and make a good impression on the people that will be walking the streets of Clinton that weekend.

[audio:92012cityclean2.mp3] [/audio]

The Mayor also encourages residents to obtain a recycling bin and begin recycling. It is no charge to have recycled items picked up and she says it really cuts down on the amount of trash that goes into the landfill, and it also benefits the environment because the items will be recycled.

[audio:92012cityclean3.mp3] [/audio]

Residents wishing to take advantage of the free dumping of large items will have to do so early, as the hours for that are 8 am to noon Saturday morning.

Mayor Peters also reminds residents, electronic items are not longer accepted at any landfill, however, she encourages those who have electronic items they are not using to take them to HRC East, out on Route 10.

Fishing Pier To Be Dedicated To Dave Herzog At Weldon Springs

A new fishing pier at Weldon Springs State Park will honor a very important person to many people in the Clinton and DeWitt County communities.

A new handicapped fishing pier is in the final planning stages and construction should begin soon. Site Superintendent at Clinton Lake and Weldon Springs, Tom Jackson explains this pier will replace the pier that sits across the lake from the Veterans Memorial. Jackson adds they have been collecting money for this from the Weldon Springs Foundation, and also money will be contributed from Dave Herzog's Memorial Fund.

[audio:91912fishpier1.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson notes they have a pretty aggressive time line to get estimates in and work beginning soon. He says they hope to have the pier complete by the end of this year.

[audio:91912fishpier2.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson says if anyone wants to still make a donation to the pier, it is not too late. He says they are still seeking funding for the project as well as contractors interested in donating time or supplies for the pier. To make a donation or information on ways to help, you can contact the springs at 935-2644.

DJWH Foundation To Try New Fundraiser For 2012

Supporters of the Dr. John Warner Hospital Foundation are being called on in a new way this year.

The Foundation has decided this year, instead of doing their annual Gala event, which is a one night fundraiser for the Foundation, they will be giving an opportunity to the whole community. Dixie Walden, President of the DJWH Foundation explains they will be sending out a mailing, offering anyone the opportunity to make a monetary donation.

[audio:91912foundationchange1.mp3] [/audio]

The goal of the Foundation is to help the hospital out in any areas they can. But one opportunity they provided for the first time this year was a scholarship opportunity to college students seeking to enter the medical field. Walden explains the opportunity came about thanks to the dissolving of the Auxiliary and she notes they plan on continuing to offer that opportunity.

[audio:91912foundationchange2.mp3] [/audio]

Over the years, the foundation has provided equipment needs to the hospital. Walden says last year they were able to provide auto-pulse units to the ambulance department, this year they donated equipment to the emergency room and the physical therapy department among others things.

[audio:91912foundationchange3.mp3] [/audio]

The Foundation's goal is to raise $30-thousand through this fundraiser. The Foundation began their mailing campaign last week. To make a donation to the DJWH Foundation, you can mail a check payable to the DJWH Foundation. You can mail those to the Hospital, at 422 West White Street in Clinton.

Tour Championship Tees Off This Morning

The final event of the 2012 FedExCup season kicks off this morning at East Lake.  Rory McIlroy [[ MACK-il-roy ]] enters the event as the leader on the points list after winning three of the last four PGA Tour events he's competed in.  He won the last two Playoff events to increase his points lead over Tiger Woods to more than three-thousand.  However, all 30 players that made the Tour Championship had their points reset so all will have a mathematical chance to win the FedExCup title with a win this weekend.  Last year, Bill Haas parred the third extra hole to defeat Hunter Mahan [[ HAY-han ]] to win both the Tour Championship and the FedExCup.

Bears, TNF Notes

>>Bears O-Line Looking Awfully Familiar

The Chicago Bears offensive line is second in the league in sacks allowed with nine, an all-too-familiar situation for quarterback Jay Cutler.

While Cutler has taken heat for shoving tackle J'Marcus Webb during the 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the line is getting its share of heat for failing to protect their quarterback.

The Bears made no real offseason moves designed to help and the results have been mixed at best. They'll move left guard Chilo Rachal into the starting lineup in place of Chris Spencer this week against St. Louis, but will keep Webb at left tackle and hope for the best.

Cutler says he addressed the shoving incident he had with Webb individually and it is in the past now.

>>Giants, Panthers Play On "Thursday Night Football"

(Charlotte, NC)  --  The New York Giants are back in the national spotlight as they hit the road to play the Carolina Panthers on "Thursday Night Football."  The defending Super Bowl champs avoided an 0-and-2 start by rallying for a 41-34 win over Tampa Bay this past Sunday.  Eli Manning overcame three early picks by throwing for 510 yards in the win.  This is the start of three road games in four weeks for the G-Men.  The Panthers are also 1-and-1 on the season after knocking off New Orleans 35-27 at home in Week Two.  Cam Newton threw for 253 yards and a touchdown, while adding 71 yards and a score on the ground.  Carolina is in the midst of a stretch of a four-of-five games at home.

>>More Drug Charges For Former NFL WR Hurd in Drug Case

Former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd faces more charges in the drug distribution case against him.

The indictment filed late Tuesday charges Hurd with attempting to possess cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute. He also faces two counts of committing a felony offense while on release.

The charges are connected with allegations that Hurd tried to purchase drugs in June while on bond.

Hurd, who has played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears, was arrested in December after allegedly telling an undercover officer he wanted to buy large amounts of drugs and taking a kilogram of cocaine at a Chicago-area restaurant.

An agreement filed Tuesday says Hurd has pleaded guilty to one charge.

Hurd's attorney, Jay Ethington, said Wednesday the agreement was a draft filed in error.

Minor League Affiliations News; Reds' Manager Diagnosed With Irregular Heartbeat

>>Cubs Announce Kane County As Class A Affiliate

The Chicago Cubs say the Kane County Cougars have become their Class A affiliate, marking an end to their relationship with the Peoria Chiefs.

Both the Cubs and the Cougars said Wednesday they'd reached a 2-year deal. The Cougars play just outside Geneva in northern Illinois.

Reports had indicated for weeks the Cubs were making the move, but neither team had confirmed the information until Wednesday.

Earlier in the day the St. Louis Cardinals announced they signed an agreement to make the Peoria club their Class A affiliate through 2016.

Kane County had been part of the Kansas City Royals system.

Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug said the Royals had been a great partner and called the decision difficult.

>>Cardinals Sign Four-Year Deal With Peoria

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals have agreed to a four-year player development deal with the Peoria Chiefs.  The Midwest League franchise was at one time the Low-A affiliate of the Cardinals, but had most recently been affiliated with the Cubs.  The Cardinals no longer are affiliated with Quad Cities.

>>Reds' Baker Diagnosed With Irregular Heartbeat

(Chicago, IL)  --  Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker has been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.  Prior to Wednesday night's game against the Cubs, Baker visited a Chicago-area hospital for chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia.  Cincinnati trainer Paul Lessard said after the game that the 63-year-old Baker has an irregular heartbeat and he was going to stay at the hospital overnight.  Baker managed the 3,000th game of his career on Tuesday night.

Cards Win; Sox Lose Big Game; Cubs Lose Late

>>Royals Blank White Sox

(Kansas City, MO)  --  Alex Gordon laced a two-run double as the Royals blanked the White Sox, 3-0.  Billy Butler added an RBI for Kansas City, which has won 11 of its 17 meetings with Chicago this season.  Bruce Chen tossed six-and-two-thirds scoreless innings to improve to 11-and-12.  Greg Holland earned his 14th save.  Chris Sale fanned eight, but allowed all three runs in six-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 17-and-7.  The White Sox had their winning streak stopped at five.  Chicago's lead over Detroit in the AL Central is down to two.

MLB AL
------
New York Yankees 4, Toronto Blue Jays 2  (Gm.1)
New York Yankees 2, Toronto Blue Jays 1  (Gm.2)
Minnesota Twins 6, Cleveland Indians 4
Detroit Tigers 6, Oakland Athletics 2
Tampa Bay Rays 13, Boston Red Sox 3
Kansas City Royals 3, Chicago White Sox 0
Texas Rangers 6, LA Angels of Anaheim 2
Baltimore Orioles 3, Seattle Mariners 1 (11 inn)

>>Reds Nip Cubs In 11

(Chicago, IL)  --  Drew Stubbs' RBI single in the top of the 11th gave the Reds a 6-5 win over the Cubs.  Stubbs had three hits and scored three times for the Reds, who reduced their magic number to win the NL Central to three.  Joey Votto added two hits and three RBI in the victory.  Logan Ondrusek was credited with the win.  Jonathan Broxton earned his fourth save.  Alfonso Soriano belted a two-run homer for Chicago.  Alberto Cabrera took the loss.

>>Lynn, Cards Shutout 'Stros

(St. Louis, MO)  --  David Freese clubbed a two-run homer to back six-and-a-third scoreless innings from Lance Lynn as the Cardinals cruised to a 5-0 win over the Astros.  Lynn fanned five and allowed just three hits with two walks to improve to 16-and-7 on the season.  Jason Motte registered the final two outs to nail down his 37th save.  Yadier Molina popped a solo homer, while Matt Holliday and Allen Craig each knocked in a run for St. Louis, which has won three games in-a-row.  Lucas Harrell gave up three runs during five-and-two-third frames to suffer the loss for Houston.

MLB NL
------
Washington Nationals 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 1  (Gm.1)
Los Angeles Dodgers 7, Washington Nationals 6  (Gm.2)
Milwaukee Brewers 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
Atlanta Braves 3, Miami Marlins 0
Philadelphia Phillies 3, New York Mets 2
Cincinnati Reds 6, Chicago Cubs 5 (11 inn)
St. Louis Cardinals 5, Houston Astros 0
Arizona Diamondbacks 6, San Diego Padres 2
San Francisco Giants 7, Colorado Rockies 1

Scheelhaase Still Questionable; Big Ten Passing Expectations Becoming Letdown

>>Beckman: Scheelhaase Near 100 %

Illinois coach Tim Beckman says quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is close to 100% healthy after being hobbled by an ankle sprain since the opening week of the season.

But the Illini coach Wednesday didn't name a starter for Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech (2-0).

Scheelhaase sprained his ankle in the Illinois (2-1) win over Western Michigan. The junior hasn't played in Illinois' two games since then.

Sophomore quarterback Reilly O'Toole has been inconsistent playing in place of Scheelhaase. O'Toole struggled in a blowout loss to Arizona State but threw more than 300 yards and five touchdowns last Saturday in a 44-0 win over Charleston Southern.

Scheelhaase said earlier this week that he's feeling better and plans to play.

Bulldogs coach Sonny Dykes says he expects to face Scheelhaase.

>>Big Ten's Passing Numbers Down From Expectations

This was supposed to be a year the Big Ten went airborne.

7 of the top 10 passing quarterbacks from 2011 were back, as were 9 of the 12 primary starters under center.

Blame it on injuries, on graduation losses, on hybrid signal-callers or parity, but the Big Ten isn't flying all that high.

More conference teams rank in the bottom 25 in the nation in passing than the top 50. And that won't change much once league play begins.

Habitat For Humanity Moves Home Across Clinton

 width=The DeWitt County Chapter of Habitat For Humanity took the streets of Clinton Thursday morning to move a home across town.

The white home located adjacent to the Dr. John Warner Hospital was turned over to Habitat for them to move and use to give to a family in need. Habitat had to move it at their expense. Delmar Sandage, President of DeWitt County's Habitat for Humanity explains the hospital has plans to retain the property and put it to use.

[audio:61512movinghome2.mp3] [/audio]

 width=Rich Champly is a member of the Habitat Board and the construction coordinator. He explains they have put in a lot of time to coordinate moving the home. They also have received a lot of supporters within the Clinton and DeWitt County communities to make moving the home possible.

[audio:92112movinghome1.mp3] [/audio]

Even before today, volunteers were at the site when the home was on White Street getting the home removed from it's foundation and ready to be moved. Champly explains once the home gets to the site on Clay Street, contractors will still have to lay the foundation, so the home will sit just above the ground at the site.

[audio:92112movinghome2.mp3] [/audio]

 width=

 

 

By moving the home, Habitat will save an estimated $15-thousand over building a new home, and they hope to use that money saved to begin building next year's home sooner.

Clinton City officials were on hand throughout the move to trim trees as the home moved down Walnut Street towards Clay Street.

Champly appreciates all the support they received Thursday in getting the home moved.

DeWitt Savings Bank To Honor Pair of Employees

DeWitt Savings Bank is recognizing the 25th anniversary of two of their employees Friday afternoon.

 width=Julie Kincaid and Laura Kinder are celebrating their anniversaries this month with DeWitt Savings Bank. Kinder serves at the  Financial Officer and Head Teller and Kincaid is a Loan Officer. Kindaid explains she started out as a teller and over 25 years has worked her way up. She says she has enjoyed working with the people that come in and apply for loans.

[audio:9211225years1.mp3] [/audio]

Kinder says being a teller and connecting with people as they come in for their banking is what she has enjoyed in her 25 years at the bank. She explains being a Financial Officer has made her realize she is good at math and enjoys it.

[audio:9211225years2.mp3] [/audio]

Both Kinder and Kincaid are natives of Clinton and have family close and hope to continue to be close to them. They both also hope to remain at DeWitt Savings Bank as long as they can.

[audio:9211225years3.mp3] [/audio]

Friday afternoon from 1-3 pm there will be a small celebration for the two at the Bank, and DeWitt Savings Bank invites anyone interested to come and celebrate their 25 years at the bank.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-19

 

September 19, 2012

 

Jail Population: 97

Summons Served: 5

Warrant Arrests: 1

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 11:41 a.m. on Monday, September 17th, revealed that a vehicle driven by Elizabeth Nelson, 21, Bloomington, and Sandra McCree, 50, Lincoln, were traveling west on State Highway 10 near intersection of West Street when Nelson’s vehicle struck McCree’s vehicle. Nelson said there was a grain truck pulling off into a field and she almost come to a complete stop when Nelson struck her from behind. Nelson said she saw brake lights and then she struck McCree with the front end of her vehicle. Nelson’s vehicle was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported and McCree’s vehicle was driven from scene. Nelson was issued citations for Failure To Reduce Speed/Accident and Electronic Communication Devices-Texting While Driving. Nelson posted her IL Driver’s License as bond and was released.

 

Scott Jones, 49, Farmer City, was issued a citation for Driving Under Influence. Jones was issued a Notice To Appear and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Police Report for 9-19

 

ON 9/18/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED MICHAEL W. SAMPSON 23, DECATUR FOR CRIMINAL TRESSPASS TO BUILDING. SAMPSON WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/18/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JOSE J. CARBALLOSA 27, CLINTON FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED AND OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. CARBALLOSA WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/18/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED ZACHARIAH D.WIKOFF 33, WELDON ON A DEWITT COUNTY WARRANT AND A SANGAMON COUNTY WARRANT. WIKOFF WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

DeWitt County Young Leaders Harvest For All Slated For October 1st

The DeWitt County Farm Bureau Young Leaders have announced plans for their annual "Harvest For All" grain collection.

Each harvest season, the local Young Leaders committee spends a day traveling across DeWitt County seeking donations of grain from farmers in the field.  DeWitt County Young Leader Chair John Klemm notes this will be the third year for the effort, and says the support of local farmers has grown each year.

[audio:dcfbharvest1.mp3] [/audio]

The Young Leaders sell the grain they collect, and then donate 100-percent of the proceeds to local food pantries.  Klemm says the donations are much appreciated by the food pantries.

[audio:dcfbharvest2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Klemm, the Young Leaders debated whether or not to conduct the grain collection this year due to the devastating drought impacting farmer's yields.  However, he feels going ahead with the drive is a way of showing how the local farming community is willing to step up...even in the face of adversity.

[audio:dcfbharvest3.mp3] [/audio]

The DeWitt County Farm Bureau Young Leaders "Harvest For All" grain collection is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 1st.  In the event of rain that day, the rain date would be on Wednesday, October 3rd.  DeWitt County farmers should expect to see the "Harvest For All" truck making the rounds.  If you would like to schedule a time to make a donation during the drive, then contact the DeWitt County Farm Bureau at 935-2126.

New Education Center Has Ribbon Cutting in Decatur

There will be a ribbon cutting for a new education center Wednesday in Decatur.

The new state-of-the-art National Sequestration Education Center for Richland Community College will have its dedication Wednesday at 1 pm. There will be a program at that time also.

The center was created by Archer Daniels Midland in partnership with the school because carbon capture utilization and storage holds great promise as part of a comprehensive strategy for reducing the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere according to the College. The hope is that it will be used for education training and outreach events.

For more information, contact Lisa Gregory from Richland at 217-875-7211.

Weekly Crop Report

 width=354 height=235 />CORN HARVESTING CONTINUES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.<br /><br />CHIEF STATE CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SCHWAB SAYS 87 PERCENT OF CORN IS NOW MATURE.<br /><br />[audio:crop1.mp3] [/audio]<br /><br />45 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE DROPPING LEAVES AND THREE PERCENT HAVE BEEN HARVESTED. 60 PERCENT OF THE SOYBEAN CROP IS RATED IN FAIR TO POOR CONDITION. SCHWAB SAYS 79 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE TURNING YELLOW.<br /><br />[audio:crop2.mp3] [/audio]<br /><br />SCHWAB SAYS THE CONDITION OF ILLINOIS PASTURES IS IMPROVING THANKS TO THE RECENT RAINS. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE NOW STANDS AT 51 PERCENT ADEQUATE…34 PERCENT SHORT AND 15 PERCENT VERY SHORT. HARVESTING OF SORGHUM IS ALSO UNDERWAY…AND IS 12 PERCENT COMPLETE.</p>						</div>

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EHD Epidemic Hitting Central Illinois Deer Herds

An epidemic running through Illinois' deer population is hitting central Illinois.

 width=Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is an epidemic that is impacting deer herds all over the country. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Ray Wichus says this disease in deer is killing off a lot of deer right now and symptoms in the deer include swelling in their head, neck and tongue.

[audio:91812deerdisease1.mp3] [/audio]

The disease is being carried through a biting gnat it only effects deer. Wichus encourages those who encounter deer they think is dead or dieing to contact DNR officials and they will come take a look at it. He says because of poaching cases, DNR officers will check for suspicious activity.

[audio:91812deerdisease2.mp3] [/audio]

EHD is a disease that is a present each year but Wichus explains because of the incredible drought and the amount of very hot days we've experienced this summer, the results of this epidemic have amplified. Wichus says over 700 deer have been reported dead, but he says that number is not accurate because of unreported deer found and untested deer.

[audio:91812deerdisease3.mp3] [/audio]

Wichus says while the number of deer killed by the disease is high, he believes within a couple years, herd numbers should be back to normal.

EHD is not a threat to people and other pets or livestock.

Clinton Police Department To Upgrade Tasers

The Clinton Police Department will be upgrading in some equipment.

 width=The police department is seeking to upgrade their tasers that the officers carry around with them. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy explains the models they currently have are being phased out for upgraded and more efficient models. He says they can exchange their old units for newer ones, and receive a monetary value for them.

[audio:91812tasers1.mp3] [/audio]

The tasers the department is currently using, they have had since 2006. Chief Reidy says there are some nice features those models have. Each model comes with two cartridges and a laser pointer for aiming. Chief Reidy notes many times just pointing the taser at the person will settle them down.

[audio:91812tasers2.mp3] [/audio]

The new tasers the department will get will be much more efficient. Chief Reidy says each cartridge in the taser will be able to be shot twice. He says it is not uncommon to need two shots to subdue a person. He also says when it comes to what is called "dry stunting" someone, the cartridge does not have to be removed, making it quicker in apprehending the person.

[audio:91812tasers3.mp3] [/audio]

Chief Reidy explains every time the taser is used, a report is required to be filed. He explains while the taser has been pointed several hundred times in the past six year, he estimates they've only deployed them a couple dozen times. He adds these new tasers will be far superior to the old ones, and are well worth the purchase price.

The total cost of the tasers was just under $68-hundred.

Eury Jr. Fired As Patrick's Crew Chief

Danica Patrick is driving on with a new crew chief.  JR Motorsports confirmed Monday that Tony Eury [[ YUR-ee ]] Jr. was relieved of his duties as crew chief for the number-seven GoDaddy.com Nationwide Series team.  Recently hired competition director Ryan Pemberton will take Eury Jr.'s place.  Eury Jr. started his career with his cousin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and previously worked as the crew chief of Earnhardt's number-88 Sprint Cup team with Hendrick Motorsports.  Patrick finished 12th in Saturday's Nationwide race at Chicagoland and currently sits 11th in the points standings.

Bears, Rams Notes: Cutler Called Out; Forte Battling Injury

>>Bears DB Criticizes Cuter

Quarterback Jay Cutler's shove of teammate J'Marcus Webb during the Bears' 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers is already old news according to many teammates.

Not defensive back D.J. Moore. He called Cutler's behavior "wrong" on Monday as the team prepares for Sunday's game with the St. Louis Rams.

Running back Matt Forte did not practice. He has an ankle sprain that coach Lovie Smith says is not a "high" ankle sprain, generally considered more serious.

>>Forte Battling Ankle Sprain

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  Bears head coach Lovie Smith says running back Matt Forte [[ FOR-tay ]] is battling a sprained right ankle.  Smith also said the injury is not a high ankle sprain and Forte has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams.  Forte suffered the injury last Thursday.

>>Rams' Fisher Clarifies Jackson Situation

(Earth City, MO)  --  Rams head coach Jeff Fisher spoke to the media yesterday about Steven Jackson and his apparent injury from Sunday's game.  Fisher reiterated that the running back's groin was tight and the team chose not to risk further injury.  He added that Jackson was not benched for spiking the ball after what he thought was a touchdown, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.  The Rams head to Chicago to battle the Bears on Sunday.

Falcons Hold Off Broncos

Matt Ryan threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons held off Peyton Manning and the Broncos, 27-21, on "Monday Night Football."  Roddy White had eight grabs for 102 yards and a score to help the Falcons improve to 2-and-0.  Tony Gonzalez added seven catches for 70 yards and a TD in the win.  Manning was intercepted three times in the first quarter and finished 24-of-37 for 241 yards and a touchdown.  Willis McGahee rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns for Denver, which dropped to 1-and-1.

Depth, Health Dogging Illini Heading Into Saturday

A lack of depth of Illinois has gotten worse since the season began.

Illinois (2-1) was missing several key players on each side of the ball in a 44-0 win over Charleston Southern over the weekend. Coach Tim Beckman isn't ready to say whether any will be back Saturday against Louisiana Tech (2-0).

Those key players include starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He's missed more than two games now with a sprained ankle.

Defensive injuries could really hurt. The Bulldogs run a high-tempo offense that allows them to run more than 80 plays a game. And they score a bunch, too. Louisiana Tech is averaging 56 points a game.

White Sox Extend Central Lead; Pirates Blank Cubs After Long Rain Delay

>>White Sox Trim Tigers To Pad AL Central Lead

(Chicago, IL)  --  Omar Infante's throwing error on a potential double play relay let the tying and go-ahead runs score as the White Sox trimmed the Tigers, 5-4.  Alex Rios took out Infante with a hard slide that led to the errant throw and helped Chicago extend its AL Central lead to three games over Detroit.  Dewayne Wise went 3-for-5 with two RBI for the Sox.  Nate Jones got the win in relief and Addison Reed his 27th save.  Delmon Young had two hits and drove in three for the Tigers, who blew 3-0 and 4-3 leads.  Doug Fister allowed all five runs in four-plus frames to suffer the loss.

MLB AL
------
Boston Red Sox 5, Tampa Bay Rays 2
Baltimore Orioles 10, Seattle Mariners 4

>>Pirates Shutout Cubs

(Chicago, IL)  --  Kevin Correia and two relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Pirates blanked the Cubs, 3-0, in the finale of a four-game series.  Rain delayed the start of the game for nearly four hours.  Travis Wood allowed all three runs in five-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 6-and-12 for the Cubs, who split the series.  The Cubs start a three-game set at home against Cincinnati tonight as Justin Germano takes the mound against Homer Bailey.


MLB NL
------
Atlanta Braves 7, Miami Marlins 5
Philadelphia Phillies 3, New York Mets 1
San Francisco Giants 2, Colorado Rockies 1

>>Cards Face Astros

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals open a three-game set with the Astros tonight at Busch Stadium.  Kyle Lohse will start for the Redbirds against Houston's Fernando Abad.  The Cards enter the series one game up on the Dodgers for the final NL Wild Card spot.

Clinton Hosts Invitational

Clinton was host to their annual Clinton Invitational Monday afternoon. Maroa-Forsyth took first place with a team score of 164. Eureka took second place with a score of 169 and Midwest-Central took third with a 171. Heyworth(5th), Mt. Pulaski(6th), LeRoy(9th_, Decatur St. Teresa (10th), and Meridian(11th) were other local teams that took part int he invite. Clinton placed 7th with a team score of 190.

DJWH Foundation To Try New Fundraiser for 2012

Supporters of the Dr. John Warner Hospital Foundation are being called on in a new way this year.

The Foundation has decided this year, instead of doing their annual Gala event, which is a one night fundraiser for the Foundation, they will be giving an opportunity to the whole community. Dixie Walden, President of the DJWH Foundation explains they will be sending out a mailing, offering anyone the opportunity to make a monetary donation.

[audio:91912foundationchange1.mp3] [/audio]

The goal of the Foundation is to help the hospital out in any areas they can. But one opportunity they provided for the first time this year was a scholarship opportunity to college students seeking to enter the medical field. Walden explains the opportunity came about thanks to the dissolving of the Auxiliary and she notes they plan on continuing to offer that opportunity.

[audio:91912foundationchange2.mp3] [/audio]

Over the years, the foundation has provided equipment needs to the hospital. Walden says last year they were able to provide auto-pulse units to the ambulance department, this year they donated equipment to the emergency room and the physical therapy department among others things.

[audio:91912foundationchange3.mp3] [/audio]

The Foundation's goal is to raise $30-thousand through this fundraiser. The Foundation began their mailing campaign last week. To make a donation to the DJWH Foundation, you can mail a check payable to the DJWH Foundation. You can mail those to the Hospital, at 422 West White Street in Clinton.

Clinton BOE Votes To Allow School To Leave Okaw Conference

The Clinton Board of Education Tuesday evening voted to leave the Okaw Valley Conference.

 width=Clinton decided to join a potential new conference with eight other Okaw Schools who submitted letters Tuesday of their intent to leave the conference. Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Dr. Jeff Holmes explains Clinton, along with Decatur St. Teresa, Argenta-Oreana, and Tuscola were extended invitations to join the original five schools in leaving the Okaw.

[audio:91912clintonleaves1.mp3] [/audio]

Original reasoning for a conference break up was travel distance, however, having Tolono Unity, Monticello, and Maroa-Forsyth left out of the invitation clearly points to conference realignment being football driven. Dr. Holmes says while he does not agree with the reason, he wants to simply look out for the best interest of Clinton.

[audio:91912clintonleaves2.mp3] [/audio]

While a nine team conference is not ideal, Dr. Holmes would like to see a tenth team join to make football scheduling much easier. Dr. Holmes adds he is looking at a bigger picture than just football. He says he wants what is best for Clinton but also best for arranging a conference that could potentially make football scheduling easier.

[audio:91912clintonleaves3.mp3] [/audio]

However, the nine schools that submitted their letters of intent to leave the conference are not a concrete number yet. All these schools must get the approval of their school boards, and while a couple of districts have gotten the approval, there are several who still need to get it.

Regional Radio News will have more on this story in the coming days.

Illinois Murder Suspect Caught In Memphis

Authorities in western Tennessee have captured a fugitive wanted in connection with an Illinois murder.

Officers arrested Kody Walsh on Sunday after a chase that began with an attempted routine traffic stop.

The pursuit began in Fayette County, east of Memphis, after Walsh didn't pull over for a traffic violation. A deputy gave chase on Interstate 40 and the car continued into Shelby County, where it struck a vehicle. The chase ended in Memphis when the car struck a utility pole. Walsh tried to get away on foot, but was captured.

Authorities in Rockford, Ill., want Walsh in the shooting death of a woman on Interstate 90 a week ago.

He faces Tennessee charges including eluding police, leaving the scene of an accident and weapons possession.

Olympian Visits Central Illinois Hometown

Olympic discus thrower Lance Brooks has been honored in his central Illinois hometown of New Berlin.

Brooks visited the village outside Springfield on Sunday, when he was the grand marshal of the New Berlin High School homecoming parade and was honored in a special ceremony. Two blocks in front of the high school were renamed "Honorary Lance Brooks Drive." Brooks competed in the London Olympics. He has since returned to his job as a construction worker in the Denver area.

The 28-year-old Brooks thanked the crowd telling them they were "all always there for me."

New Berlin is about 20 miles west of Springfield in Sangamon County.

Ameren Announces Plans To Hire Vets Over Five Years

Ameren Corp. says it's pretty proud that more than 600 of its 9,300 workers in Illinois and Missouri once were in the armed forces. And the utility hopes to increase that number under a program pushed by first lady Michelle Obama.

St. Louis-based utility looks to recruit 200 veterans and military spouses over the next five years as part of its involvement in the public-private initiative called Joining Forces.

That national effort's goal is to get 100,000 jobless veterans and their spouses hired into jobs or retrained by next year.

Ameren says it's doing its part, with military veterans making up one-tenth of its new hires this year through August.

Ameren's chairman, president and chief executive, Thomas Voss, is an Air Force veteran.

Republicans Want Quicker Enforcement of Medicaid Reforms

REPUBLICAN STATE LAWMAKERS ARE URGING GOVERNOR PAT QUINN’S OFFICE TO SPEED UP IMPLEMENTATION OF A MAJOR MEDICAID REFORM INITIATIVE.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER TOM CROSS SAYS THE ONE REFORM THAT EVERYONE SEEMED TO AGREE ON BUT HAS YET TO HAPPEN IS CHECKING TO SEE IF THOSE ON MEDICAID…ARE ACTUALLY ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE BENEFITS. HE SAYS ANYONE NOT MEETING CERTAIN CRITERIA SHOULD BE KICKED OFF THE MEDICAID ROLLS.

[audio:implement1.mp3] [/audio]

SENATE MINORITY LEADER CHRISTINE RADOGNO SAYS WHILE REFORMING THE STATE’S STRUGGLING MEDICAID SYSTEM WAS PAINFUL…ONE OF THE EASIEST CHANGES HAS YET TO BE MADE.

[audio:implement2.mp3] [/audio]

THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE SAYS THEY HAVE MET A DEADLINE TO HIRE A COMPANY TO CONFIRM ELIGIBILITY…BUT THAT THE VENDOR NEEDS A FEW MONTHS TO PREPARE.

'Bucket List Bandit' Arrested

A small-town Oklahoma police officer says a man suspected of being the "Bucket List Bandit" for robbing banks in nine states and mentioning to bank tellers that he had only months to live appeared extremely nervous after running a stop sign.

Roland Assistant Police Chief David Goode said Monday he quickly realized something was wrong when he approached the SUV being driven by 54-year-old Michael Eugene Brewster.

Goode says the SUV's license plate didn't match the vehicle, and Brewster appeared uncomfortable after being pulled over Thursday.

Goode says a search of Brewster and the vehicle uncovered a loaded gun and dye-stained cash.

Brewster is now jailed in Oklahoma. His attorney declined comment.

The FBI suspects he robbed banks in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Utah.

Appeals Court Sides With Union In Prison Lawsuit

An Illinois state appeals court has turned back Gov. Pat Quinn's bid to throw out a temporary restraining order that bars him from closing two state prisons and various other corrections sites.

Friday's ruling by a three-judge panel of the Mount Vernon-based Illinois 5th District Appellate Court lets stand the order granted earlier this month by Associate Alexander County Judge Charles Cavaness.

Cavaness barred the shuttering of the Dwight and Tamms prisons. The order came at the request of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

An arbitrator had ruled in the union's favor and ordered the state and AFSCME to continue bargaining for 30 days before closures could begin.

Illinois State Police Say Man In Custody After Meth Found In Vehicle

Illinois State Police say an Arizona man is in custody after a traffic stop in southwestern Illinois led to the discovery of several pounds of methamphetamine worth $330,000.

Authorities say a trooper stopped a silver SUV for improper lane usage on Interstate 55 near Troy last week. A search of the vehicle revealed three wrapped bundles containing about 3.6 pounds of meth.

The occupant of the vehicle was a 31-year-old man who is being held at the St. Clair County Jail pending federal drug trafficking charges. Other occupants of the vehicle were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and possibly face deportation.

Seniors Encouraged To Get Flue Shots

The Illinois Department on Aging is reminding seniors to get their flu shots.

Department Director John Holton says September is Healthy Aging Month and he says it's a good time for older adults to take preventative health measures. Holton says seniors, especially those with chronic health conditions, are at increased risk for flu. The department says seniors should make it a priority to get vaccinated against flu.

Health experts say the flu season runs from October through May. Illinois officials say flu vaccines are starting to arrive at local health departments, clinics and pharmacies statewide.

State Treasurer Holding Unclaimed Auction Beginning Today

TREASURER DAN RUTHERFORD’S OFFICE IS HOLDING AN ONLINE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION BEGINNING MONDAY.

THE ITEMS BEING AUCTIONED OFF WERE LEFT BEHIND YEARS AGO IN SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES SAYS TREASURER RUTHERFORD.

[audio:unclaimed1.mp3] [/audio]

ITEMS UP FOR AUCTION INCLUDE JEWELRY…COINS AND EVEN A 1934 FIVE HUNDRED DOLLAR FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE. TREASURER RUTHERFORD SAYS THEY COME FROM OLD SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES.

[audio:unclaimed2.mp3] [/audio]

THE AUCTION STARTS AT 10 A.M. TODAY AND ENDS ON FRIDAY. TO PREVIEW THE ITEMS…VISIT THE WEBSITE: TREASURER DOT IL DOT GOV.

Chicago, Springfield To Share $8-Million Transit Grant

Transit systems in Chicago and Springfield will share nearly $8 million in federal money to pay for environmental improvements.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the funding for the Chicago Transit Authority and the Springfield Mass Transit District. The money will pay for efforts to reduce bus emissions and improve fuel economy. The funding is part of the department's Clean Fuels Grant Program which aims to buy cleaner, greener buses.

The CTA will receive $4.7 million to replace conventional diesel buses with larger, diesel-electric hybrid buses. Springfield will receive more than $3 million to buy compressed natural gas buses.

2012 Tornado Season Quiet But Deadly

IT’S BEEN A SLOW…BUT DEADLY YEAR FOR TORNADOES IN ILLINOIS.

STATE CLIMATOLOGIST JIM ANGEL SAYS USUALLY THERE ARE ABOUT 50 TO 60 REPORTED TORNADOES IN ILLINOIS ANNUALLY. SO FAR THIS YEAR…THERE HAVE ONLY BEEN 33.

[audio:torn2.mp3] [/audio]

THE YEAR STARTED OUT WITH A RARE FEBRUARY TORNADO THAT LEFT EIGHT PEOPLE DEAD IN HARRISBURG. ANGEL SAYS THEN TORNADO ACTIVITY WANED AS ILLINOIS RECEIVED BELOW AVERAGE RAINFALL…BUT PICKED UP AGAIN AS THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE ISAAC MOVED INTO ILLINOIS.

[audio:torn3.mp3] [/audio]

THE RECORD FOR NUMBER OF TORNADOES IN ILLINOIS WAS SET IN 2006…WHEN 124 WERE RECORDED.

Lincoln Man Found Dead After Fatal Accident

A Lincoln man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a standoff with police Saturday morning.

65-year old Michael Foster, of Lincoln, was involved in a crash on Lincoln’s west side the previous night according Illinois State Police. A motorcyclist died in the accident and a passenger riding on the motorcycle was injured.

According to police, Foster was traveling south in his pickup truck on Old Route 121 near the intersection of Lincoln Parkway Friday night.

At that time a Harley Davison motorcycle was traveling northbound and the motorcycle collided with the passenger’s side of Foster’s truck. A 43-year-old Hartsburg man, was the driver of the motorcycle who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Logan County coroner’s office. The identities of the two motorcycle victims have not yet been released.

Foster was treated for injuries, but returned to his Lincoln home. According to authorities, Lincoln police responded to report from a friend that Foster had barricaded himself in his home Saturday morning and may be suicidal.

Neighbors were evacuated from their homes and Illinois State Police, a SWAT team and crisis negotiators were called to the scene.

Authorities report at around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, the SWAT team was able to gain access into the house and found the victim dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

Monticello Receives Grim News On FY13 Budget

Monticello Schools budget for Fiscal Year 2013 are looking surprisingly grim.

Monticello Schools are in a unique situation in central Illinois in that they do not rely on state funding as much as other schools. The Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax, CPPRT, makes up over half of the Monticello budget, and Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Dr. Vic Zimmerman says they received some disappointing news recently in relation to CPPRT.

[audio:91712grimbudget1.mp3] [/audio]

Because of the instability of CPPRT, Monticello Schools save when it is high, giving them something to fall back on when it is low. Dr. Zimmerman says this situation is nothing new for the district, but if the trend continues, it could get interesting in regards to their future budgets.

[audio:91712grimbudget2.mp3] [/audio]

CPPRT is dependent of the success of the business climate in Illinois, however, Dr. Zimmerman says this drop in their CPPRT revenue is not a result of the business climate but rather the state holding back corporate tax refunds to it's businesses. Dr. Zimmerman says to make up for holding back, it will cost CPPRT recipients almost $200-million.

[audio:91712grimbudget3.mp3] [/audio]

While it could be easy to blame the state for this, Dr. Zimmerman cuts them some slack on this because he says it is a tough estimate to each year because they have to make a decision on how much money to hold on refunds before they know how much everyone is paying in.

While CPPRT is not the most consistent revenue source, Dr. Zimmerman feels they cannot complain because over time, it has served them very well.

Bassmasters Tournament Coming To Decatur

Several thousand people are expected to converge on Decatur later this week.

The Basmmaster Toyota Trucks All-Star Week will roll into town this Thursday through Sunday. Michael Mulone from BASS says anglers will compete for a $100-thousand prize. He says this is beyond a fishing tournament though, as the weekend will feature plenty of family fun.

[audio:91712bassmasters1.mp3] [/audio]

This is the first time this event has been held in Illinois, and Mulone feels this is going to be a great location. He feels Illinois has some great areas for fishing and he adds there are many passionate people in this area for the outdoors.

[audio:91712bassmasters2.mp3] [/audio]

The competition will start out on Lake Shelbyville Thursday and Friday and then move to Lake Decatur on Saturday. Mulone notes Clinton Lake is currently Plan B should Lake Decatur be closed, but he is hopeful Lake Decatur will be available to be fished on.

[audio:91712bassmasters3.mp3] [/audio]

Other activities on the weekend include a chance for fans to pose questions to Bassmaster Elite Series pros, get their autographs and photos and learn tips and techniques from some of the best anglers in the world.

For more information on the event you can visit www.decaturcvb.com.

Law Enforcement Encourages Motorists To Be Aware of School Zones, Buses

With school back in full swing, and more ideal weather upon us, authorities are asking area residents to keep an eye on those youngsters going to and from school.

Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy explains there are special fines that go along with speeding in a school zone. Fines for speeding in a school zone increase significantly. He explains law enforcement wants to make sure those areas are safe for the kids around the building.

[audio:91712schoolsafety1.mp3] [/audio]

Along with watching for kids as around the school zones, Chief Reidy reminds motorists to be aware of school buses, and stopped school buses picking kids up, or dropping them off. He says a first time offense for passing a school bus with it's lights on and stop sign out is a mandatory loss of license for three months along with a fine.

[audio:91712schoolsafety2.mp3] [/audio]

Chief Reidy encourages motorists to slow down in school zones, and law enforcement traditionally steps up their watch over those zones once school begins. He also says to be aware of school buses and to be prepared to stop.

TMZ: Sitcom Actor Thrown Out Of Dodger Stadium

A Modern Family co-star may not be able to attend a Dodgers-Cardinals game at Chavez Ravine for awhile.  TMZ.com says Eric Stonestreet was ejected from Dodger Stadium during Saturday night's contest between Los Angeles and St. Louis after getting into a verbal fight with a fan.  The 41-year-old actor who plays half of a gay couple on the ABC sitcom is a Cardinals fan.  TMZ says Stonestreet said something to the other man after he heckled a Dodgers player.  Security later asked both men to leave the stadium.

Bears Notes

>>Bears Sign Bell With Forte Hurt

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears have re-signed running back Kahlil Bell.  The move comes after Bell was released in the preseason when he reportedly refused to take a pay cut.  Matt Forte suffered a high ankle sprain in Thursday's loss to the Packers which forced the move.  Chicago waived safety Jeremy Jones to make room on the roster for Bell.

>>Bears Back To Work After Last Week's Loss

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears are back to work this week following last Thursday night's 23-10 loss to the rival Packers.  Chicago committed four turnovers in the defeat, which dropped its record to 1-and-1 on the young season.  The Bears host St. Louis on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Rams' Amendola Ties NFL Record For First-Half Catches

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola tied an NFL record with twelve first-half receptions in the team's 31-28 win over the Washington Redskins.  Amendola had twelve grabs for 133 yards and a touchdown before intermission, matching the twelve first-half catches by Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.  Amendola finished with 15 receptions for 160 yards.

Keselowski Wins Geico 400

Brad Keselowski is the leader in the Sprint Cup point standings for the first time in his career after winning Sunday's Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.  Keselowski moved ahead of Jimmie Johnson, who finished second after starting on the pole and leading for 172 of the 267 laps.  Kasey Kahne [[ Cane ]] was third, followed by Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman.  Keselowski took the lead for good with 26 laps to go and won by 3.17 seconds.  It was his fourth win of the season and eighth of his career.  It was the first event in the ten-race "Chase for the Sprint Cup" championship.  The series moves to Loudon for next Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

All Locals Win

>>Rizzo, Cubs Outslug Pirates

(Chicago, IL)  --  Anthony Rizzo's grand slam capped a five-run sixth inning and the Cubs added three more in the eighth en route to a 13-9 win over the Pirates.  Rizzo finished 3-for-6 with two homers and six RBI for Chicago, which overcame 6-1 and 9-5 deficits.  Joe Mather also homered and Alfonso Soriano had three hits and drove in two for the Cubs.  Jeff Beliveau got credit for the win, while Jared Hughes took the loss.  Pedro Alvarez homered twice and Rod Barajas also went deep for Pittsburgh.

>>Cards Outlast Dodgers In Twelve Innings

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Jon Jay's RBI double ignited a three-run 12th inning as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, 5-2.  Allen Craig's infield single plated another and Yadier Molina walked with the bases loaded as St. Louis earned a four-game split at Dodger Stadium.  Shelby Miller picked up his first major league victory in relief and Jason Motte notched his 35th save.  John Ely took the loss for Los Angeles.  Andre Ethier's two-run homer in the third inning tied the game at two for the Dodgers.

MLB NL
------
Cincinnati Reds 5, Miami Marlins 4 (11 inn)
Houston Astros 7, Philadelphia Phillies 6
Milwaukee Brewers 3, New York Mets 0
San Diego Padres 12, Colorado Rockies 11
Arizona Diamondbacks 10, San Francisco Giants 2
Atlanta Braves 5, Washington Nationals 1

>>Six-Run Sixth Helps White Sox Sweep Twins

(Minneapolis, MN)  --  Adam Dunn's 39th home run of the season ignited a six-run sixth inning as the White Sox trounced the Twins, 9-2.  Dayan Viciedo also homered and drove in three for Chicago, which swept the three-game series at Target Fied.  Jake Peavy pitched six innings of two-run ball to even his record at 11-and-11.  Scott Diamond was touched for six runs in five-and-a-third frames to fall to 11-and-8.  Joe Mauer homered and Alexi Casilla doubled in a run for Minnesota.

MLB AL
------
New York Yankees 6, Tampa Bay Rays 4
Toronto Blue Jays 5, Boston Red Sox 0
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 4, Kansas City Royals 3
Cleveland Indians 7, Detroit Tigers 6
Texas Rangers 2, Seattle Mariners 1
Baltimore Orioles 9, Oakland Athletics 5

Rams, Colts Rally Late

>>Rams Rally Past RG3, Redskins

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Sam Bradford was 26-of-35 for 310 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams rallied for a 31-28 win over the Redskins.  Danny Amendola had 15 receptions for 160 yards and a score, tying an NFL record with twelve first-half catches.  That helped atone for a fumble on the first play from scrimmage that was returned 30 yards for a TD by Josh Wilson.  Robert Griffin the Third was 20-of-29 for 206 yards, a touchdown and an interception for Washington, which blew a 21-6 lead and fell to 1-and-1.  RG3 also ran eleven times for 82 yards and two scores for the 'Skins in defeat.

>>Colts Clip Vikings On Late FG

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  Adam Vinatieri hit a 53-yard field goal with eight seconds left to lift the Colts to a 23-20 win over the Vikings.  Andrew Luck was 20-of-31 for 224 yards and two touchdowns in his home debut for Indianapolis.  The Colts improved to 1-and-1 with their fourth straight win over Minnesota.  Reggie Wayne made six catches for 71 yards and a score, and Donnie Avery hauled in nine balls for 111 yards in the victory.  The Colts host the Jaguars next Sunday.

NFL
------
New York Giants 41, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34
Carolina Panthers 35, New Orleans Saints 27
Arizona Cardinals 20, New England Patriots 18
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Baltimore Ravens 23
Buffalo Bills 35, Kansas City Chiefs 17
Cincinnati Bengals 34, Cleveland Browns 27
Houston Texans 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 7
Miami Dolphins 35, Oakland Raiders 13
Seattle Seahawks 27, Dallas Cowboys 7
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, New York Jets 10
San Diego Chargers 38, Tennessee Titans 10
San Francisco 49ers 27, Detroit Lions 19

ISU Wins Shootout Over EIU, Eastern Falls To Iowa State; Illini Roll

>>O'Toole Leads Illini Past Charleston Southern

Reilly O'Toole threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns and receiver Ryan Lankford had 97 yards and two scores to lead Illinois to a 44-0 win Saturday over Charleston Southern.

The Illini (2-1) were missing a handful of starters who were injured, including quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who has missed two games with a sprained ankle. O'Toole got the start and connected with Lankford twice in the first quarter for short touchdowns that gave the Illini a 13-0 lead, all they would need.

Illinois held Charleston Southern (0-3) to 125 yards of offense. It was the first game against a Big Ten team for the FCS Buccaneers.

>> Iowa State Rolls Western Illinois

Steele Jantz threw three touchdown passes and James White ran 56 yards for another score, leading Iowa State to a 37-3 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday night.

Penalties and turnovers frustrated Iowa State at times, but the Cyclones still had enough to overpower their FCS opponent and start 3-0 for the second straight year and sixth time since 1981. 4 of the five previous 3-0 starts led to bowl appearances.

Jantz completed 19 of 26 passes for 209 yards, with touchdown throws of 16 and 5 yards to Chris Young and 22 yards to Aaron Horne. He was intercepted once and lost a fumble.

Western Illinois (2-1) trailed 31-0 before Pat Smith kicked a 26-yard field goal in the first minute of the fourth quarter. Iowa State was playing its second-team defense by then.

>>ISU Tops Eastern In A Thriller

Matt Brown accounted for seven touchdowns, and his fifth scoring pass of the game, a 25-yarder to Tyrone Walker in the second overtime period, capped a career-high 473-yard performance and gave Illinois State a wild 54-51 victory Saturday over Eastern Illinois.

Eastern Illinois had taken the lead on a 40-yard field goal by Cameron Berra, whose 20-yarder at the end of regulation sent the game to overtime.

Brown, who added two rushing touchdowns, also hit Donovan Harden for two scores and Lechein Neblett and Cameron Hunt for one apiece. The five touchdowns, on 42 of 57 passing, tied Brown's career high. Walker led all receivers with 11 catches for 142 yards.

The teams combined for 1,042 yards of total offense. The Redbirds (3-0) won despite being penalized 22 times for 178 yards.

Taylor Duncan rushed for three touchdowns and Jimmy Garoppolo had 387 yards passing and two scores for the Panthers (1-2).

Clinton Police Weekend Report

CITATIONS

9/14/12

TANDY M. MCFALL 20, CLINTON OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. BOND POSTED

 

9/15/12

STEVEN B. KERNER 36, OREANA ILLEGAL TRANSPORTATION OF ALCOHOL. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

SASHA L. JENNINGS 28, BLOOMINGTON SPEEDING 73 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED BRITTNY N. LORD 22, CLINTON FOR BURGLARY AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ELIZABETH CARBALLOSA 29, CLINTON FOR POSSESSION OF CANNABIS AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED ESTHER HERNANDEZ 18, CLINTON FOR THEFT AND A MACON COUNTY WARRANT. HERNANDEZ WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED DUANE T. THACKREY 27, BLOOMINGTON FOR PREDATORY CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD. THACKERY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/16/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JESSICA N. HOURAN 28, CLINTON ON A DEWITT COUNTY WARRANT. HOURAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Clinton Police Weekend

CITATIONS

9/14/12

TANDY M. MCFALL 20, CLINTON OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. BOND POSTED

 

9/15/12

STEVEN B. KERNER 36, OREANA ILLEGAL TRANSPORTATION OF ALCOHOL. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

SASHA L. JENNINGS 28, BLOOMINGTON SPEEDING 73 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED BRITTNY N. LORD 22, CLINTON FOR BURGLARY AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ELIZABETH CARBALLOSA 29, CLINTON FOR POSSESSION OF CANNABIS AND POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED ESTHER HERNANDEZ 18, CLINTON FOR THEFT AND A MACON COUNTY WARRANT. HERNANDEZ WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/15/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED DUANE T. THACKREY 27, BLOOMINGTON FOR PREDATORY CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD. THACKERY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/16/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JESSICA N. HOURAN 28, CLINTON ON A DEWITT COUNTY WARRANT. HOURAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

September 15, 2012

 

Jail Population: 90

Summons Served: 1

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 16, 2012

 

Jail Population: 92

Summons Served: 1

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 17, 2012

 

Jail Population: 94

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

William Leamon, 22, Decatur, was issued a citation for Scott’s Law. Leamon posted his IL Driver’s License as bond and was released.

 

Jacob Dinnella, 98, Decatur, was issued citations for Speeding (75 mph in a 55 mph zone) and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Dinnella was issued a notice to appear and was released.

 

Lola Camp, 55, Wapella, was issued citations for Driving Under Influence and Failure To Signal. Camp posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Rodney Purdue, 40, Clinton, was issued a citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Purdue was issued a notice to appear and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-14

September 14, 2012

 

Jail Population: 89

Summons Served: 2

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Heather Kahsen, 39, Decatur, was issued citations for Suspended Registration and Driving While License Suspended. Kahsen posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Constitution Week Being Celebrated Locally By Daughters of the American Revolution

A local group is recognizing a significant anniversary date in American history this week.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, are recognizing Constitution Week this week. Jane Wattock, Regent of the Clinton and DeWitt County DAR explains their aim this week is to raise awareness in local communities about the Constitution and it's importance.

[audio:91812constweek1.mp3] [/audio]

As a part of Constitution Week, DAR will be reaching out to the kids of the community to raise awareness with them about the Constitution. Wattock explains this is important to the DAR because the youth of today will be the ones to carry on the message of DAR and the Constitution.

[audio:91812constweek2.mp3] [/audio]

This marks the 225th anniversary of the day the Constitution went into effect. Wattock says around the country there will be several events recognize the day and locally this is one of the big weeks of the year for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

[audio:91812constweek3.mp3] [/audio]

The City of Clinton is also recognizing this as Constitution Week. In early September, Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters signed a declaration making this week, September 17-23 Constitution Week.

FRIDAY'S SCOREBOARD

MLB NL
-----
Chicago Cubs 7, Pittsburgh Pirates 4
Miami Marlins 4, Cincinnati Reds 0
Atlanta Braves 2, Washington Nationals 1
Philadelphia Phillies 12, Houston Astros 6
New York Mets 7, Milwaukee Brewers 3
San Francisco Giants 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 2
Colorado Rockies 7, San Diego Padres 4
Los Angeles Dodgers 8, St. Louis Cardinals 5

MLB AL
------
Detroit Tigers 4, Cleveland Indians 0
Tampa Bay Rays 6, New York Yankees 4
Boston Red Sox 8, Toronto Blue Jays 5
Texas Rangers 9, Seattle Mariners 3
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 9, Kansas City Royals 7
Chicago White Sox 6, Minnesota Twins 0
Oakland Athletics 3, Baltimore Orioles 2

WNBA
------
Minnesota Lynx 66, Indiana Fever 64
Atlanta Dream 82, Washington Mystics 74
San Antonio Silver Stars 90, Seattle Storm 66
Tulsa Shock 92, Phoenix Mercury 84
Los Angeles Sparks 93, Connecticut Sun 82

 

White Sox Shut Down Twins

Chris Sale struck out five over six scoreless innings as the White Sox shut out the Twins, 6-0.  Sale improved to 17-and-6.  Kevin Youkilis lifted a solo shot while Dayan Viciedo knocked in a pair for Chicago, which snapped a two-game slide.  The Sox are a game up on the Tigers in the AL Central.  Esmerling Vasquez gave up three runs in five-and-two-thirds frames.  Minnesota has lost three-of-four overall.

Dodgers Swat Away Cards

The Dodgers erased a three-run deficit to come away with an 8-5 victory over the Cardinals.  Andre Ethier hit a two-run homer Luis Cruz added a three-run shot.  With the win Los Angeles stayed seven-and-a-half games behind the Giants for first place in the National League West and move to within a game of St. Louis for the second Wild Card spot.  Reliever Shawn Tolleson earned the win.  Yadier Molina and Matt Carpernter each hit solo home runs in the second inning, while Matt Holliday hit a two-run bomb in the third for the Cards.  Reliever Trevor Rosenthal fell to 0-and-2.

IHSA Friday Scores

At Farmer City (Blue Ridge)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Fisher 54 F
Farmer City (Blue Ridge) 28
    
At Fithian (Oakwood)
NON-CONFERENCE
Decatur (D. Lutheran) 13 F
Fithian (Oakwood) [O.-Armstrong-Potomac Coop] 37
    
At Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm)
VERMILION VALLEY
Danville (Schlarman)   7:00
pm
Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) [G.R.F.-Chrisman Coop]  
 
   
At Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Colfax (Ridgeview) 32 F
Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) 13
    
At Gilman (Iroquois West)
NON-CONFERENCE
LeRoy   7:00
pm
Gilman (Iroquois West)  
    
At Heyworth
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Flanagan (F.-Cornell) [F.C.-Woodland Coop] 51 F
Heyworth 8
Kody Appel 5 carries 182 yards 3 TD's Austin Mehalic 2 carries 73 yards 2 TD's Brandon Barton 2 carries 83 yards 1 TD Alex Erschen 2 Catches 105 Yards 1 TD
 
   
At Hillsboro
SOUTH CENTRAL
Greenville   7:00
pm
Hillsboro  
    
At Kincaid (South Fork)
PRAIRIE STATE
Alton (Marquette) 49 F
Kincaid (South Fork) [Coop] 0
    
At K-R Field
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Southeast) 13 F
Jacksonville (H.S.) 53
 
   
At Litchfield
SOUTH CENTRAL
Staunton 41 F
Litchfield 8
    
At Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Lexington 56 F
Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) 58
    
At Macon (Meridian)
NON-CONFERENCE
Shelbyville 42 F
Macon (Meridian) 21
 
   
At Maroa (M.-Forsyth)
NON-CONFERENCE
Monticello 7 Half
Maroa (M.-Forsyth) 14
Jordan Bond - 10 attempts - 75 yards Jack Hockaday - 2 Touchdowns
    
At Memorial Stadium
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Rochester 56 F
Springfield (H.S.) 31
    
At Metamora
MID-ILLINI
East Peoria 21 F
Metamora 53
Brendan Nachtrieb (Meta) 18 Rushes 89 Yards 2TD 4/7 Passing 38 Yards Dekota Doerr (Meta) 13 Rushes 137 Yards Ryan Patterson (Meta) 9 Rushes 151 Yards 2 TD (72, 52) Eric Inman (Meta) 10 Total Tackles
 
   
At Momence
SANGAMON VALLEY
Champaign (St. Thomas More) 8 F
Momence 58
STM gave up 5 fumbles and 1 int. Momence's Deandre Wright ran the ball 12 times for 202 yards and 5 TD's. Nate Stringer led STM with 91 yards and 1 TD on 11 carries
    
At Morton
MID-ILLINI
Pekin 42 F
Morton 10
    
At Moweaqua (Central A & M)
NON-CONFERENCE
Clinton 22 F
Moweaqua (Central A & M) 47
 
   
At Mt. Olive
PRAIRIE STATE
Nokomis [Coop] 55 F
Mt. Olive 19
    
At Mt. Zion
APOLLO
Mattoon 33 F
Mt. Zion 30
    
At Newton
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Lawrenceville 40 F
Newton 14
 
   
At Normal (Community West)
BIG TWELVE
Danville (H.S.) 39 F
Normal (Community West) 49
    
At Normal (Community)
BIG TWELVE
Champaign (Centennial) 21 F
Normal (Community) 42
    
At Olney (East Richland)
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Flora [Coop] 12 F
Olney (East Richland) 44
 
   
At Paris
APOLLO
Salem   7:00
pm
Paris  
    
At Pawnee
SANGAMO
Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop]   7:00
pm
Pawnee  
    
At Peoria (Richwoods)
MID-STATE 6
Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central) 7 F
Peoria (Richwoods) 42
 
   
At Peoria Stadium
MID-STATE 6
Quincy (Notre Dame) 21 F
Peoria (Notre Dame) 17
    
At Piasa (Southwestern)
SOUTH CENTRAL
Gillespie 7 F
Piasa (Southwestern) 6
    
At Pontiac
CORN BELT
Mahomet (M.-Seymour)   7:00
pm
Pontiac  
 
   
At Rantoul
CORN BELT
Stanford (Olympia) 14 F
Rantoul 19
    
At Riverton
SANGAMO
Auburn 41 F
Riverton 7
    
At Roxana
SOUTH CENTRAL
Vandalia 39 F
Roxana 7
 
   
At Sidell (Jamaica)
VERMILION VALLEY
Milford [Coop]   7:00
pm
Sidell (Jamaica) [Salt Fork Coop]  
    
At Taylorville
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) 48 F
Taylorville 7
    
At Tommy Stewart Field
BIG TWELVE
Bloomington (H.S.)   7:00
pm
Champaign (Central)  
 
   
At Tuscola
NON-CONFERENCE
Decatur (St. Teresa) 2 F
Tuscola 14
    
At Urbana (H.S.)
NON-CONFERENCE
Springfield (Lanphier)   7:00
pm
Urbana (H.S.)  
    
At Villa Grove
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Martinsville 6 F
Villa Grove 44
 
   
At Virden
SANGAMO
Virden (North Mac)   7:00
pm
Pleasant Plains  
    
At Warrensburg (W.-Latham)
NON-CONFERENCE
Sullivan [S.-Okaw Valley Coop] 28 F
Warrensburg (W.-Latham) 0
    
At Washington
MID-ILLINI
Dunlap   7:30
pm
Washington  
 
   
At Watseka
SANGAMON VALLEY
Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) 13 F
Watseka 21
    
At Westville
VERMILION VALLEY
Bismarck (B.-Henning) 32 F
Westville 0
    
At Williamsville
SANGAMO
New Berlin [Coop]   7:00
pm
Williamsville  
 

Oakland [Tri-County Coop] 22 F
Arcola 26
    
At Argenta (A.-Oreana)
NON-CONFERENCE
Tolono (Unity) 29 F
Argenta (A.-Oreana) 26
    
At Athens
SANGAMO
Niantic (Sangamon Valley) [Coop] 7 F
Athens [Coop] 41
 
   
At Bartonville (Limestone)
MID-ILLINI
Canton   7:30
pm
Bartonville (Limestone)  
    
At Carlinville
SOUTH CENTRAL
Pana (H.S.) 29 F
Carlinville 21
    
At Cerro Gordo
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Broadlands (Heritage) [East Central Coop]   7:00
pm
Cerro Gordo [C.G.-Bement Coop]  
 
   
At Chatham (Glenwood)
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Lincoln 14 F
Chatham (Glenwood) 56
    
At Clifton (Central)
SANGAMON VALLEY
St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) 14 F
Clifton (Central) 7
    
At Downs (Tri-Valley)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Tremont 6 F
Downs (Tri-Valley) 52
 
   
At Effingham (H.S.)
APOLLO
Charleston 46 F
Effingham (H.S.) 7
    
At El Paso (E.P.-Gridley)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Minonk (Fieldcrest) 35 F
El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) 25
Fieldcrest led 21-0 at half. FC: Tyler Railey 20 carries for 128 yd rushing and 3 TD. EPG: Bodee Schlipf 19 of 33 passing for 143 yds and 3 TD.
    
At Fairbury (Prairie Central)
CORN BELT
Normal (University) 34 F
Fairbury (Prairie Central)
 

Quinn Unhappy Pensions May Wait Until New Year

The chances of quick action on Illinois' pension problems are growing slimmer.

Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday that he believes a pension overhaul can be passed by the end of the legislative session, which is in January. The Democratic governor wants action "as soon as possible," but his remarks did not suggest that will happen this fall.

His comments come a day after Senate President John Cullerton said he doesn't think a pension overhaul can pass until January, when legislative rules mean passage requires fewer votes.

House Speaker Michael Madigan has hinted at the same timetable.

Officials want to reduce retirement benefits for public employees to limit what state government pays each year. They're divided over what costs school districts should cover.

Illinois Man Gets 60 Years For Role In 2010 Death

A judge in Decatur has sentenced a 39-year-old man to 60 years in prison for orchestrating a 2010 robbery that left a father of 2 dead.

Circuit Judge Thomas Griffith sentenced Bryain Young on Thursday in the death of Ishmael Adams. The judge said Young "put guns in the hands of very young men."

Two other men, who were 15 and 18 years old at the time of the murder, are serving 35-year prison sentences. Prosecutors say the men robbed Adams and another man of about $50 in July 2010. Authorities say the younger teen shot Adams after getting the money.

Another 19-year-old man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to armed robbery in connection with the case.

U Of I Trustees Approve 5.4 Billion Dollar Budget For 3 Campuses

 Trustees at the University of Illinois have approved a $5.4 billion operating budget that includes less money from the state, but increases day-to-day spending by 3.7%.

Trustees approved the budget Friday. It applies to more than 77,000 students and 23,000 employees at three campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The budget is up 7.6%, or about $383 million. But that figure includes about $227 million in employee health care and pension payments. Excluding those payments the budget it up 3.7%.

University officials say the budget includes $612 million in state appropriations, which is down $42.5 million or 6%.

University President Robert Easter called the reduction "anticipated and planned for." He called the university's finances "strong."

SIU Farm Safety Tips

Many farm-related medical problems can be prevented by planning ahead and taking safety precautions.
 
A variety of injuries are caused by farm accidents and other occupational hazards related to farming. Many of these injuries can be prevented by getting adequate rest and taking safety precautions. Dr. Debra Phillips, professor of family and community medicine at SIU School of Medicine, explains.
 
[audio:siufarmsafety1.mp3] [/audio]
 
Inhaling debris floating in the air during harvest is a serious health hazard. Dr. Phillips advises farmers to use air masks to protect their lungs from the dust and debris in the fields. She also advises taking safety precautions against fires.
 
[audio:siufarmsafety2.mp3] [/audio]
 
 Dr. Phillips advises farmers to keep a first aid kit handy, do a 15-minute safety check for potential hazards, and properly train others who will be operating machinery. If someone has an injury, they should quickly go to their personal physician or hospital emergency department.

Weekly Weather Update

The majority of the state of Illinois has been recovering from the recent drought thanks to the rain we have been receiving. Yet, we there is still a little way to go before we are completely recovered. There may be some small amounts of rain earlier in the week along with Fall-like conditions. State Climatologist Jim Angel has more.
 
[audio:wx.mp3] [/audio]

4-H Food Stand To Return To Apple And Pork Festival

If you're making your way to the Apple and Pork Festival this year, one stop many people make is the 4-H stand at the fairgrounds.

Each year the 4-H stand is home to ice cream, sandwiches and cool beverages and once again this year they will have the same offerings. Youth Educator with the University of Illinois Extension Office Sherry Fulton says each year clubs volunteer to come out and serve at the festival.

[audio:915124hanp1.mp3] [/audio]

Fulton explains each year, this is one of the biggest fundraisers 4-H has and it goes a long ways to maintaining the fairgrounds, which is done by volunteer help, and also the proceeds towards the 4-H Federation.

[audio:915124hanp2.mp3] [/audio]

The 4-H Federation provides financial aid opportunities for young 4-H members to attend various camps through the year.

The Apple and Pork Festival this year is September 29th and 30th.

Castro, Cubs Keep Pirates Plummeting

Starlin Castro hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break open a tight game as the Cubs beat the Pirates, 7-4.  Castro also had an RBI single for Chicago, which built an early 4-0 lead and led the rest of the way in the opener of a four-game set at Wrigley Field.  Andrew McCutchen smacked his 27th home run for Pittsburgh, which closed to within 4-3 before Castro's blast put the game away.  Chris Rusin pitched five innings of two-run ball for the win and Carlos Marmol notched his 20th save.  James McDonald fell to 12-and-8 with the loss.  The Bucs have lost seven straight.

43 Charged In Gang Related Investigation

Authorities say dozens of alleged members and associates of the Latin Kings street gang have been cited for drug violations.

Federal and local law enforcement announced the charges Thursday against 43 defendants. Most defendants are charged for roles in two drug-trafficking organizations that supplied heroin, cocaine and marijuana to dealers in Chicago and the south suburbs. Agents seized money, firearms and drugs as part of a 2-year investigation.

The drug and gun trafficking investigation was led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Joliet Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Cullerton Says No Pension Reform Action Until January

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says a vote on a plan to overhaul the state's government worker pension program is most likely to come in January.

The Chicago Democrat says there isn't enough votes to pass changes now, despite Gov. Pat Quinn calls for action. He says action will come when it's clear who will stay in office and who will go.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services last month lowered Illinois' rating because of pension funding levels and lack of action on reform measures. The firm also said the state's financial outlook is negative, in part because the state's temporary income tax is scheduled to expire in 2015.

Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said the governor is "disappointed" by Cullerton's assessment of pension reform prospects.

Enrollment Down At Most Public Illinois Universities

College administrators say the sluggish economy, tuition increases and limits on available financial aid are driving down enrollment this fall at most Illinois public universities.

Overall enrollment is down sharply at Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois' Carbondale campus. Similarly the number of students on campus is down at Northern Illinois, Western Illinois and Illinois State. The University of Illinois' flagship campus is one exception.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission says the amount of financial aid being provided by Illinois' cash-strapped state government is down this year by 4%.

Eastern Illinois University Vice President for Academic Affairs Blair Lord says it's simply getting harder for many students to get to college.

But some schools such as Northern Illinois note their freshman classes are larger this fall.

Rain Eases Drought As Midwest Corn Harvest Unfolds

The latest update on the nation's worst drought in decades shows that farmers bringing in their weakened corn crops caught some relief with recent rains that soaked much of middle America.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows two-thirds of Iowa now in extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories. That's because the amount of that state in extreme drought rose slightly while the swath in exceptional drought remained unchanged at 2.4%.

The worst two drought categories held steady in Nebraska, at 97.4% of the state, and were nearly unchanged in Illinois, at 6.67%. Missouri's numbers dropped more than 6%age points, to 25.20%.

The land area in the lower 48 states in extreme or exceptional drought remained at about 21%.

Crop Insurance Losses Begin To Mount Amid Drought

Thousands of U.S. farmers are filing crop insurance claims this year as drought and triple-digit temperatures burn up crops in the Corn Belt.

The final cost to the taxpayer-subsidized program has yet to be determined, but Kansas State University is forecasting underwriting losses at nearly $15 billion. That figure is based on anticipated claims totaling $25 billion.

Extension specialist G.A. "Art" Barnaby says the Agriculture Department's Risk Management Agency cut premiums for corn and soybeans in many states, expecting new technologies to eliminate or reduce big losses.

More than $1.42 billion in insurance claims have been paid so far, with the bulk still to come.

Texas is leading the nation with $518.6 million in claims, followed by Kansas with $223 million. Colorado is third with $66 million.

FBI Identifies Suspected 'Bucket List Bandit'

Authorities have identified a suspect dubbed the "Bucket List Bandit" who's believed to be responsible for bank robberies in nine states.

According to an arrest warrant issued Thursday, 54-year-old Michael Eugene Brewster has been charged with a robbery that took place Monday in Erie.

He was nicknamed the Bucket List Bandit after allegedly telling a Utah bank teller he had only four months to live.

The warrant says a confidential informant contacted the FBI office in Erie and provided Brewster's name.

Authorities then reviewed surveillance video from various robberies and found an "obvious likeness" to Brewster. A bank teller also identified his picture.

Brewster is also a suspect in robberies in Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, North Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois.

Springfield Man Guilty Of Trying To Kill Cops

A Springfield man faces up to 250-years behind bars after being convicted of two counts of attempted murder for trying to shoot police officers.  A judge handed down the guilty verdict for Jesus Ramirez yesterday, but defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. says they're appealing.

[audio:rddAdam1.mp3] [/audio]

Springfield Police Sergeant Christopher Russell was one of the officers Ramirez tried to shoot, and he believes justice was served.

[audio:rddRussell1.mp3] [/audio]

The courtroom was virtually silent as Sangamon County Judge Pat Kelley read the verdict, aside from a couple of people in the audience softly weeping as Ramirez sat in his chair, mainly stone faced.  Adam says it's hard for jurors to watch his client point a gun at officers on tape, while those officers are sitting in the courtroom, and reach a not guilty verdict.  Ramirez's sentencing date is set for November 13th.

Central Illinois Well Represented In Hurricane Isaac Aid

Central Illinois was well represented in aiding those in the path of Hurricane Isaac in August.

The American Red Cross sent several thousands volunteers to the southern part of the nation to aid those who were forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the hurricane. Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, Carl Baker says five volunteers from their service areas of DeWitt, Macon, Moultry and Shelby Counties went down to aid folks from Mississippi to Florida.

[audio:91412hurricanehelp1.mp3] [/audio]

Each volunteer has an area in which they are able to help. Baker explains before they leave to help with a disaster, they will be ready for what they are going to help with because that is an area of strength for them.

[audio:91412hurricanehelp2.mp3] [/audio]

Baker says going to help with these situations is a great opportunity for their volunteers. He says not only do they come back with great ideas from other chapters in other areas, but he says they make friends they keep in touch with even after they leave working together.

[audio:91412hurricanehelp3.mp3] [/audio]

When volunteers are deployed to these areas to give help during and after natural disasters, the Red Cross pays for their travel expenses, and have them prepared for what they will be doing when they get there. The Red Cross volunteers totaled 3500 volunteers and over 30 central Illinois volunteers went down to the Gulf Coast.

Lincoln's Railsplitting Festival Set For This Weekend

This weekend marks an annual event in the city of Lincoln.

This weekend is the 42nd year for the annual Railsplitting Festival which takes place at the fairgrounds in Lincoln. The Railsplitting festival features lots of older traditions, most notably the railsplitting competition. Executive Director of the Abe Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, Geoff Ladd says each year they try to come up with something new for the festival, and this year features a play set in the Pioneer times of American history.

[audio:91412railsplitter1.mp3] [/audio]

A couple other items will highlight the weekend as well. A Weldon man will help host a barn dance Saturday evening along with the a couple concerts throughout the weekend, and of course the National Railsplitting competition and Junior competition.

[audio:91412railsplitter2.mp3] [/audio]

The 42nd annual Railsplitting Festival is set for this Friday through Sunday in Lincoln. The festival is a very traditional event, set to bring back the Pioneer era in our nation's history. Ladd says it is a great family event.

For more information on the annual Railsplitter festival and the weekend full of activities, you can visit www.railsplitting.com.

Chase Starts This Weekend At Chicagoland

After 26 regular season races and 14 different winners, it comes down to the final 10 events of the season as the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins on Sunday in the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland.  Last year, Tony Stewart started the Chase in impressive fashion as he posted the first of five Chase wins en route to the Sprint Cup Championship.  Stewart, one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, conserved enough fuel and held off Kevin Harvick during the closing laps to win the rain-delayed GEICO 400 last year.

Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Stewart, Brad Keselowski and Greg Biffle finished the regular season one-through-five in the standings.  Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Kasey Kahne [[ Kane ]] and Jeff Gordon are the last seven drivers who qualified for the Chase.

Pack Tops Bears; Rams Host Redskins; Colts Host Vikings

>>Packers Best Bears

(Green Bay, WI)  --  Tom Crabtree had a 27-yard touchdown reception on a fake field goal as the Packers beat the rival Bears, 23-10.  Aaron Rodgers passed for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception to help Green Bay improve to 1-and-1.  Cedric Benson rushed for 81 yards, while Donald Driver had a TD grab in the win.  Jay Cutler was just 11-of-27 for 126 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions for Chicago.  Cutler was also sacked seven times.  Matt Forte had to leave with an ankle injury.  The Bears dropped to 1-and-1.

>>RG3, Redskins Look For Encore Performance Against Rams

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Washington Redskins are on the road for the second straight week as they take on the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.  The 'Skins stunned the Saints 40-31 in New Orleans behind the outstanding rookie debut of quarterback Robert Griffin the Third.  RG3 passed for 320 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a QB-rating of 139.9.  Alfred Morris added nearly a hundred yards and two scores on the ground.  The Rams gave up a last-second TD to the Lions in a 27-23 loss at Detroit, spoiling the debut of new head coach Jeff Fisher.  The Rams picked off Matthew Stafford three times and also recorded a sack.  Washington won 17-10 at St. Louis last season.

>>Colts Host Vikings In Week Two

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  The Indianapolis Colts play their home-opener on Sunday as they host the Minnesota Vikings at Lucas Oil Stadium.  The Colts suffered a 41-21 loss at Chicago in Week One.  Indy beat the Vikes, 18-15, the last time the two teams played in 2008.

Cards Top Dodgers; Sox/Tigers Washed Out

>>Cards Double Up Dodgers

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Allen Craig hit an RBI single in the seventh inning to help the Cardinals clip the Dodgers, 2-1, in the first of a big four-game series.  Skip Schumaker also knocked in a run for St. Louis, which snapped a three-game slide.  Lance Lynn gave up a run and struck out seven over six frames for the win.  Jason Motte locked up his 34th save.  Adrian Gonzalez drove in the lone run for Los Angeles, which has lost four in-a-row.  Steven Rodriguez took the loss in relief.  The Cards are two games ahead of L.A. for the final NL Wild Card spot.

MLB NL
------
Houston Astros 6, Philadelphia Phillies 4

MLB AL
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Baltimore Orioles 3, Tampa Bay Rays 2 (14 inn)
LA Angels of Anaheim 6, Oakland Athletics 0
Toronto Blue Jays 8, Seattle Mariners 3
New York Yankees 2, Boston Red Sox 0
Cleveland Indians 5, Texas Rangers 4
Minnesota Twins 4, Kansas City Royals 3 (10 inn)

>>White Sox-Tigers Postponed Last Night

(Chicago, IL)  --  Last night's series finale between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers was postponed due to rain.  Chicago won the series-opener on Monday, but Detroit answered with two straight wins to pull within one game of the AL Central-leading White Sox heading into the finale.  The game will be made up on Monday, September 17th.  The Southsiders kick off a three-game series at Minnesota this evening.  Francisco Liriano is expected to toe the rubber against Cole De Vries in the opener.

>>Cubs Host Pirates At Wrigley

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago Cubs open up a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon at Wrigley Field.  Chris Rusin gets gets the nod opposite James McDonald in the opener.  The Northsiders have won five of their last six games to improve to 56-and-87 on the season.  They took two-of-three at Houston in their last series.

Western Illinois At Iowa State

Iowa State is supposed to get only one breather this season. It's scheduled for Saturday against Western Illinois.

It's nothing but Big 12 games for the Cyclones after this weekend.

Iowa State (2-0) hosts the FCS Leathernecks (2-0) in its final game before a bye week and the start of conference play. The Cyclones are seeking their second consecutive 3-0 start, winning as underdogs at home against Tulsa and against rival Iowa on the road.

Safety Durell Givens says Iowa State's focus is on reaching 3-0, adding that the Cyclones won't underestimate Western Illinois.

Illini Look To Forget, Improve Saturday

A week after a 45-14 blowout loss at Arizona State, Illinois could get a breather Saturday against Charleston Southern.

Don't expect the Illini (1-1) to try to build an early cushion and coast. Coach Tim Beckman says his team isn't good enough to count on a big lead that would allow it to take it easy on a Football Championship Subdivision team like the Buccaneers (0-2).

Illinois cornerback Justin Green says the Illini have to forget last week's loss. The defense was often confused and gave up four first-half touchdowns.

Buccaneer coach Jay Mills says his team should expect a big, physical opponent in its first-ever Big Ten game.

Injured Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (SHEEL'-hows) expects to play after missing the ASU game with an ankle injury.

Maroons At A&M; Maroa-Forsyth Hosts Monticello; Week 4 Outlook

>>Maroons Travel To A&M

The Clinton Maroons coming off a home loss to Maroa-Forsyth last Friday night travel to Central A&M High School tonight to take on the Raiders. A&M (3-0) is coming off a big win last Saturday afternoon against Unity, a 47-41 shootout. Clinton is 1-2 on the year. Game time tonight is 7pm and you can hear all the action live on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and streamed live online at dewittdailynews.com.

>>Maroa Plays Host to Monticello

The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans will play host to the Monticello Sages tonight in a match-up of top 10 teams in the state of Illinois. Monticello comes in ranked #5 in Class 4A, while the Trojans come in ranked #6 in Class 2A. The Sages are coming into tonight's game undefeated after little resistance from their first three opponents, while Maroa-Forsyth played a tough Week 2 game at home against Unity, rain soaked ball which Unity escaped 7-6. Maroa is 2-1. Game time tonight is set for 7pm, you can hear the action live tonight on 95.9 FM WEZC and streamed live online at dewittdailynews.com.

Other area matchups for this Friday:

Non-conference Okaw Valley matchups include:

Decatur St. Teresa at Tuscola
Shelbyville at Meridian
Sullivan at Warrensburg-Latham
Tolono Unity at Argenta-Oreana

Apollo
Charleston at Effingham
Mattoon at Mt. Zion
Salem at Paris

Big Twelve
Bloomington vs. Champaign Central) at Tommy Stewart Field
Champaign (Centennial) at Normal Community
Danville at Normal West
Decatur Eisenhower at Decatur MacArthur (Sat.)

Central State Eight
Lincoln at Chatham Glenwood
Rochester vs. Springfield at Memorial Stadium
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Taylorville
Springfield Southeast vs. Jacksonville at K-R Field

Corn Belt
Bloomington Central Catholic at Eureka
Mahomet-Seymour at Pontiac
Normal University) at Fairbury Prairie Central
Stanford Olympia at Rantoul

Heart of Illinois
Ridgeview at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Fisher at Blue Ridge
Flanagan-Cornell at Heyworth
Lexington at DeeMack
Fieldcrest at El Paso-Gridley
Tremont at Tri-Valley

Little Okaw Valley
East Central at Cerro Gordo
Martinsville at Villa Grove
Oakland Tri-County at Arcola

Sangamon Valley
Champaign St. Thomas More at Momence
Paxton-Buckley-Loda at Watseka
St. Joseph-Ogden at Clifton Central

Clinton 4-H Looking Forward To Apple and Pork Festival

If you're making your way to the Apple and Pork Festival this year, one stop many people make is the 4-H stand at the fairgrounds.

Each year the 4-H stand is home to ice cream, sandwiches and cool beverages and once again this year they will have the same offerings. Youth Educator with the University of Illinois Extension Office Sherry Fulton says each year clubs volunteer to come out and serve at the festival.

[audio:915124hanp1.mp3] [/audio]

Fulton explains each year, this is one of the biggest fundraisers 4-H has and it goes a long ways to maintaining the fairgrounds, which is done by volunteer help, and also the proceeds towards the 4-H Federation.

[audio:915124hanp2.mp3] [/audio]

The 4-H Federation provides financial aid opportunities for young 4-H members to attend various camps through the year.

The Apple and Pork Festival this year is September 29th and 30th.

Maroons lose to Central A&M 47-22


As heard on 1520 AM WHOW Friday night, the Central A&M Raiders defeated the Clinton Maroons 47-22 at Central A&M. For Central A&M, Curtis Ramsey had six carries, 67 yards and a touchdown. He went 10-20 through the air for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Ballinger carried the ball six times for 74 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He added an 85 yard kickoff return for a touchdown and  had a 75 yard fumble return for a touchdown. For Clinton, Zach Pate had 22 carries for 85 yards. Pate completed four of nine passes for 88 yards and a passing touchdown. The IGA Player of The Game went to Caleb Luck who carried the ball 12 times for 69 yards. He gained the honor mainly for his defense where he was involved in many of the plays. Tune in next week as a special simulcast game between the Clinton Maroons and the Monticello Sages will be aired on The Big 1520 AM and 95.9 WEZC.

Sages Bottled Up By Trojans

Two topped ranked teams in Illinois High School football did not let the thousands in attendance down Friday night. The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans were just too much for the Monticello Sages to handle as they won a close 21-7 ball game in Maroa. Sophomore quarterback Jack Hockaday ran for 99 yards and three scores. He also went 11 of 18 for 114 yards with two interceptions. The Trojans defense held star runningback Ryan Donahue in check all night, as all Donahue could muster was 26 yards on 14 carries. The lone Sages touchdown came late in the first half as quarterback Parker Trice carried it in from two yards out.

The Sages drop to 3-1 on the season. Maroa-Forsyth improves to 3-1. The Sages start Okaw Valley Black play next week as they play host to the Clinton Maroons. Join us for a special simulcast broadcast with WEZC's sister staion, WHOW, next Friday.

NIU Says Enrollment Down; Freshman Class Up

Northern Illinois University says fall enrollment is down by almost 5% but its incoming freshman class is larger than last year's.

The university said Wednesday that overall enrollment is down 4.9% to 21,869 students. New freshman enrollment is up 2.9% to 2,664.

Northern Illinois President John Peters says the decline in overall enrollment follows several years of smaller incoming classes. Peters said that trend may hold overall enrollment down for the short term even as freshman enrollment increases.

The biggest freshman enrollment growth is in NIU's engineering, education and business schools.

Several other public universities in the state have announced enrollment declines this fall. The University of Illinois said Wednesday that its freshman enrollment is off slightly but overall enrollment hit a record of just 42,800.

Mayors of River Towns To Convene To Seek Solutions

Mayors from 41 Mississippi River communities are gathering in St. Louis in hopes of coming up with ways to ensure and improve the sustainability of the nation's longest waterway.

The inaugural, 3-day meeting of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative begins Thursday.

Organizers say the Mighty Mississippi plays a key role in providing drinking water, moving commodities and supplies. They hope to enlist state and federal partners in the effort to keep it vibrant.

Among those scheduled to attend are mayors from such cities as St. Louis; Memphis; Davenport, Iowa; and St. Cloud, Minn.

Defense Tries To Prove Reasonable Doubt

It's the second day of the Jesus Ramirez Trial in Sangamon County Court, and the defense is trying to prove reasonable doubt.  Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr., known for defending former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, tried several times this morning to prove there was no physical evidence to indicate Ramirez tried to fire at police officers.  Ramirez is accused of attempted murder after allegedly trying to shoot officers after a high speed pursuit from northern McLean County to Springfield.  Police officers say they saw Ramirez try to pull the trigger on the Smith and Wesson 9 millimeter, but it's difficult to see on police dash cam videos.  The defense is also trying to poke holes in the drug charges, alleging Ramirez's fingerprints were never found on the nearly kilo of cocaine found in the vehicle.

Internet Thieves Target Elections

Internet thieves are finding creative ways to trick people into giving up banking information and these days, they're claiming to represent a political campaign.  Better Business Bureau Investigator Bill Smith says anyone paying attention to the upcoming election should think twice before making a donation over the phone.  

[audio:rddELXScam1.mp3] [/audio]

Smith says there are plenty of scams out there using the election cycle as the premise to get your personal information.  The scams range from robocalls offering a "free cruise" for taking a political survey, to promises that President Obama will pay your utility bill.  One rule of thumb to consider is to never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone.  That information shouldn't be handed out to anyone at your home either, unless you initiated the contact and feel confident about the person you're speaking with.

Senate Candidate Calls Ad Misleading

State Senate candidate Randy Frese says Senator John Sullivan's TV commercials are misleading the citizens of Western Illinois.  

[audio:rddRANDY12.mp3] [/audio]

According to state records, Sullivan's pay has increased from 66-thousand-389 dollars in 2006 to 82-thousand -775 in 2011.  Frese says voting to fund his pay raise is the same thing as voting for the pay raise.  Sullivan's camp says an increase resulted when he was appointed to a leadership position.  Sullivan's 60-second TV spot was a response to a third party ad taken out by the "For the Good of Illinois" PAC.

Time Is Now To Get Flu Shots

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAYS IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT GETTING YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT.

PUBLIC HEALTH SPOKESPERSON MELANEY ARNOLD SAYS EVERYONE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT.

[audio:flushot.mp3] [/audio]

THERE’S ALSO A NASAL SPRAY VACCINE. ARNOLD SAYS FLU SEASON IN ILLINOIS TYPICALLY RUNS FROM OCTOBER THRU AS LATE AS MAY…WITH CASES PEAKING IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

New Law Aims To Help Rehab First Time Offenders

A NEW LAW WILL HELP GET FIRST TIME OFFENDERS BACK ON THE RIGHT PATH.

THE LAW AIMS TO REHABILITATE THOSE WHO GET INTO TROUBLE…RATHER THAN JUST THROW THEM IN JAIL SAYS GOVERNOR PAT QUINN. IT GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO PAY THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY…WHILE ALSO TURNING THEIR LIFE AROUND.

[audio:rehab1.mp3] [/audio]

THE LAW LETS COUNTIES SET UP A PROGRAM FOR NON-VIOLENT CRIMINALS…TO LET THEM PAY OFF THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY…CLEAR THEIR RECORD…AND IMPROVE THEIR LIVES SAYS REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE DAVIS OF CHICAGO.

[audio:rehab2.mp3] [/audio]

THE LAW IS MODELED OFF A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM IN COOK COUNTY…WHERE PARTICIPANTS HAD TO PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICES…CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION…AND UNDERGO DRUG TESTING IF NECESSARY.

Remnants Of Hurricane Isaac Benefit Lake Springfield

The remnants of Hurricane Isaac are still benefitting the Lake Springfield water table.

[audio:rddskelly1.mp3] [/audio]

City Water Light and Power's water division director Tom Skelly says the lake has risen about six inches since Isaac rolled through and has remained steady for the past couple of weeks.  During the height of the drought, the lake levels were falling three quarters of an inch per day.  Skelly says water production at the plant is also down to around 22 million gallons per day on average.  CWLP set multiple records in July when the plant was pumping as much as 40 million gallons a day.

Pekin Gets New Police Dog From Turkey

The Pekin Police Department has a new member - a 2-year-old Dutch shepherd dog named Ahen (ah HEEN').

Ahen and his handler, Officer Rob Jones, went through three months of specialized training at the Illinois State Police Academy before the dog went on active duty in May. Ahen was born in Turkey and knows commands in Turkish, German and Dutch. Jones says the dog can detect drugs, search buildings and track people.

But Jones says Ahen also loves to play and is very sociable. The cost to buy and train Ahen was $8,000. The dog replaces Kazan, who retired from the Pekin department after three years. Ahen is the seventh Pekin police dog since the department started a K-9 unit in 1993.

Missing Peoria Woman's Body Found In Corn Picker

A missing Peoria woman whose body was found stuck in a farmer's combine in a central Illinois cornfield died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Results of a Wednesday autopsy by the Peoria County coroner on 24-year-old Tashyra McDowell. A farmer harvesting corn found McDowell's body on Tuesday. McDowell was the mother of a 7-year-old autistic son, who was found unattended Monday morning in Peoria. Later that day McDowell's car was found abandoned.

McDowell's mother, Twila Rutherford, says she last had contact with her daughter Friday. McDowell's son is now with Rutherford, who says the boy was her daughter's "pride and joy."

It took authorities about two hours to disassemble the picker to remove McDowell's body. Peoria County authorities are investigating.

University of Illinois Enrolls Fewer Freshman At Urbana-Champaign Campus

Freshmen enrollment is down slightly at the University of Illinois' campus in Urbana-Champaign, but the administration says the incoming students have higher test scores and class ranks than last year.

More than 6,900 students are enrolled, compared to about 7,250 last fall. That?s a roughly 4% decrease.

But the university says 53.8% of the freshmen graduated in the top 10% of their class. That?s up from 51.8%. The freshmen class boasts an average ACT score of 28.4 and an average SAT score of 1337.

Overall, the university logged another record enrollment year with more than 42,800 undergraduate, graduate and professional students on the Urbana-Champaign campus. That?s up from about 38,000 a decade ago and fewer than 36,000 two decades ago.

Scovill Zoo Introduces New Wolf Pup

The Scovill Zoo in Decatur is entering their final weeks of their regular season.

The zoo is now home to a new wolf pup. Assistant Director of the zoo Ken Frye says the young  pup brings a lot more energy to the exhibit. The zoo also has a younger wolf who was in need of a younger playmate, and he says coming out to the zoo, you can witness the two wolves having a good time together.

[audio:91312wolfpup1.mp3] [/audio]

Right now the zoo has four wolves but Frye explains they have a couple older wolves, one of whom may be in the final days or weeks of his life. Frye notes their older wolves are around 15 or 16 years old, but in the wild they only live around eight years, so they have lived a long life.

[audio:91312wolfpup2.mp3] [/audio]

Should the wolf pass away, the zoo will certainly look to return it's exhibit to four pups, but Frye notes it all depends on how many wolves are born and if there is a high demand for them elsewhere around the country.

October 14th is the final day the zoo will be open for the season. Frye encourages area residents to come and take advantage of their free admission Thursday which continues to October 11th.

Chamber Offering Advertising Opportunity For Haunted House

Chamber members wishing to take advantage of advertising at the 2nd biggest fall event in DeWitt County need to decide quickly.

Friday is the final day to register for advertising opportunities during the Clinton Chamber's Haunted House. Executive Director at the Chamber, Marian Brisard says this is a great opportunity to get exposed to several thousand people throughout the area over a month.

[audio:91312hauntedsponsor1.mp3] [/audio]

Last year around 5-thousand people made their way through the haunted house and Brisard says that is down from previous years, but it is still a good number. Because Halloween falls on a week night this year, they are extending the days they will operate.

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Businesses can take advantage of a webpage sponsorship which stays up all year long and has seen several thousand hits over this year. Brisard says the website sponsorship is a great opportunity because it will be updated with pictures, which can also be accessed from their Facebook page.

[audio:91312hauntedsponsor3.mp3] [/audio]

The Haunted House is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber and the dates for this year's house openings will be each Friday and Saturday in October from 7-11 pm and on October 31st from 7-9 pm.

For more information about the sponsorship opportunities for the Haunted House, you can contact the Clinton Chamber at 935-3364.

One Year Later, Sales Tax Figures Holding Steady For Maroa Schools

A tax that went into effect last year in Macon County has benefited the Maroa-Forsyth district.

The implementation of a county wide sales tax has benefited the district because of Forsyth being in Macon County. Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools Mike Williams explains this sales tax can only be used on facilities. He says it has enabled the district to do some things without the revenue, they could not have done.

[audio:91312maroatax1.mp3] [/audio]

It has been a year since Maroa-Forsyth schools started receiving the money from this sales tax and Williams says they are right in line with the revenue they thought they would receive. He says they expected to receive around $700-thousand annually from that and it has held true a year later.

[audio:91312maroatax2.mp3] [/audio]

Maroa-Forsyth is a very fortunate district to have this kind of revenue. Williams notes many smaller communities like theirs are not as fortunate. He says there are certain types of sales that are exempt from this tax, which eliminates a lot of smaller communities.

[audio:91312maroatax3.mp3] [/audio]

The tax increase implemented in Macon County was a 1% increase. The tax is enacted on retail purchases except for titled motor vehciles, unprepared food, and medication.  The proceeds generated are distributed to Macon County public schools based on enrollment figures.

Big East News

>>Notre Dame Leaving Big East For ACC

(South Bend, IN)  --  Notre Dame is the latest big-name school to exit the Big East.  The Irish will join the Atlantic Coast Conference in all sports, except football.  Notre Dame will remain independent in football, but the new partnership will include the Golden Domers playing five ACC opponents each year and each conference member at least once every three years.  ND had been a Big East member in most sports but football since 1995.  The Big East usually requires a 27-month notice of departure and Notre Dame has said it will work with both conferences on a timetable to transfer membership.  Syracuse and Pittsburgh are leaving the Big East for the ACC after this season and West Virginia bolted for the Big 12 this year.

>>UConn's Calhoun Expected To Retire

(Storrs, CT)  --  Jim Calhoun's Hall of Fame career at Connecticut is coming to an end.  ESPN reports that the 70-year-old Calhoun will announce his retirement at a press conference today.  Calhoun won three national championships during his 26 seasons with the Huskies.

Gordon Rejuvenated Heading Into Chase

The mustache is making a comeback - and Jeff Gordon believes he is, too.

The 4-time NASCAR champion grabbed the final spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship away from Kyle Busch with a vintage performance and will try to end his long "Drive for Five," starting Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.

Gordon, once the dominant driver in the sport, hasn't claimed a series title since 2001. It's fair to say he's feeling just a little rejuvenated after his dramatic performance at Richmond last weekend.

Gordon came in trailing Busch by 12 points and beat him by three, coming on strong after falling a lap behind to finish second in a race hampered by rain.

Now that he's made the Chase, he is keeping his promise to bring back his mustache from his early days in the Sprint Cup Series.

Former NFL Receiver Hurd's Friend Pleads Guilty In Drug Case

A friend of former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd has formally pleaded guilty to a cocaine possession charge in connection with allegations that Hurd tried to start a drug ring.

Toby Lujan (loo-HAHN') appeared in federal court in Dallas on Wednesday, almost a month after he took a deal with prosecutors. Lujan formally changed his plea to guilty before a federal judge.

Lujan's plea deal calls for a prison sentence of 5 to 40 years. It also requires his testimony if asked.

Hurd and Lujan were indicted in January. Hurd, who played for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, allegedly told an undercover officer he wanted to buy large amounts of cocaine and marijuana to distribute.

He is now being jailed after being accused of trying to buy more drugs while out on bond.

2013 MLB Schedule Released

>>Cubs, White Sox' 2013 Schedules Released

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Cubs and White Sox' 2013 schedule has been released.  The Windy City rivalry will be played a little differently this season.  There will be back-to-back two-game interleague series in May.  The Northsiders open up their campaign on April 1st at Pittsburgh.  Meanwhile, the Southsiders also start their season on April 1st against the Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field.

>>Cards' 2013 Schedule Released

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The St. Louis Cardinals' 2013 schedule has been released.  The Cards play their season-opener on April 1st against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.  St. Louis' home-opener is on April 8th against the Cincinnati Reds.  Fifteen of the Cardinals' final 22 games in 2013 will be played in St. Louis.  The regular season is set to end on September 29th.

Cubs Win; Sox, Cards Lose Big September Games

>>Cubs Cut Down Astros

(Houston, TX)  --  Alfonso Soriano homered and plated two as the Cubs cut down the Astros, 5-1, in the rubber match of a three-game series.  Dave Sappelt went 3-for-3 with a run for Chicago.  Sappelt smacked a line drive in the eighth that ricocheted off reliever Mickey Storey's face.  Storey left under his own power and escaped with a contusion to his right hand a jaw.  Travis Wood fanned six over seven-and-two-thirds innings of two-run ball to improve to 6-and-11.  Fernando Martinez smacked a pinch-hit, RBI single in the eighth for Houston.  Fernando Abad was tagged with the loss.

>>Padres Sweep Cardinals

(San Diego, CA)  --  Yasmani Grandal smacked a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth as the Padres completed a three-game sweep of the Cardinals with a 3-2 win.  Logan Forsythe clubbed a solo homer for the Padres, who have won seven-of-eight.  Clayton Richard tossed seven innings of two-run ball to improve to 13-and-12.  Luke Gregerson earned his seventh save.  Matt Carpenter hit a two-run homer for the Cardinals, who have dropped six of their last seven.  Kyle Lohse fanned eight, but allowed three runs, two earned, in six innings to fall to 14-and-3.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 3, Miami Marlins 1
Washington Nationals 2, New York Mets 0
Cincinnati Reds 2, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
Milwaukee Brewers 8, Atlanta Braves 2
San Francisco Giants 8, Colorado Rockies 3
Arizona Diamondbacks 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 2

>>Tigers Top White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  Max Scherzer struck out seven and gave up one run in six frames as the Tigers topped the White Sox, 8-6.  Scherzer improved to 16-and-6 with his sixth straight win.  Prince Fielder lifted a three-run homer for Detroit, which has won the middle two games of this four-game series.  Jose Valverde locked up his 30th save.  Kevin Youkilis drove in four runs via a pair of homers for Chicago.  Gavin Floyd struck out seven and allowed three runs in four-and-two-thirds frames for the setback.

MLB AL
------
Baltimore Orioles 3, Tampa Bay Rays 2
Seattle Mariners 3, Toronto Blue Jays 2
New York Yankees 5, Boston Red Sox 4
Texas Rangers 5, Cleveland Indians 2
Kansas City Royals 10, Minnesota Twins 5
Oakland Athletics 4, LA Angels of Anaheim 1

Pack Hosts Bears; Injury Notes

>>Packers Host Bitter Rival Bears On "Thursday Night Football"

(Green Bay, WI)  --  The NFL's longest rivalry will be renewed this evening as the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on "Thursday Night Football."  The Pack are coming off a season-opening 30-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Green Bay on Sunday.  Aaron Rodgers finished 30-of-44 with 303 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the Packers, who saw a 13-game regular-season winning streak at Lambeau Field come to an end.  Meanwhile, the new-look Bears rolled to a 41-21 victory versus the Andrew Luck-led Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field in Week One.  Jay Cutler threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns, while Brandon Marshall hauled in nine catches for 119 yards and a score in his Chicago debut.  Green Bay has won three straight games against the Bears, but Chicago leads the all-time series dating back to 1921, 92-86-and-6.  The last time the "Monsters of the Midway" won on the Frozen Tundra at Lambeau was 2007.

>>Tillman Questionable Against Packers

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is listed as questionable for tonight's game against the Packers.  Tillman is dealing with a shin injury suffered in last Sunday's season-opening victory over the Indianapolis Colts.  He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday after missing Monday and Tuesday's session.  Tight end Kyle Adams is also listed as questionable, while linebacker Brian Urlacher is probable.

>>Packers' Jennings Doubtful For Thursday

(Green Bay, WI)  --  Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears.  Jennings missed practice all week after injuring his groin in last Sunday's home loss to the San Francisco 49ers.  Jennings had five catches for 34 yards prior to the injury.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report For 9-13

September 13, 2012

 

Jail Population: 88

Summons Served: 8

Warrant Arrests: 2

 

Zachariah Hill, 22, Clinton, was issued citations for No Valid Driver’s License and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Hill was issued a notice to appear and was released.

 

Kevin Jarvis, 23, Waynesville, was arrested on DeWitt County Warrants charging him with Disorderly Conduct and Failure to Appear or Pay. Jarvis being unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

 

Joseph Alexander, 37, Clinton, was arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Criminal Trespass To Vehicles/Disorderly Conduct. Alexander posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Lola Camp, 55, Wapella, was arrested and charged with Driving Under Influence. Camp posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Abundance of Hummingbirds Flying At Weldon Springs; Some Return Year After Year

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Weldon Springs has recently been showcasing one of its most unique birds.

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to look at when visiting the springs.  Throughout the summer, hummingbirds make their home at the park. Carol Thompson, Natural Resources Coordinator at Weldon Springs says over the years, she has noticed the same attributes to several of the birds, making her think the same ones may come back year after year. Because of this, the park hired a hummingbird bander to test the theory.

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Once again this year the park will work to temporarily capture the birds and "band" the birds. Thompson explains this is a process once the bird has been trapped, grabbing it, then registering the band number being applied to the bird, and waiting to see if it will return again for the next year.

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Hummingbirds will fly to central America for the winter month, and Thompson notes, in mid-August, they caught a bird that had returned to Weldon Springs, which they had banded last year.

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Thompson says the experience of picking up a hummingbird is a unique experience.  Because of it's light weight, Thompson must be extra careful when handling one. She adds it feels like you are holding a small heartbeat.

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Thompson notes they have been working on banding birds all summer, but right now there is a high number of hummingbirds at the park. Now is also a great time to head out for bird watchers to see them, and the variations of their colors.

Illinois To Improve Conditions At Youth Prisons

Illinois is promising to improve safety at its youth prisons and offer inmates better educational and mental health services.

The Department of Juvenile Justice agreed to the improvements after the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois threatened to sue.

The two sides plan to ask a federal judge Wednesday to approve their plan, which calls for investigators to study youth prisons for six months and then recommend changes.

The Department of Juvenile Justice houses about 1,000 children and teenagers.

Watchdog groups say many don't get a decent education or proper treatment for mental illnesses. They also report frequent fights, children being put in solitary confinement for weeks and inmates staying behind bars after they're supposed to be released because the state has nowhere to send them.

Illinois Volunteer Programs Get $8.4 Million Grants

More than two dozen volunteer programs across Illinois are getting an $8.4 million boost from the federal government.

The money will help 29 programs with 1,200 volunteers under the AmeriCorps umbrella. They operate from Chicago to Peoria to Marion.

Gov. Pat Quinn's office said Tuesday that the programs offer such services as tutoring at-risk youth, preparing communities for emergencies and building connections between immigrants and non-immigrant neighbors.

Quinn says 2.8 million Illinois residents volunteer nearly 400 million hours each year.

Sheila Simon Takes No Texting While Driving Pledge

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon wants students to stop texting while driving.

Simon signed an It Can Wait pledge on Tuesday at a community college in southern Illinois. She was part of a ceremony to announce a statewide anti-texting while driving initiative with AT&T Illinois and the Illinois Department of Transportation. It was launched at John A. Logan College in Carterville.

Simon took the pledge ahead of the Sept. 19 No Text on Board Pledge Day. AT&T is asking drivers to promise never to text and drive again. IDOT is assisting with electronic highway signs reminding drivers not to text and drive.

The lieutenant governor says most community college students commute to classes and need to understand the grave danger of texting while driving.

Foreign Buyers Touring Illinois Farms

Grain buyers from around the world are touring Illinois farms this week.

Buyers in the international delegation are from China, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. They are accompanied by members of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Department official Jim Mackey says the buyers are particularly concerned about drought damage.

Mackey explains the buyers could be wondering if that means prices are higher.

The University of Illinois released a report Monday that found export demand and pricing will depend on final yields from U.S. corn producers. Illinois agriculture officials say the drought forced the department to move up this year's trade delegation visit because the early start of harvest.

DCFS Cuts Could Mean Increased Crime

Cuts to the Division of Children and Family Services could have a big impact on abused and neglected children, local law enforcement, community agencies, and schools.  Alton Police Chief David Hayes says the services offered through DCFS help keep families together, which cuts down on crime.

[audio:rddHayes1.mp3] [/audio]

Because DCFS is operating under a 1991 court order that requires certain caseload levels for each employee, they cannot just cut caseworkers.  The option is to end grants to social service agencies that provide assistance to families that would previously receive help.  The AFSCME Local 1805 is mounting a campaign to have lawmakers restore funding to some programs it sees as vital to the well-being of children, families and communities around the state.

Days of 90 Plus Degree Temperatures Way Above Average

You probably didn't need scientists to tell you the obvious about the weather this summer in Chicago and elsewhere across the Midwest.

It's been very, very hot.

The Midwestern Regional Climate Center says Chicago registered 45 days with temperatures at 90 degrees or higher this year through the month of August. Normally, Chicago has 13 days with those kinds of temperatures for the year through the end of August.

St. Louis had 70 days of 90 or 90-plus temperatures during that same eight-month period. It usually has around 35.

Taking every day of the year through August, the average temperature in Illinois was 58.9 degrees. That's a record.

The previous record was recorded in 1921. That year, the average temperature for January through August was 58.3 degrees.

Retirement Brings Lots of Things To Consider

As the baby boomer generation approaches retirement, the question for many becomes when is the ideal time to retire?

This is maybe the most common question asked to Social Security representatives because of the amount of benefits they can receive from Social Security. Jack Myers explains the earliest you can draw your retirement benefits is age 62.

[audio:91212retirement1.mp3] [/audio]

If you chose to draw from retirement at age 62, there is an annual earnings tax. Myers says if you are working, earnings are limited to just over $14-thousand. If you are over the limit, there is a chance part of that money would have to be paid back to Social Security.

[audio:91212retirement2.mp3] [/audio]

Another big factor of deciding when to retire is having benefits reduced. Myers explains drawing benefits before the full retirement age of 62 reduced your benefits permanently. Reductions can be up to 30%.

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Myers says though each case is different and it all depends on each individuals situation. Myers encourages individuals considering retirement to visit their website and use their retirement estimator to get a rough idea of what they could receive for benefits. He also notes it is never a bad idea to sit down with a Social Security representative and listen to some of the details they have. Ultimately though it is the decision of each individual based on their circumstances.

Monticello Schools To Hold Community Meetings On Facilities Assessment

Monticello Schools are in the midst of a district wide facilities assessment.

Earlier this year the Monticello Board of Education decided to conduct the assessment to gage what the future might hold for their facilities. Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Dr. Vic Zimmerman explains the assessment is going to compare what the expectation is for 21st century schools and how Monticello facilities measure up to that expectation.

[audio:91212monticellofacilities1.mp3] [/audio]

Other than the districts middle school, which is just over ten years old, they currently have some very old, yet very well maintained buildings. Dr. Zimmerman says they can make upgrades to the current buildings, which would give them another thirty to fifty years of use, but the question then becomes, according to Dr. Zimmerman do they want close to 150 year old buildings when that time comes.

[audio:91212monticellofacilities2.mp3] [/audio]

The Board hired an outside architectural firm to come in and assess the facilities and Dr. Zimmerman notes they are about half way done with their assessment. They expect them to have a report around Christmas of their findings. But Thursday evening begins what will be a trio of meetings for community members to come be a part of to learn about the facilities and give their input of the future of Monticello's physical schools.

[audio:91212monticellofacilities3.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Zimmerman explains at the end of the process, which expects to be December, the architects will have the state of the districts facilities, options to consider, and the cost of the options.

Again the first meeting takes place this Thursday at Monticello Middle School starting at 7 pm. All the meetings take place at the Middle School.

Report: Jordan Taking Different Approach With 'Cats

Charlotte Bobcats owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan is reportedly taking a more hands-off approach when it comes to running the team.  According to "ESPN The Magazine," Jordan has promised to allow general manager Rich Cho and the rest of the front office staff to do their jobs without his shadow looming over them.  The piece cites a rival GM in the Eastern Conference who says the Bobcats will either succeed or fail with Cho's decisions.  

According to the report, the 49-year-old Jordan is now focused on repairing damage between the team and the city of Charlotte.  The 'Cats set the NBA record for the worst single-season winning percentage in NBA history after going 7-and-59 last year.  Charlotte has named Mike Dunlap head coach, acquired guard Ben Gordon, and drafted forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist during the offseason.

NFL Scheduling Replacement Refs Through Week Five

It looks like the NFL's replacement officials will be working games through at least October 8th.  ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the NFL has devised its schedule to include the stand-in refs through Week Five of the regular season.  The league and the NFL Referees Association remain at odds over a new labor contract.  The NFL locked out its regular refs in June after the previous labor agreement expired.

Benson To Face Bears; Pack Needs Better Run Game

The Green Bay Packers hoped Cedric Benson quickly would add a new dimension to the offense, helping to revive a running game that often has seemed like an afterthought under Mike McCarthy.

In Week 1, Aaron Rodgers was the Packers' leading rusher in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Benson had nine carries for 18 yards, averaging 2 yards per carry. Rodgers ran five times for 27 yards. Nobody else, including promising second-year back Alex Green, got a touch in the running game as the Packers found themselves playing from behind.

Benson is set to face his former team Thursday night, when the Chicago Bears come to Lambeau Field.

Big Ten Coaches: Don't Write Off League Just Yet

Big Ten coaches had just one request for those ripping the conference after a rough weekend.

Wait.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini cautioned against making "snap judgments" so early in the season, no matter how rough things looked.

A 6-6 showing over the weekend that left the Big Ten with just three ranked teams was bad enough. Throw in a 1-6 mark against opponents from major conferences plus Notre Dame last week along with Michigan's narrow win over Air Force, and it certainly doesn't look any better.

So is the conference headed toward a dull season? At the moment, No. 10 Michigan State appears to be the only team with a realistic shot at a national title, and the Spartans are staring at a difficult matchup with Notre Dame on Saturday.

All Locals Lose; Rizzo Hurt

>>Tigers Fold White Sox, Cut Lead In AL Central

(Chicago, IL)  --  Austin Jackson hit a two-run homer and Miguel Cabrera added a solo shot as the Tigers dropped the White Sox, 5-3.  Alex Avila and Andy Dirks each singled in a run in the eighth for Detroit, which cut Chicago's lead in the AL Central to two games.  Doug Fister allowed two runs over seven innings to improve to 9-and-8.  Jose Valverde nailed down his 29th save.  Jake Peavy surrendered three runs in five-and-two-thirds innings to suffer the loss for the Sox.  DeWayne Wise and Gordon Beckham each hit a solo homer, and Alejandro De Aza added an RBI single in the loss.

MLB AL
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Baltimore Orioles 9, Tampa Bay Rays 2
Seattle Mariners 4, Toronto Blue Jays 3
Boston Red Sox 4, New York Yankees 3
Texas Rangers 6, Cleveland Indians 4
Kansas City Royals 9, Minnesota Twins 1
Oakland Athletics 6, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5

>>'Stros Shut Out Chicago

(Houston, TX)  --  Justin Maxwell's sac-fly in the third inning accounted for the game's lone run as the Astros shutout the Cubs, 1-0.  Jordan Lyles fanned five through five frames of two-hit ball to pick up the win.  Wilton Lopez registered his fourth save of the season for Houston, which has alternated wins and losses in its last six contests.  Justin Germano allowed one unearned run during five innings of duty to suffer the tough-luck loss for Chicago.  Cubs rookie first baseman Anthony Rizzo left the game in the top of the third inning with a sore neck and right shoulder after a collision at first base.  The Northsiders had won their last four games.

>>Padres Best Cardinals

(San Diego, CA)  --  Alexi Amarista laced a two-run triple to help the Padres down the Cardinals, 6-4.  Logan Forsythe added a two-run double for the Padres, who will look to sweep the three-game set on Wednesday.  Edinson Volquez lated five-and-a-third innings to improve to 10-and-10.  Luke Gregerson  got the final five outs to earn his sixth save.  David Freese drilled a solo homer for the Cardinals, who hold a one-game lead on the Dodgers for the final NL Wild Card spot.  Adam Wainwright allowed five runs, two of which were earned, in six innings to fall to 13-and-13.

MLB NL
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Philadelphia Phillies 9, Miami Marlins 7
Washington Nationals 5, New York Mets 3
Cincinnati Reds 5, Pittsburgh Pirates 3
Milwaukee Brewers 5, Atlanta Braves 0
San Francisco Giants 9, Colorado Rockies 8
Arizona Diamondbacks 1, Los Angeles Dodgers 0

>>Rizzo Leaves After Collision

(Houston, TX)  --  Cubs rookie first baseman Anthony Rizzo left last night's game against the Astros after a collision at first base.  Rizzo ripped a grounder to second base, but a high throw caused first baseman Justin Maxwell to jump as Rizzo was crossing the bag.  It appeared that Rizzo hyperextended his left leg and was then struck in the left side of the head by Maxwell's foot.  The 23-year-old Rizzo stumbled and landed awkwardly and then remained motionless on the field for several minutes before he walked off the field with the help of two trainers.  He sustained soft-tissue soreness and is considered day-to-day.  Rizzo entered play batting .295 with 12 homers and 34 RBI this season.

Amtrak Passenger Numbers Surge In Illinois

The number of people using Amtrak rail service in Illinois jumped by 5.5% over the last 11 months.

The total number of passengers in Illinois was just short of 2 million.

The Chicago to St. Louis route saw the biggest jump, an increase of almost 11%. Chicago-to-Milwaukee had the smallest increase - just 2.5%.

The growth in Illinois topped Amtrak's national increase of 3.4%.

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin issued a statement Monday calling the growth good news for the people and businesses along the train routes. He also says high demand is a positive sign for plans to create a new route from Chicago to the Quad Cities.

Inmate Sues Doctor For Pain And Suffering

A former inmate at the Jacksonville Correctional Center is suing a doctor at the prison for alleged pain and suffering he incurred while incarcerated.  The four-count lawsuit was filed by a Park Ridge attorney on Friday on behalf of Mentor Kadrin.  It alleges that a prison doctor refused to provide Kadrin with medications that had been prescribed to him before he was locked up.  The lawsuit also alleges the prison doctor neglected to send Kadrin to Passavant Area Hospital as scheduled so he could have tests on his kidneys.  According to the suit, Kadrin developed kidney cancer and suffered intense pain and suffering.  He?s asking for more than 50-thousand dollars in damages.  The doctor is no longer employed at the facility.

Weekly Crop Report

AS CORN HARVEST CONTINUES ACROSS THE STATE, THE SOYBEAN HARVEST HAS JUST BEGUN IN ILLINOIS.

75 PERCENT OF CORN IS MATURE AND 21 PERCENT HAS BEEN HARVESTED. 75 PERCENT OF THE CORN CROP IS RATED IN POOR TO VERY POOR CONDITION. CHIEF STATE CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SCHWAB SAYS 75 PERCENT OF CORN IS NOW MATURE.

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ONE PERCENT OF THE SOYBEAN CROP HAS BEEN HARVESTED SAYS SCHWAB. 60 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE TURNING YELLOW…AND 21 PERCENT ARE DROPPING LEAVES.

[audio:crop2.mp3] [/audio]

TOPSOIL MOISTURE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE…AND NOW STANDS AT ONE PERCENT SURPLUS…52 PERCENT ADEQUATE…31 PERCENT SHORT AND 16 PERCENT VERY SHORT. AS FOR OTHER CROPS… SEVEN PERCENT OF SORGHUM HAS BEEN HARVESTED AND THE THIRD CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS NOW 92 PERCENT COMPLETE.

Illinois Wesleyan Gets More Than $500-Thousand In Grants

Illinois Wesleyan University is getting grants totaling more than $500,000 for the study of asteroids and molecules.

More than $250,000 is in the form of a 3-year grant from the National Science Foundation for the study of Trojan asteroids. Those asteroids are a group of more than 5,000 objects sharing Jupiter's orbit around the sun.

Illinois Wesleyan's chemistry department will use the second grant to buy a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

Natural Sciences Professor Ram Mohan says that's a tool used to determine the structure of unknown molecules. The new instrument will replace a 17-year-old spectrometer that's less advanced and often needs repair.

Hero Teacher Speaks Out

The Normal Community high school teacher who tackled the gunman during Friday's shooting said his first day back to school was "awesome."  Derrick Schonauer met briefly with the media this morning.  He didn't go into details about what happened, but he says he had a relaxing weekend and was glad to get back with his students this morning.

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Unit Five Superintendent Gary Niehaus says Schonauer's had the right instincts at the right time.

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No one was injured in the shooting on Friday.  The 14-year old student pulled the handgun out of his backpack just as class was ending.  He also had a hatchet, kerosene, and painkillers.  Unit Five Superintendent Gary Niehaus is pleased with the way they handled the situation but he says he'd like to improve internal communications for emergencies.   And he would've liked to reunite students with their parents faster.

Alleged School Shooter Charged With 16 Felony Counts

The 14-year-old who allegedly fired off several shots in a classroom at Normal Community High School is facing 16 felony counts.  The charges are serious enough to send him to prison for the next seven years.  The student appeared in court this afternoon dressed in a gray sweatsuit with shackles on his waist and ankles.  According to the charges, the freshman student had three handguns, a knife and a hatchet on him when he held students hostage last Friday and fired a couple shots into the ceiling.  The teacher of the class is being hailed a hero for tackling the shooter and thwarting the danger of any serious attacks.  No one was injured in the shooting.  Police are still investigating.

Downtown Clinton Parking Ordinance Becomes Final

An ordinance for the downtown Clinton Square and surrounding blocks is now officially in effect.

The Clinton City Council earlier this year received many complaints from business owners and patrons who frequent the square of the old parking hours, which led the City to look at modifying rules already in place. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters explains at that point, the city then enacted a trial of new regulations to see how things worked.

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The parking changes allow for a few fifteen minute parking space, primarily in front of the State Bank of Lincoln to remain in place. Mayor Peters explains the original ordinance was changed a little bit but primarily, everything is the same.

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The Mayor feels this ordinance will work for everyone because now it gives patrons who need several hours on the square the opportunity to stay there without worrying about receiving a citation for where they are parked.

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The Mayor says once the new ordinance took effect for it's summer trial run, she never received any complaints from business owners on the square, which she took to mean what was in place was working.

Building Successful Sports Programs Challenge One CHS Trying To Meet Head On

Building successful high school sports programs is a very challenging task and many school districts around the state have succeeded in doing that, and many are in the process of establishing those programs.

Clinton High School falls right in the middle of beginning to build and establishing a successful, multi-sport program. CHS Football Coach John Hayden is in his 4th year after a successful stint as head coach at South Piatt. This past spring, the high school named Chris Gibson the head varsity basketball coach after several successful years at Dwight. Also in the spring, the Board of Education named Dr. Candice Swift principal of the high school. Dr. Swift has been dubbed with the challenging task of helping to boost numbers throughout the various sports programs. She recognizes this challenge and feels it starts by developing interest while many of these kids are young.

[audio:91112chssports1.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Swift also feels this effort can only take place when the students, parents and community members are behind the coaches of the various programs. Dr. Swift says she stands behind each coach currently in place and feels they work as hard as anyone to help the kids be successful.

[audio:91112chssports2.mp3] [/audio]

Vice President of the Clinton Athletic Boosters, Mike Walker says right away he can see the commitment Dr. Swift has towards turning the programs around. He says he, along with many other officers on the Boosters Board, have already spoken to her and they have been bouncing ideas off each other to find ways to help improve athletics.

[audio:91112chssports4.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Swift has also made it her goal to try to increase school pride amongst the students. Earlier this year, students had the opportunity to reserve a spot in a special student section behind one of the end zones at the high school football field.

McIlroy First, Tiger Now Second In World Golf Rankings

Rory McIlroy [[ MACK-ill-roy ]] remains first with Tiger Woods now second in this week's world golf rankings.  McIlroy has won the PGA Championship, Deutsche Bank Championship and BMW Championship since August to comfortably hold first place.  Woods, who tied for fourth at the BMW over the weekend, moved ahead of Luke Donald into second place.  Donald fell one spot to third, with Lee Westwood and Adam Scott rounding out the top-five.

NFL Notes

>>Ravens, Chargers Get MNF Wins

(Undated)  --  The Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers wrapped up Week One in the NFL with wins on "Monday Night Football."  Joe Flacco passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns as the Ravens routed the Cincinnati Bengals, 44-13.  The Ravens paid tribute to late former owner Art Modell prior to the game.  In Oakland, the Chargers notched a 22-14 victory over the Raiders.  Nate Kaeding drilled all five of his field goal attempts in the win.

>>Bears Sign Veteran OT Scott

The Chicago Bears have signed veteran offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, while defensive tackle Nate Collins was reinstated to the active roster.

The Bears also waived punter Ryan Quigley, signed tight end Dedrick Epps to the practice squad and terminated the practice squad contract of offensive tackle Cory Brandon.

Scott spent the past two seasons with Pittsburgh, starting 14 games and three playoff games, before being released in July. Scott was picked up by Detroit - the team that drafted him in 2006 - but hurt his knee, ultimately getting released off injured reserve. He says he's "very healthy" now.

Collins was placed on the reserved/suspended list after the NFL suspended him in July for the season opener against Indianapolis for violating the substance abuse program.

>>Rams Assess Injuries After Week One

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Rams head coach Jeff Fisher address some injuries that were suffered during Week One at yesterday's press conference.  Fisher says offensive tackle Rodger Saffold has a "significant" strained neck and is expected to miss this week's game, perhaps longer.  Center Scott Wells suffered a fracture in his left foot and will require surgery.  He was placed on the NFL's new injured reserve exemption list, meaning he can return to a game as early as Week Eight.  The Rams host the Redskins on Sunday in their home-opener.

Sox Win Big Game; Cubs Top Stros; Cards Pounded

>>White Sox Top Tigers

(Chicago, IL)  --  Alex Rios popped a three-run homer in the sixth inning and A.J. Pierzynski followed with a solo shot to lead the White Sox in a 6-1 win over the Tigers.  Gordon Beckham added a two-run dinger for Chicago, which extended its lead to three games over Detroit atop the AL Central standings.  Jose Quintana struck out seven through seven-and-two-third frames of one-run ball to pick up the win.  Jhonny Peralta's RBI single in the second inning accounted for the Tigers' lone run.  Rick Porcello gave up four runs, three earned, during five-and-a-third innings to absorb the loss.  Detroit has dropped four straight and six-of-seven overall.

MLB AL
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Minnesota Twins 7, Cleveland Indians 2
Oakland Athletics 3, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1

>>Cubs Handle Houston

(Houston, TX)  --  Dave Sappelt plated three runs and scored the other on a wild pitch to lead the Cubs in a 4-1 win over the Astros.  Chris Volstad tossed five frames of one-run ball to pick up the win.  Carlos Marmol closed it out in the ninth to nail down his 19th save for Chicago, which has won four straight on the heels of a six-game slide.  Jason Castro's RBI single in the fourth inning accounted for Houston's lone run of the game.  Fernando Rodriguez was saddled with the loss.

>>Friars Pound Cardinals

(San Diego, CA)  --  Cameron Maybin hit a two-run homer as the Padres crushed the Cardinals, 11-3.  Will Venable drove in three while Chris Denorfia went 4-for-6 with two RBI for San Diego.  Logan Forsythe added three hits and an RBI for the Friars, who have won five of their last six.  Eric Stults gave up three runs over five-and-a-third innings to get the win.  Carlos Quentin left the game in the fourth with a sore knee.  Pete Kozma went 3-for-4 with a two-run triple and Allen Craig added an RBI single for St. Louis.  Jaime Garcia gave up four runs over three frames to suffer the loss.  The Cards have lost four of their last five games.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 3, Miami Marlins 1
Washington Nationals 5, New York Mets 1
Cincinnati Reds 4, Pittsburgh Pirates 3 (14 inn)
Milwaukee Brewers 4, Atlanta Braves 1
Colorado Rockies 6, San Francisco Giants 5

Even With QB Hurt; Illini Defense Big Question

Illinois defensive tackle Akeem Spence didn't hold back as he explained what went wrong with the Illini defense in Saturday's 45-14 loss at Arizona State.

He said Monday that defenders panicked. Spence said players were reading the wrong play-call signals in some cases and running the wrong plays.

The result was 410 yards of Arizona State offense and an embarrassing loss for the Illini (1-1).

Playing a game without starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase a problem, too. Replacements Reilly O'Toole and Miles Osei combined for three interceptions.

Coach Tim Beckman says he won't know until later in the week if his starting quarterback can play Saturday against Charleston Southern (0-2).

DeWitt County Sheriff Officially Launches Triad Program

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner has been diligently working the six months to begin what is being called the DeWitt County Triad program.

The DeWitt County Triad has teamed up with other DeWitt County organizations and law enforcement entities in this effort. Sheriff Shofner explains the Triad is geared specifically at crimes that target the senior citizen population.

[audio:91212triad1.mp3] [/audio]

A survey was put together by the Sheriff's Department, then administered by them and other organizations that aid seniors throughout the County. The Sheriff says as a law enforcement official, he can see the trends happening, but sometimes it helps to get the perspective of those that are the targets.

[audio:91212triad2.mp3] [/audio]

The biggest threat many seniors face in today's world is the threat of being scammed. Sheriff Shofner says while seniors cannot be warned of each individual scam happening, he wants to keep them informed of the things to look for and raise awareness of ways to keep them protected.

[audio:91212triad3.mp3] [/audio]

Another focus of the group is health needs and bringing a "File of Life" in each home with a senior in it. Sheriff Shofner explains a "File of Life" is a bright red refridgerator magnet that contains a sheet of paper with the individual seniors medical records, so when emergency crews arrive, they can have access to that, and the Sheriff feels that could be a life saver for many people.

[audio:91212triad4.mp3] [/audio]

The Triad program does require a some funding to make possible and Sheriff Shofner says they have been fortunate to have several businesses and organizations step up to help in their efforts, which he says he appreciates.

This is not an idea the Sheriff or his crew came up with. He says there are many successful programs like this all over the state and country. Sheriff Shofner says they met with many law enforcement agencies around central Illinois to find what things they had in place and how to get this going.

Illinois Lottery Launches New Game

The Illinois Lottery launched a new game this weekend.

The new game, called My3, went on sale Sunday.

According to lottery officials, the game is not replacing Pick 3.

The My3 game will allow players to pick their favorite numbers without the need to specify what type of wager is being made. The prize levels for My3 are also different than Pick 3.

There are two daily My3 drawings. Players must match all three numbers in exact order to win $200. Lesser amounts can be won depending on the order in which the numbers are drawn.

Fraud Conviction Reinstated For Ex-Illinois Official

A federal appeals court has reinstated the wire fraud conviction of a former supervisor for the Illinois secretary of state's office.

Cecil Turner was convicted on four counts of wire fraud in 2006 for covering up a scheme in which three janitors were paid for hours they didn't work.

Turner did not take any illegal money. He was convicted on the legal theory that he denied taxpayers the honest services they deserved.

The U.S. Supreme Court later narrowed the scope of "honest services" violations, and Turner's conviction was reversed.

A three-judge panel reinstated the conviction Thursday, finding the jury could not have convicted him of honest-services fraud had it not also been convinced "he aided and abetted the janitors' money fraud scheme."

Illinois Recognizes Parenting Role Of Grandparents

Sunday was Grandparents Day, and the Illinois Department of Aging is recognizing those who are helping raise their grandchildren or other relatives.

Department Director John Holton is praising those grandparents who've taken on another round of parenthood.

The department says there are 200,000 children in Illinois living in homes headed by a grandparent, more of whom are serving as primary caregivers.

The Department on Aging has a program to support grandparents with the challenges in providing grandchildren with a stable environment.

New Lawmaker Sworn In To Replace Derrick Smith

The Illinois House has a new member.

The replacement chosen to fill the seat left vacant after former Rep. Derrick Smith was expelled by lawmakers has been sworn in.

Eddie Winters is a cop who was chosen by Democratic leaders to fill the seat until the winner of the November election takes office. Democratic officials in Chicago say he was sworn in Sunday. He'll represent the 10th legislative district, which includes parts of Chicago's West Side.

Smith remains on the ballot and could get his seat back, despite the expulsion and pressure from fellow Democrats to step aside.

Smith faces federal charges. Prosecutors allege he took a bribe to write what he thought was a letter of support for a day care center's state grant application. He's pleaded not guilty.

Exhibit Of Fallen Soldiers On Tour

A traveling exhibit highlighting hand-sketched portraits of fallen Illinois service members is on display in southern Illinois.

It's called "Portrait of a Soldier" and features about 300 fallen soldiers who have been killed since Sept. 11, 2001. It's been in Troy and Tinley Park.

The event will be on display in Centralia starting Tuesday at Kaskaskia College and will be available for viewing until Sept. 24.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs says the first portrait was drawn by Mattoon artist Cameron Schilling in 2004 after a Mattoon soldier was killed. Schilling gave the drawing to the soldier's parent to express his sympathy for this loss.

Since then he's decided to draw a portrait of every fallen Illinois service member.

Governor To Use Social Media To Rally Pensions

Gov. Pat Quinn is hinting that his so-called grassroots campaign to rally support for an overhaul of Illinois' pension system will involve social media and the Internet.

Lawmakers have failed to come up with a plan to deal with the roughly $85 billion pension funding gap. Legislators couldn't agree on an approach a special session last month.

Quinn says he'll push forward with a grass-roots campaign to win public support. He's said details would come later this week but has declined to say what the campaign will entail.

Quinn said Saturday in Decatur having the power of the Internet is a good way to get the message out.

Lawmakers won't meet again until after the November election.

Illinois Prisons Mum On Who Gets Tours

First Gov. Pat Quinn banned reporters from touring Illinois prisons as a security risk. Now his administration won't say who does get in.

Quinn's Department of Corrections says it'd be too burdensome to collect tour records from each of its two dozen facilities so it denied a data request from The Associated Press.

Quinn wants to cut the state budget by closing the high-security Tamms prison and the Dwight lockup for women. Litigation over whether it's safe to do that in an overcrowded system has derailed Quinn's timetable.

AP has requested information about tours of Pontiac prison, which is the new home for Tamms' inmates.

But Corrections says tour information is mixed with thousands of recorded visits from inmates' families and it'd take too much work to pull it out.

Attorney Wants New Venue In Beason Killings Trial

An attorney for a man accused in the 2009 bludgeoning deaths of 5 family members in central Illinois wants to the trial venue moved because of heavy media coverage.

Attorney Dan Fultz says he will complete a required survey of nearby counties that could serve as alternate venues. Fultz says he will then likely file a request to move the trial out of Logan County before a Dec. 3 deadline.

His client, Christopher Harris, is accused along with his brother of using a tire iron to kill Ruth and Rick Gee and 3 of the couple's children in their Beason home. They're also charged with attempted murder for an attack on the Gees' then 3-year-old daughter, who survived.

Harris' trial starts next April.

Blue Ridge Schools End FY12 In Black

Looking back at Fiscal Year 2012, the Blue Ridge District did surprisingly well.

The district was surprised by some revenues that came in to the district last year. Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, Susan Wilson explains thanks to some surprise revenues, the district's education fund ended the year in the black.

[audio:91012blueridgebudget1.mp3] [/audio]

While the transportation fund is was in a deficit last year, this year the district expects that to not be the case. Wilson explains the district owns their fleet of buses, and this year they are not going to be purchasing a new bus. Many districts lease their buses from various companies, but Wilson says when it comes down to it, both cost about the same. They feel it would be a better situation for them to own theirs.

[audio:91012blueridgebudget2.mp3] [/audio]

Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 13, Wilson says the education fund will be in the red. She says a cut back in state aid will contribute to the deficit. She also notes, significant salary increases due to a number of retirements in the district will also contribute to that as well.

[audio:91012blueridgebudget3.mp3] [/audio]

The Maintenance fund is going to take a hit this year because of some unexpected maintenance to one of the school buildings. Wilson adds the district is also looking at making some planned renovations to their bus facility. She notes despite funds going to those two areas, that fund is still very healthy.

[audio:91012blueridgebudget4.mp3] [/audio]

Blue Ridge is expecting nine retirements, and of those nine retirements, Wilson says each position will not necessarily be filled. She says as the year runs its course, they will evaluate each one and decide how to best move forward. To find ways to cut back to save money, the district plans to analyze their expenses throughout the year and find areas to cut back in.

UPDATED AUDIO: 'Round Again Sports' Opens

The Clinton Community is now home to a new sporting goods business.

"Round Again Sports" is a sporting goods store that offers new and used sports, hunting and fishing equipment. Rebecca Moore is the owner and she explains she started "Round Again Sports" because she was tired of leaving the community for her kids needs, and wanted to give back to the community.

[audio:91012roundagainsports1.mp3] [/audio]

Moore says she will be selling the famous, well known name brand items. Moore is also a federally firearms licensed business they can take care of all your fire arms needs or transfers.

[audio:91012roundagainsports2.mp3] [/audio]

Moore feels her licensing will be a big attraction to the business since there is no longer a storefront firearms store in Clinton. She also feels with Clinton Lake being so close, she will be able to help a lot of different customers from all over the area.

[audio:91012roundagainsports3.mp3] [/audio]

Moore explains currently she has a lot of newer items, however, she hopes as word gets out, she is looking for those used sporting goods items that your kids have grown out of or are not getting used anymore. She notes her reimbursement rates for your items are very competitive compared to other places like hers.

[audio:91012roundagainsports4.mp3] [/audio]

"Round Again Sports" celebrated their grand opening Saturday, and they are located at 55 Cedar Square in Suite D in Clinton. That is located next to the Old County Market off of Van Buren Street. To learn more about them, you can visit their website at www.roundagainsports.com or call 935-7653.

UPDATED AUDIO: City of Clinton Says Traffic Study 'A Must' Before New School Goes Up

The Clinton School District will need to conduct a traffic study at the site of their new elementary school if they want to build the new school.

Clinton City officials and Clinton Board of Education members recently met to discuss the issue. In October of last year, the Board of Education rejected a proposal from the city to conduct a traffic study, but now in order to obtain certain permits required to build the new elementary school, the BOE must conduct a traffic study. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters explains the city just wants to make sure all options are looked at to protect the community.

[audio:91012cityschool1.mp3] [/audio]

After the school had purchased the property, the Mayor set up a meeting with School Board representatives. At that time, the Mayor along with other city officials met with several School Board members, and the City once again made the proposal for the school district to conduct a traffic study.

[audio:91012cityschool2.mp3] [/audio]

The School Board was unwilling to conduct a traffic study the first time around in October because they felt it would be a waste of tax payer dollars. They also reiterated they understood traffic would be congested, they felt the $6-thousand cost would be unnecessary to find that out.

The School Board has discussed alternating dismissal times for each building, in hopes of that helping alleviate the congestion expected at the schools.

McIlroy Wins BMW Championship

Rory McIlory closed with a five-under 67 on Sunday to rally to win his second straight FedExCup Playoff title at the BMW Championship.  McIlroy, who won the Deutsche Bank Championship last week by a stroke, finished at 20-under-par 268, which was good for a two-stroke win.  The PGA Champion won for the fourth time this season and sixth time in his PGA Tour career.  Lee Westwood carded a three-under 69 to finish alongside Phil Mickelson in second place at minus-18.  Tiger Woods and Robert Garrigus shared fourth at 17-under-par.

Bowyer Wins At Richmond, Gordon Sneaks Into Chase

Clint Bowyer drove to victory at Richmond International Speedway Saturday night but the 15-car wasn't the only one celebrating after the checkered flag dropped.  Jeff Gordon finished second and jumped into the Chase before the 10-race playoff system starts next week at Chicagoland.  Gordon's Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne [[ Kane ]] clinched the other wild card position for the Chase.  Kyle Busch was the odd man out, missing on a Chase spot by three points.  Mark Martin finished third in the race while last year's Cup champion Tony Stewart came in fourth and clinched the 10th position in the Chase.  Denny Hamlin is the top seed in the Chase with his four wins this season.

Cubs, Cards Win; Sox Lose Late

>>Cubs Double Up Pirates

(Pittsburgh, PA)  --  Alfonso Soriano lifted a two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning to give the Cubs a 4-2 win over the Pirates.  Josh Vitters and Anthony Recker each had a solo homer for Chicago, which swept the three-game series at PNC Park.  James Russell picked up his seventh win out of the bullpen and Carlos Marmol posted his 18th save.  Andrew McCutchen blasted a solo homer for Pittsburgh.  Jason Grilli [[ GRILL-ee ]] took the loss in relief for the second straight game.

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Allen Craig singled in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Cardinals a 5-4 win over the Brewers.  Nori Aoki hit a two-out, two-run homer off Jason Motte [[ Mott ]] in the top of the ninth to tie the game at four and force extra innings for Milwaukee.  Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran hit first inning home runs for St. Louis, which salvaged the finale of the three-game series at Busch Stadium.  Lance Lynn got the win, while Kameron Loe took the loss.  Jean Segura went 3-for-3 with an RBI for the Brewers, who had won seven-of-nine.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 3, Colorado Rockies 2 (Game One)
Atlanta Braves 3, New York Mets 2 (10 inn)
Houston Astros 5, Cincinnati Reds 1
Miami Marlins 8, Washington Nationals 0
San Diego Padres 8, Arizona Diamondbacks 2
Philadelphia Phillies 7, Colorado Rockies 4 (Game Two)
San Francisco Giants 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 0

>>Royals Edge White Sox In Ten Innings

(Chicago, IL)  --  Mike Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur singled in runs in the top of the 10th inning and the Royals held on to beat the White Sox, 2-1.  Gordon Beckham doubled home a run in the bottom half for Chicago, but Greg Holland struck out the final two hitters with men at second and third to hold on for his 13th save.  Kelvin Herrera got the win for KC, which took two-of-three at The Cell.  Brett Myers took the loss for Chicago, which has lost seven-of-ten.

MLB AL
------
New York Yankees 13, Baltimore Orioles 3
Toronto Blue Jays 4, Boston Red Sox 3
Tampa Bay Rays 6, Texas Rangers 0
Minnesota Twins 8, Cleveland Indians 7
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3, Detroit Tigers 2
Oakland Athletics 4, Seattle Mariners 2

Bears Crush Colts; Rams Fall In Detroit; Pack Stunned At Home

>>Bears Crush Colts To Spoil Luck's NFL Debut

(Chicago, IL)  --  Jay Cutler threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bears to a 41-21 season-opening win over Andrew Luck and the Colts.  Brandon Marshall had 119 yards and a score in his Bears' debut, while Alshon Jeffrey finished with three catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in the win at Soldier Field.  Matt Forte [[ for-TAY ]] added 80 yards and a TD on the ground, and Michael Bush found the end zone twice.  Luck finished 23-of-45 for 309 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions in his NFL debut.  The top overall draft pick out of Stanford recorded the first passing touchdown of his career in the fourth quarter on a four-yard toss to Donnie Avery.  Donald Brown had a 14-yard rushing score and Jerrell Freeman added a three-yard, pick-six for Indianapolis.

>>Smith, Lions Edge Rams In Final Seconds

(Detroit, MI)  --  Kevin Smith hauled in a five-yard touchdown from Matthew Stafford with ten seconds left in the game as the Lions walked away with a 27-23 season-opening win over the Rams.  Smith also had a five-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter for Detroit.  He finished with 62 yards on the ground and 29 through the air.  Stafford went 32-of-48 with 355 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions for the Lions.  Calvin Johnson hauled in six catches for 111 yards in the win.  Cortland Finnegan took a 31-yard interception to the house and Sam Bradford added a 23-yard TD toss to Brandon Gibson for St. Louis.  Bradford finished 17-of-25 for 198 yards with a touchdown in defeat.

>>Niners Hold Off Packers

(Green Bay, WI)  --  Alex Smith threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns as the 49ers knocked off the Packers, 30-22.  Frank Gore rumbled for 112 yards and a score, and Randy Moss and Vernon Davis each had touchdown grabs for San Francisco.  David Akers tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in the victory at Lambeau Field.  Aaron Rodgers passed for 303 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for Green Bay, which had won 13 straight regular season games at home.  James Jones and Jermichael Finley had touchdown catches in the loss.

NFL
------
Minnesota Vikings 26, Jacksonville Jaguars 23 (OT)
New York Jets 48, Buffalo Bills 28
Houston Texans 30, Miami Dolphins 10
New England Patriots 34, Tennessee Titans 13
Washington Redskins 40, New Orleans Saints 32
Philadelphia Eagles 17, Cleveland Browns 16
Atlanta Falcons 40, Kansas City Chiefs 24
Arizona Cardinals 20, Seattle Seahawks 16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16, Carolina Panthers 10
Denver Broncos 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 19

Illini Crushed By ASU

Taylor Kelly completed 18 of 24 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown, and Arizona State rolled past Illinois 45-14 on Saturday night to improve to 2-0 under new coach Todd Graham.

Kelly's backup, Michael Eubank, was 5 of 5 passing for 69 yards and two touchdowns and ran 7 yards for a score. Chris Coyle matched a school record for tight ends with 10 catches, totaling 131 yards and two scores. He caught six passes for 73 yards all of last season.

Illinois (1-1) was without quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase because of an ankle injury, but the Illini's biggest problem was on defense, especially against the pass.

Illinois joined Nebraska (to UCLA) and Wisconsin (to Oregon State) as Big Ten teams to lose at Pac-12 schools on Saturday.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

 

September 8, 2012

 

Jail Population: 84

Summons Served: 4

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 9, 2012

 

Jail Population: 99

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 10, 2012

 

Jail Population: 92

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Ronnie Hair, 51, Gridley, was issued citations for Operating Uninsured Vehicle and Driving Under Influence. Hair posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Eric McGrew, 30, Heyworth, was issued citations for Failure To Reduce Speed, Operating Uninsured Vehicle, Leaving The Scene Of Accident and Improper Lane Usage. McGrew posted his IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

James Codding, 39, Clinton, was issued a citation for Registration Suspension-Insurance Violation. Codding was issued a Notice To Appear and was released.

 

Michael Roy, 49, Farmer City, was issued a citation for Speeding (73 mph in a 55 mph zone). Roy posted his IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Mark Westcott, 53, Argenta, was issued a citation for Speeding (61 mph in a 45 mph zone). Westcott posted his IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Steve Koller, 50, Atlanta, was issued a citation for Speeding (75 mph in a 55 mph zone). Koller posted his IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Mary Clendening, 56, Mattoon, was issued a citation for Speeding (56 mph in a 40 mph zone). Clendening posted her IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Investigation into the scene of an accident which occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 8th, revealed that a vehicle driven by Garth Reed, 55, Maroa, was at a yield sign on Crosley Street at Fuller Street in Kenney. Reed stated he was looking to the North when he began to turn south onto Fuller Street. Reed turned too wide, causing the front driver’s side of the vehicle to collide with the rear side of the vehicle driven by Danison Scott, 56, Clinton, which was traveling northbound on Fuller Street. The crash caused damage to the front driver’s side turn light and bumper of Reed’s vehicle and rear driver’s side of Scott’s vehicle. No injuries were reported and the vehicles were driven from the scene.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

CITATIONS 9/7/12

THOMAS H. PRUSER 53, CLINTON AVOIDED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE. BOND POSTED

 

ON 9/7/12 CLINTO POLICE ARRESTED REBEKKA M. MCCOY 25, CLINTN FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. MCCOY WAS TRASNPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/7/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED RAVEN MASSEY 21, CLINTON FOR THEFT OVER $300. MASSEY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/8/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JARED K. GAMBREL 23, CLINTON ON A MCLEAN COUNTY WARRANT. GAMBREL WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Friday IHSA Scores

At Athens
SANGAMO
Pawnee 8 F
Athens [Coop] 35
    
At Atwood
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Cerro Gordo [C.G.-Bement Coop] 26 F
Arthur (A.-Lovington) [Coop] 7
    
At Bethany (Okaw Valley)
NON-CONFERENCE
Argenta (A.-Oreana)   7:00
pm
Sullivan [S.-Okaw Valley Coop]  
 
   
At Bloomington (Central Catholic)
CORN BELT
Fairbury (Prairie Central) 28 F
Bloomington (Central Catholic) 17
    
At Bloomington (H.S.)
BIG TWELVE
Urbana (H.S.) 30 F
Bloomington (H.S.) 22
    
At Canton
MID-ILLINI
Metamora 37 F
Canton 0
 
   
At Champaign (Centennial)
BIG TWELVE
Danville (H.S.) 32 F
Champaign (Centennial) 23
    
At Champaign (St. Thomas More)
SANGAMON VALLEY
Watseka 24 F
Champaign (St. Thomas More) 21
    
At Charleston
NON-CONFERENCE
Chatham (Glenwood) 42 F
Charleston 41
 
   
At Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)
NON-CONFERENCE
Sherrard 28 F
Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central) 13
    
At Clifton (Central)
NON-CONFERENCE
Paris 7 F
Clifton (Central) 49
    
At Clinton
NON-CONFERENCE
Maroa (M.-Forsyth) 48 F
Clinton 13
 
At Colfax (Ridgeview)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Heyworth 0 F
Colfax (Ridgeview) 54
    
At Danville (Schlarman)
VERMILION VALLEY
Fithian (Oakwood) [O.-Armstrong-Potomac Coop] 48 F
Danville (Schlarman) 6
    
At Decatur (D. Lutheran)
PRAIRIE STATE
Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran) 14 F
Decatur (D. Lutheran) 59
 
   
At Decatur (Eisenhower)
BIG TWELVE
Champaign (Central)   7:00
pm
Decatur (Eisenhower)  
    
At Decatur (MacArthur)
BIG TWELVE
Normal (Community West) 41 F
Decatur (MacArthur) 14
    
At Decatur (St. Teresa)
NON-CONFERENCE
Warrensburg (W.-Latham) 0 F
Decatur (St. Teresa) 7
 
   
At Dunlap
MID-ILLINI
Morton 31 F
Dunlap 13
    
At East Side Centre
MID-ILLINI
Washington 35 F
East Peoria 13
    
At El Paso (E.P.-Gridley)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Downs (Tri-Valley) 48 F
El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) 6
TV - Braden Hermann 143 yds rushing and 2 TDs, Blake Cowden 139 yds rushing and 2 TDs, Peyton Roop 81 yds rushing and 2 TDs. EPG - Bodee Schlipf 12 of 24 passing for 135 yds and 1 TD.
 
   
At Farmer City (Blue Ridge)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Minonk (Fieldcrest) 26 F
Farmer City (Blue Ridge) 18
    
At Gillespie
SOUTH CENTRAL
Pana (H.S.) 28 F
Gillespie 7
    
At Hoopeston (H. Area)
NON-CONFERENCE
Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) [G.R.F.-Chrisman Coop]   7:00
pm
Hoopeston (H. Area)  
 
   
At Kincaid (South Fork)
PRAIRIE STATE
Bunker Hill 14 F
Kincaid (South Fork) [Coop] 49
    
At K-R Field
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Lanphier) 6 F
Jacksonville (H.S.) 42
    
At LeRoy
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) 21 F
LeRoy 47
 
   
At Lexington
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Flanagan (F.-Cornell) [F.C.-Woodland Coop] 51 F
Lexington 0
    
At Lincoln
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Southeast) 24 F
Lincoln 21
    
At Mahomet (M.-Seymour)
CORN BELT
Eureka [Coop] 14 F
Mahomet (M.-Seymour) 42
For Mahomet-Seymour: Jordan Rock 15 carries for 97 yards and 1 TD Matt Turner 2 catches for 94 yards and 1 TD Joe Kenney 5 - 10 passing 131 yards and 2 TD's For Eureka: Dan Johnson 43 yard interception return for a TD Dylan Troyer 91 yard Kick-Off return for a TD 
 
   
At Marshall
LITTLE ILLINI (EGYPTIAN)
Olney (East Richland)   7:00
pm
Marshall  
    
At Mattoon
NON-CONFERENCE
Highland 35 F
Mattoon 21
    
At Memorial Stadium
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) 62 F
Springfield (H.S.) 21
 
   
At Monticello
NON-CONFERENCE
Macon (Meridian) 0 F
Monticello 55
    
At New Berlin
SANGAMO
Riverton 28 F
New Berlin [Coop] 6
    
At Oakland
LITTLE OKAW VALLEY
Martinsville   7:00
pm
Oakland [Tri-County Coop]  
 
   
At Paxton
SANGAMON VALLEY
Gilman (Iroquois West) 6 F
Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) 22
    
At Pekin
MID-ILLINI
Bartonville (Limestone) 0 F
Pekin 42
    
At Peoria (Richwoods)
NON-CONFERENCE
Rock Island (Alleman) 41 F
Peoria (Richwoods) 26
 
   
At Petersburg (PORTA)
SANGAMO
Niantic (Sangamon Valley) [Coop] 14 F
Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop] 7
    
At Piasa (Southwestern)
SOUTH CENTRAL
Litchfield 12 F-OT
Piasa (Southwestern) 6
    
At Pleasant Plains
SANGAMO
Williamsville 28 F
Pleasant Plains 0
 
   
At Rantoul
CORN BELT
Pontiac 47 F
Rantoul 12
    
At Shelbyville
NON-CONFERENCE
Tuscola 6 F
Shelbyville 28
Tucker Schwengel, Shelbyville - 166 yards passing, 163 yards rushing.
    
At Stanford (Olympia)
CORN BELT
Normal (University) 46 F
Stanford (Olympia) 18
 
   
At Tremont
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) 0 F
Tremont 24
    
At Virden (North Mac)
SANGAMO
Auburn 27 F
Virden (North Mac) 0
 

Friday's National Scoreboard

MLB NL
------
Chicago Cubs 12, Pittsburgh Pirates 2
Philadelphia Phillies 3, Colorado Rockies 2
Miami Marlins 9, Washington Nationals 7 (10 inn)
Atlanta Braves 3, New York Mets 0
Houston Astros 5, Cincinnati Reds 3
Milwaukee Brewers 5, St. Louis Cardinals 4 (13 inn)
San Diego Padres 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 5
San Francisco Giants 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 2

MLB AL
------
New York Yankees 8, Baltimore Orioles 5
Tampa Bay Rays 3, Texas Rangers 1 (11 inn)
Toronto Blue Jays 7, Boston Red Sox 5
Cleveland Indians 7, Minnesota Twins 6
Kansas City Royals 7, Chicago White Sox 5
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3, Detroit Tigers 2
Oakland Athletics 6, Seattle Mariners 1

WNBA
------
Phoenix Mercury 91, Connecticut Sun 82
Los Angeles Sparks 96, Washington Mystics 68
Chicago Sky 92, New York Liberty 83
Minnesota Lynx 97, Atlanta Dream 93 (OT)
Indiana Fever 82, San Antonio Silver Stars 78

Cubs Crush Pirates

Starlin Castro was 3-for-5 with four RBI as the Cubs dismissed the Pirates, 12-2.  Alfonso Soriano was also 3-for-5 but with three RBI for Chicago, which snapped a six-game slide.  Travis Wood gave up one hit over six frames for the win.  A.J. Burnett allowed seven total runs in five-plus innings in the setback.  Starling Marte and Michael McKenry each had an RBI for Pittsburgh, which has lost five-of-seven.  The Pirates committed seven errors in the loss.

Round Again Sports Celebrates Grand Opening Saturday

The Clinton Community is now home to a new sporting goods business.

"Round Again Sports" is a sporting goods store that offers new and used sports, hunting and fishing equipment. Rebecca Moore is the owner and says she will be selling the famous, well known name brand items. Moore is also a federally firearms licensed business they can take care of all your fire arms needs or transfers.

[audio:91012roundagainsports2.mp3] [/audio]

"Round Again Sports" celebrated their grand opening Saturday, and they are located at 55 Cedar Square in Suite D in Clinton. That is located next to the Old County Market off of Van Buren Street. 

They will be hosting a grand opening Saturday morning from 11 am to 1 pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 am.

To learn more about them, you can visit their website at www.roundagainsports.com or call 935-7653.

Tune into Regional Radio News Monday to learn more about "Round Again Sports".

Weekly Weather Update

Thanks to Hurricane Isaac's remnants, soil moisture levels are considerably better, but there is still a need for rain. We'll see much cooler temperatures this weekend as we enter the fall season according to State Meteorologist Jim Angel. We'll warm up a little bit early next week with the next significant chance of rain next Friday.

[audio:wx.mp3] [/audio]

Illinois Promotes Grain Industry To Foreign Buyers

More than 20 international grain buyers are set to arrive in Illinois on Monday for a tour of the state's grain industry.

The tour is what the Illinois Department of Agriculture is calling a "reverse trade mission." The 5-day expedition will take the potential customers to a corn and soybean farm in Auburn; a Mattoon food ingredient supplier; a Hennepin ethanol plant and the Chicago Board of Trade.

The scheduled visits also include stops in Assumption, Champaign, Joliet and Des Plaines.

Acting Director of Agriculture Bob Flider says that foreign trade makes a huge contribution to Illinois agriculture.

The visitors are coming to Illinois from China, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Illinois Court Starts Civics Talks Over Constitution

Illinois Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride hopes to fire up high school civics lessons during the 225th birthday celebration of the U.S. Constitution.

Kilbride, the high court's six other justices, and other judges will announce "Project 225" Wednesday in Springfield.

The thrust of the program is to have Illinois judges give presentations to 225 high school civics classes statewide starting Sept. 17. That is the day the Constitutional Convention signed the nation's supreme law in 1787.

Presentations will continue through the end of the month.

Kilbride met former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 2007. She lamented the lack of civics education. Kilbride decided to try to reverse that trend. For one, he has traveled to schools in his district to explain the judicial system.

Sages Ground Hawks

As heard on 95.9 WEZC, the Monticello Sages shut out the Meridian Hawks 55-0.  The Sages were led by Ryan Donahue with 13 carries for 167 yards and 3 touchdowns. Austin Eckerty contributed to the score with 2 catches for 29 yards, also getting a touchdown. Parker Trice goes 6 for 14, 97 yards and a touchdown.  John Burty also helped the team out with an 81 yard touchdown return. Tune in next Friday as the Monticello Sages take on the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans at 7pm!

Maroa-Forsyth Trojans Swamp Clinton Maroons

As heard on WHOW 1520AM/92.3FM: The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans topped the Clinton Maroons 48-13 on a rainy Friday night at Clinton High School.  Clinton struggled in the first half to get anything going offensively, while the Trojans came out of the gate looking to avenge last week's loss to Tolono.  Big plays and a stingy defense helped the Trojans to a 34-0 halftime lead.  M-F would go up 41-0 in the third before the Maroons scored on a 76-yard flea flicker from Greg Osgood to Deonta Johnson.  Clinton would also score as time expired in the 4th on an 18-yard run by Nick Thompson.  Thompson finished with 61 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Johnson's 76-yard TD catch earned him the Clinton IGA Maroons Player of the Game honors.

Maroa-Forsyth was led by Jordan Bond out of the backfield with 148 yards on 16 carries and 3 touchdowns.  Sophomore QG Jack Hockaday went 12 of 14 for 190 yards and 2 TDs.  Alec Martin led the Trojans receiving corps with 3 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.

The Maroons fall to 1-2 with the loss, while M-F improves to 2-1.  Join us next Friday at 7pm on 92.3FM WHOW when the Clinton Maroons travel to Central A&M.

 

Illinois To Decide On Essential Health Benefits

A public meeting next week will help determine which services should be covered by health insurance plans sold in Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn intends to choose a benchmark plan that will serve as a minimum standard by Sept. 30 to meet a federal deadline.

The national health law says 10 basic categories must be covered, such as emergency services, prescription drugs and maternity care. States have flexibility to determine a basic level of covered services and costs within those categories.

What's at stake is the cost of insurance and how broad coverage will be for Illinois patients.

The meeting will be held Wednesday in Chicago and by teleconference in Springfield. A chart comparing 10 potential benchmark plans is posted on the governor's website.

Panel To Focus On Immigration Policy

U.S. immigration policy and how it intertwines with human rights will be the subject of a panel discussion Tuesday in Bloomington.

The "Making Human Rights Real: Immigration Policy and Immigrant Rights" panel will be at Illinois Wesleyan University. The discussion begins at 7 p.m. at the Center for Natural Science Learning and Research.

Panelists will include legal experts and social service professionals who work with illegal immigrants in McLean County. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials may also provide insight.

This is the second "Making Human Rights Real" discussion. Officials say they are part of the school's "commitment to social justice and human rights."

They're also connected to human rights courses offered this fall in the departments of Anthropology; Educational, Hispanic, and International studies; and Political Science.

EPA Says Dredging Will Remove Waukegan Harbor PCBs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says dredging of PCB-contaminated sediment from Waukegan Harbor could help get the site removed from a list of Great Lakes toxic hot spots.

Officials said Thursday the EPA hopes to remove about 175,000 cubic yards of sediment. Dredging will begin later this month and last until next summer.

The $48 million project is being carried out under the federal Superfund program as part of the cleanup of the Outboard Marine Corp. site.

The EPA says the company polluted the harbor, which has been on the Superfund list since 1983.

Waukegan's mayor says the future of the Lake Michigan community about 30 miles north of Chicago will be "greatly enhanced" by the cleanup, and he hopes it will attract potential investors.

Durbin: Obama Deserves Second Term

Senator Dick Durbin is going to bat for President Obama, once again.  He says despite what Republicans are saying, President Obama has put America back on course after the economic downturn.  

[audio:rddDurb1.mp3] [/audio]

Senator Durbin says America is a stronger place since President Obama took office four years ago, but it's still not where it needs to be.  He says President Obama won't turn his back on those who are still struggling.

[audio:rddDurb2.mp3] [/audio]

Senator Dick Durbin says President Obama has made tough decisions to protect the rights of all Americans.  He compares it to President Abe Lincoln's challenges with the Emancipation Proclamation.

[audio:rddDurb3.mp3] [/audio]

Durbin spoke just before President Obama at the Democratic National Convention last night.  He says the President's commitment to justice is still worth fighting for.  Durbin touted accomplishments on saving the auto industry, passing healthcare reform, ending "don't ask, don't tell" for homosexual service members, and making the DREAM Act a reality. 

FBI Seeks Bank Robber Dubbed 'Bucket List Bandit'

The FBI is using digital billboards around the country to seek information about a serial bank robber the agency has dubbed the "Bucket List Bandit."

The suspect, believed to be 55 to 60, is suspected in at least nine robberies in eight states since June. The most recent holdup was at a bank in the St. Louis suburb of O'Fallon, Mo., on Aug. 30. He is also suspected of robberies in Columbia, Mo., and in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, North Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois.

The FBI calls him the "Bucket List Bandit" because he allegedly told a teller during one robbery that he had just four months to live.

Farmers Hopeful For Soybean Crops Despite Drought

The worst drought in the United States in decades may already have done its damage to the nation's corn crop now being harvested. But growers say their soybeans may turn out far better.

Near Coulterville in southwestern Illinois, Dean Campbell concedes that Hurricane Isaac's remnants "blessed us with some water." But that won't save his 900-acre corn crop that's averaging just about one-tenth of his normal yield with harvesting less than halfway done.

But he says he expects "a reasonable crop" from his still-maturing 1,100 acres of soybeans.

Near Corning, Iowa, Ray Gaesser (GAS'-ser) got nothing from Isaac for his 3,000 acres of corn, which he foresees producing about 60 to 70% of normal. But he believes his soybeans could yield some 90% of what he's typically get.

University of Illinois To Upgrade Stadium Scoreboard

The University of Illinois plans to install a new $6.7 million scoreboard at Memorial Stadium that's almost twice as large as the current board.

University Sports Information Director Kent Brown says the 10-year-old scoreboard is leaking and in some places is being held together by baling wire.

The replacement will be 125 feet wide by 54 feet tall. The current version in the football stadium's south end is 48 feet by 68 feet.

Brown says the money would come from the school's Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. It would also buy another much smaller board for another spot in the stadium. Installation will take place in 2013.

University trustees are expected to vote on the planned upgrade at a meeting planned for Sept. 14.

Macy's Thieves Make Off With Thousands In Merchandise

Three thieves got away with nearly seven thousand dollars worth of merchandise from a Macy's store in Springfield.  Police say the suspects walked into the White Oaks Mall on Monday and within a minute, they'd grabbed the clothing and dashed out the door without paying.  Security cameras captured the two males and one female suspect in action.  Most of the items stolen were polo shirts, but other items such as pairs of socks were also taken.  Police are looking for two black males, one between six-foot-two and six-foot-five with a thin build.  The other is between five-foot-four and five-foot-six.  The female suspect is described as a black female with several tattoos on her torso, arms and legs.  Anyone with information should contact the Springfield Police Department.

Maroa-Forsyth Schools Miss AYP; Find Positives Though

School districts and their administrators around the state are assessing their schools Adequate Yearly Progress reports.

It seems to be a general consensus, many schools are not making AYP as a district. One of those schools is the Maroa-Forsyth district. While the district as a whole did not make AYP, Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth schools, Mike Williams says there was plenty of positives that came from their AYP numbers this year. He says the grade school and middle school both made AYP, and while the high school did not, he says they saw some terrific gains made in a few areas.

[audio:9712maroaayp1.mp3] [/audio]

Williams feels AYP can be misleading at the high school level. He explains the assessments are a college readiness exam. He notes not all students go to college.

[audio:9712maroaayp2.mp3] [/audio]

Rather than focusing on what the ACT, ISAT's, or PSAE tests, many districts are focusing their attention to transitioning into the Common Core standards. Williams explains the Common Core Standards are a new standard for learning that focuses learning all the way from kindergarten through 12th grade.

[audio:9712maroaayp3.mp3] [/audio]

Williams feels the new Common Core Standards are going to increase the standard of learning for students. He feels instead of grouping students together, they need to be mindful of the students that are planning on going to college and those students that are planning on going into the workforce.

[audio:9712maroaayp4.mp3] [/audio]

The school year 2014-15 will be the first year students will be tested based on the Common Core Standard. Williams says Maroa-Forsyth has a solid base started in their progress, but they have a long ways to go. He feels good about the direction they are headed in with the Common Core Standard.

CHS Class of 73s Peace Park Project Complete

The Clinton High School Class of 1973's endeavor to transform the old Roque Court on Main Street in Clinton is complete.

 width=For three years now the Class of 73 has been hard at work trying to transform the small park on Main Street in Clinton. Cris Rogers with the Class of 73 says the park is all but complete. They were able to secure some final few supplies and recently they were able to acquire a piece of Clinton history to add to the park.

[audio:9712parkdone1.mp3] [/audio]

 width=The road to where the completion of the park has been somewhat stressful for Rogers and his classmates. He says it took a while to prove to the community this was not something they were just talking about, they stepped forward and put the work to demonstrate they were serious about it. He says once the community saw they were taking this seriously, donations began to come in, helping the park progress.

[audio:9712parkdone2.mp3] [/audio]

Rogers explains this was not a project to shed light on the Class of 1973. He says they have been involved in many ways in the community over the years, but he felt this park was a way for them to give back to the community that has been good to them.

[audio:9712parkdone3.mp3] [/audio]

Rogers says they are debating having a dedication to give the park back to the city of Clinton. He explains the park is a city park and falls under all the ordinances codes in place. He notes it will also be up to the city to keep up with the maintenance.

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McIlroy, Three Others Lead BMW Championship

Rory McIlroy fired an eight-under 64 to grab a share of the lead after the opening round of the BMW Championship.  McIlroy, coming off his PGA Championship win last week, is joined by Webb Simpson, Bo Van Pelt and Graham DeLaet atop the leaderboard.  Tiger Woods is tied with Vijay Singh for fifth place at seven-under.

Sprint Cup Regular Season Wraps Up In Richmond

NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series is at Richmond International Raceway this weekend for Saturday evening's Federated Auto Parts 400.  Just one race remains in the regular season as drivers jockey for position heading into the race for the Chase.  Denny Hamlin won last weekend at Atlanta to clinch a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship.

NFL Week One Preview

>>LB Urlacher Set For Season Opener, Colts' Collie Questionable

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher anticipates no problems from his surgically repaired left knee heading into Sunday's opener with the Indianapolis Colts.

Urlacher continues to practice without pain and expects to be able to come back from the opener and play only four days later at Green Bay. He had the knee scoped on Aug. 14.

Urlacher says he expects he and the Bears' veteran defense will be tested by Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck.

Although the defense has five starters 31 or older -- including the 34-year-old Urlacher -- they believe their better understanding of the cover-2 scheme will make them no less effective this season.

Indianapolis Colts receiver Austin Collie says he is day to day as he prepares for the opener against the Chicago Bears.

Collie sustained his third diagnosed concussion since the start of the 2010 season in the second preseason game of 2012. He did not return to practice until this week.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano said this week that Collie is "full go." Collie would not say Thursday if he's been fully cleared, saying "there is no definite timetable."

Collie says he is practicing at full speed. He has switched helmets at the recommendation of former teammate Dallas Clark, who has dealt with concussion issues of his own.

>>Luck To Make Colts' Debut Against Bears

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Indianapolis Colts begin a new era as they open against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.  Peyton Manning is gone as top overall draft pick Andrew Luck takes the quarterback reins for the Colts.  Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury and was released in March.  Without him, the Colts finished just 2-and-14.  In addition to Luck, the Colts also feature new head coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson.  The Bears look to bounce back from an injury-riddled campaign that saw them finish 8-and-8.  Chicago lost QB Jay Cutler to a thumb injury in Week 11 and promptly went on a five-game losing streak that took them out of playoff contention.  Matt Forte is now flanked by Michael Bush in the ground game, while wide receiver Brandon Marshall comes over from Miami to give Cutler a new weapon in the air.

>>Fisher-Led Rams Face Surging Lions

(Detroit, MI)  --  The St. Louis Rams look to bounce back from a dismal 2-and-14 campaign as they open against the high-powered Detroit Lions at Ford Field.  Former longtime Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher returns to the NFL to take over a rebuilding project that features veteran running back Steven Jackson and third-year quarterback Sam Bradford.  The Rams have added Pro Bowl center Scott Wells after surrendering a league-high 55 sacks last season.  The Lions are looking to take the next step after going 10-and-6 and earning a Wild Card berth last season.  It was Detroit's first playoff appearance since 1999.  Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson remain one of the league's premier passing combos, while the defensive front is anchored by imposing tackle Ndamukong Suh.

>>Luck, RG3, Peyton Highlight Season's First Sunday

(Undated)  --  Week One of the NFL season is set to kick into high gear on Sunday.  Thirteen games will be played, with a record five rookies starting at quarterback.  Second overall pick Robert Griffin the Third and the Redskins play the Saints in New Orleans.  The Saints will try to overcome offseason bounty suspensions that included a season-long ban for head coach Sean Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma.  Rookie QB's Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson and Brandon Weeden will also start for the Dolphins, Seahawks and Browns, respectively.  Tim Tebow [[ TEE-boh ]] is now the backup to Mark Sanchez in New York, where the Jets host the Bills.  The Sunday slate ends with a night game between the Steelers and Broncos in Denver.  It marks the return of quarterback Peyton Manning, who missed all of 2011 with Indianapolis following a series of neck surgeries.  The Broncos signed the future Hall of Famer after he was released by the Colts in March.  Week One wraps up with a pair of games on Monday night as the Bengals and Ravens meet in Baltimore and the Chargers and Raiders clash in Oakland.

Cubs Swept By Nats; Benches Clear Twice

>>Nats Clobber Cubs

(Washington, DC)  --  Kurt Suzuki smacked a three-run homer and Adam LaRoche added a two-run shot, his fifth homer in the series, as the Nationals clobbered the Cubs, 9-2, to sweep the four-game set.  Ryan Zimmerman drove in three runs for the Nats, who have won five straight and eight-of-nine overall.  Jordan Zimmermann struck out nine over seven innings of two-run ball as he improved to 10-and-8.  Anthony Rizzo homered and Darwin Barney tripled in the other run for the Northsiders, who have dropped six in-a-row and nine of their last 11.  Justin Germano was rocked for seven runs, six earned, in four frames as he fell to 2-and-6.

MLB NL
------
Atlanta Braves 1, Colorado Rockies 0
Miami Marlins 6, Milwaukee Brewers 2

MLB AL
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Baltimore Orioles 10, New York Yankees 6
Texas Rangers 5, Kansas City Royals 4 (10 inn)

>> Cubs/Nats Scuffle

Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger was among four people ejected when benches cleared twice in two innings of the game between Chicago and the Washington Nationals.

Clevenger, Cubs right-hander Manuel Corpas and Nationals lefty Michael Gonzalez - both pitchers not in the game - were ejected in the bottom of the sixth Thursday night after Chicago righty Lendy Castillo brushed back Bryce Harper with his first pitch of the inning. Clevenger stepped in front of Harper and players and coaches streamed onto the field.

At one point Clevenger could be seen taking an open-handed swipe at Washington short stop Ian Desmond, who accidentally knocked down first base umpire Bill Miller while backing away.

Chicago's bench coach Jamie Quirk was tossed after his testy exchange with Nationals third base coach Bo Porter caused a scrum in the fifth. Quirk could be seen shouting from the dugout and Porter approached the Cubs' bench.

>>White Sox Host Royals

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago White Sox open up a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals this evening at The Cell.  Francisco Liriano is expected to be on the bump against Luis Mendoza in the opener.  The Southsiders took two-of-three from the Minnesota Twins in their last series to improve to 74-and-62 on the season.

>>Cards Host Crew

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals open up a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Busch Stadium.  Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] is slated to toe the rubber opposite Yovani Gallardo [[ guy-ARE-doh ]] in the opener.  The Cards took two-of-three against the Mets in their last series, but dropped Wednesday's finale to fall to 74-and-63 on the season.

Clinton Hosts Maroa; Sages Host Meridian; HSF Week 3 Preview

>> Maroons Host Trojans

The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans will come into Clinton tonight looking to avenge a tough home loss last week at the hands of the Unity Rockets, but the Maroons are running high as they are coming off a dominant 50-0 win of the Meridian Hawks. Both the Maroons and Trojans enter tonight's game at 1-1. Game time is 7 pm and all the action can be heard on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and streamed live online at dewittdailynews.com.

>> Sages Host Meridian

The Monticello Sages are coming off a huge road win last week at Tuscola. The win improved Monticello's early mark to 2-0 while Meridian took a beating at home at the hands of Clinton. Meridian is 0-2. You can hear all the action tonight on 95.9 FM WEZC and streamed online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is set for 7 pm and the broadcast will get underway a little before 7.

Other high school football week three action is set for tonight around the area:

Non Conference Okaw Valley matchups include...

Argenta-Oreana vs. Sullivan
Central A & M at Unity
Tuscola at Shelbyville
Warrensburg-Latham at Decatur St. Teresa

Little Okaw Valley
Arcola vs. Heritage East Central
Cerro Gordo vs. Arthur.-Lovington
Martinsville at Oakland Tri-County

Big Twelve
Champaign Central at Decatur Eisenhower
Danville at Champaign Centennial
Normal West at Decatur MacArthur
Urbana at Bloomington

Central State Eight
Springfield Lanphier vs. Jacksonville at K-R Field
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin vs. Springfield at Memorial Stadium
Springfield Southeast at Lincoln
Taylorville at Rochester

Corn Belt
Eureka at Mahomet-Seymour
Prairie Central at Bloomington Central Catholic
Normal U-High at Olympia
Pontiac at Rantoul

Heart of Illinois
Tri-Valley at El Paso-Gridley
Flanagan-Cornell at Lexington
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley at LeRoy
Heyworth at Ridgeview
Dee-Mack at Tremont
Fieldcrest at Blue Ridge

Other area non-conference games...
Chatham Glenwood at Charleston
Mt. Zion at Jerseyville
Normal Community at Niles Notre Dame
Peoria at Galesburg
Peoria Manual vs. Chicago Marshall at Rockne Stadium (Sat.)
Peoria Notre Dame at East Moline
Rock Island at Peoria Richwoods

Illini At Arizona State This Weekend

The Illinois Fighting Illini square off against the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday night in Tempe.  The Illini are coming off a 24-7 victory over Western Michigan in last weekend's season-opener.  Illinois beat ASU, 17-14, last season in Champaign.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-7

September 7, 2012

 

Jail Population: 97

Summons Served: 2

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Marissa Nanez, 21, Wapella, was issued a citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Nanez was issued a notice to appear and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Monticello High School Grad Named Patriot League Rookie of the Week

 width=Navy cross country freshman and Monticello High School graduate Steve Schroeder, was named the M-F Athletic Patriot League Rookie of the Week, it was announced by the conference today. Schroeder helped Navy to a second-place finish at the Harry Lang Invitational on Saturday by taking 21st overall.

In his first-career meet, Schroeder posted a time of 20:51 in the 6.4k race. As a team, the Mids placed ahead of the other four Patriot League schools in the field, with Schroeder finishing 27 seconds ahead of the next-closest freshman from a League competitor.

Schroeder is the first Midshipman to garner Patriot League Rookie of the Week laurels since C.J. Elward on Oct. 18, 2010.

Mid Morning Storm Rolls Through DeWitt County

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DJWH To Host Cruise Into Good Health Fair Next Week

The DJWH will be hosting their annual Health Fair on Thursday Sept 13th from 6-8 pm.
 
The event is their "Cruise-In To Good Health" and will be located in the hospital parking lot. Sandy Rice, with the DJWH, says there will be many local businesses sponsoring the event as well as several booths for visitors to discover.
 
[audio:healthfair1.mp3] [/audio]
 
Rice adds there will be several types of free testing that visitors can take advantage of.
 
[audio:healthfair2.mp3] [/audio]
 
For more information, you can contact Sandy Rice at the DJWH, at 935-9571 or visit the hospital's website at www.djwhospital.org.

Two Students In Custody After High School Shooting

Two students are in custody after a shooting at Normal Community High School, in Normal this morning.  Superintendent Gary Niehaus [[ Knee-house ]] says no one was injured.

[audio:rddShoot1.mp3] [/audio]

Students are being held at Eastview Christian Church and will not be released without a parent signature.  Parents must bring a photo identification with them when they pick their kids up.  Students who drove to school this morning will not be allowed to remove their vehicles from the parking lot until the investigation is complete.  All other schools will have a normal school day.

Round Again Sports To Hold Grand Opening Ceremony Saturday

The Clinton Community is now home to a new sporting goods business.

"Round Again Sports" is a sporting goods store that offers new and used sports, hunting and fishing equipment. Rebecca Moore is the owner and says she will be selling the famous, well known name brand items. Moore is also a federally firearms licensed business they can take care of all your fire arms needs or transfers.

[audio:91012roundagainsports2.mp3] [/audio]

"Round Again Sports" celebrated their grand opening Saturday, and they are located at 55 Cedar Square in Suite D in Clinton. That is located next to the Old County Market off of Van Buren Street. 

They will be hosting a grand opening Saturday morning from 11 am to 1 pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 am.

To learn more about them, you can visit their website at www.roundagainsports.com or call 935-7653.

Tune into Regional Radio News Monday to learn more about "Round Again Sports".

Enrollment Down At Eastern Illinois

Enrollment has dropped 6.8% at Eastern Illinois University this school year.

The campus in Charleston reported Wednesday that on-campus and off-campus enrollment was about 10,400 this fall semester. That's compared to nearly 11,200 last fall semester. The university said in a news release that the dip in enrollment was expected. The school blamed "a tough economy coupled with a decrease in state financial aid."

School officials said they have already started enrollment management efforts to reverse the trend. That efforts would have the school identify, market to and recruit students.

Eastern's freshman class has about 1,900 students. The senior class has about 3,100 students. Minority enrollment is 21.7%, up from 19% in 2011. There are 152 international students at EIU.

AFSCME Member Says Quinn Mirrors GOP Values

Governor Quinn's policies mirror that of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.  That's according to AFSMCE member John Cameron.

[audio:rddFacts1.mp3] [/audio]

Governor Quinn laid out the "facts" at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night, countering Republican claims that President Obama has missed the mark on welfare reform and the economy.  But AFSCME member John Cameron says Quinn needs to face some facts of his own.  

[audio:rddFacts2.mp3] [/audio]

Cameron is a delegate at the Democratic National Convention.  He says he strongly supports President Obama and the message he stands for.  But Cameron says Quinn is sabotaging President Obama's message in Illinois.

Immigration Reform Takes Center Stage At DNC

The issue of immigration reform played center stage at the Democratic National Convention last night.  Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez says this election will set the course for immigrants in America from this point forward.

[audio:rddImmig1.mp3] [/audio]

Gutierrez says the fight against equality is not a new fight, but President Obama is making a strong effort to protect the idea that "All men are created equal."  The president signed an executive order on June 15th to stop deportation for illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school, earned an equivalent degree, or served in the military.  They also can apply for a work permit that will be good for two years with no limits on how many times it can be renewed.

Another Illinois City Prohibits Teens From Tanning

Another major Illinois city will prohibit minors from using commercial tanning beds.

Springfield aldermen approved a ban Tuesday by a vote of 7-3. It applies whether or not minors have parental permission. The Chicago City Council passed a similar ban in June.

Tanning beds received media attention earlier this summer after a deeply tanned New Jersey woman was accused of allowing her 5-year-old daughter to use a tanning bed. She has pleaded not guilty to child endangerment.

The Springfield ban goes into effect Jan. 1 and doesn't apply to spray tans or tanning beds in private residences. The Sangamon County Medical Society endorsed the ban.

Illinois law bans children under age 14 from tanning at salons. Teens between 14 and 17 need parental consent.

Small Theaters Struggle As Hollywood Goes Digital

Independent movie theaters in small towns are struggling to stay in business as Hollywood studios switch from 35 mm film to digital.

The change is forcing theater owners to abandon film projectors that have been an industry staple since the early 1900s, in favor of new and expensive digital equipment. For small-town moviegoers, the loss of their local cinema means longer drives to theater chains in bigger cities.

Patrick Corcoran of the National Association of Theatre Owners says converting one screen to digital costs about $70,000.

Big chains can afford the digital transition, which can be cheaper when buying in bulk for multiscreen theaters. But those who own smalle.

Secretary of State Warns Businesses of New Scam

SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE’S OFFICE IS WARNING ILLINOIS BUSINESSES ABOUT A NEW SCAM.

WHITE’S OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A HANDFUL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FIRM CALLED CORPORATE RECORDS SERVICE SAYS SPOKESPERSON BETH KAUFMAN.

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THEY ARE SEEKING A 125 DOLLAR FEE TO FILL OUT AN “ANNUAL MINUTES RECORDS FORM”. SECRETARY OF STATE SPOKESPERSON BETH KAUFMAN SAYS THE TROUBLE IS…THE FEE AND FORM ARE BOGUS.

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KAUFMAN SAYS THEY HAVE RECEIVED A HANDFUL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SCAM AND ARE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. SHE SAYS THE ONLY FEE CORPORATIONS MUST PAY IS THE MONEY DUE WITH THEIR ANNUAL REPORT.

IDES Continues To Crackdown On Benefits Fraud

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY CONTINUES ITS CRACKDOWN ON BENEFIT FRAUD…BY GOING AFTER FEDERAL TAX RETURNS.

I-D-E-S SPOKESPERSON GREG RIVARA SAYS THOSE WHO RECEIVED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHO WEREN’T ENTITLED TO THEM WERE GIVEN A CHANCE TO PAY UP. ABOUT 12 THOUSAND PEOPLE DIDN’T DO THAT…AND NOW FACE LOSING A PORTION OF THEIR TAX REFUND.

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EARLIER THIS YEAR…THE STATE COLLECTED 42 MILLION DOLLARS IN LOST BENEFITS FROM NEARLY 21 THOUSAND PEOPLE BY GARNISHING THEIR TAX RETURN REFUNDS. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THE STATE HAS BEEN ABLE TO COLLECT THIS MONEY BY GOING AFTER FEDERAL TAX RETURNS.

Apple and Pork Entertainment Line Up Set

People from across Illinois will converge on Clinton at the end of September for the annual Apple and Pork Festival.

While the festival features lots of traditional food and drink, arts and crafts, the entertainment of the festival is sure to keep the atmosphere of the event lively. Resident Manager of the DeWitt County Museum Larry Buss says the lineup for this year's entertainment is lined up and there's a lot of returning acts along with some new faces. Once again this year, the Clinton High School band kicks things off Saturday morning and a full lineup is on tap through the show for Saturday.

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Sunday's lineup should be good as well. Buss says they were able to book a good group from the Chicago area called "The Rick Lindy And the Wild Ones". Buss notes they should put on a great show, and he notes there is entertainment scheduled for the whole day.

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The Apple and Pork Festival for 2012 is set for Saturday and Sunday September 29 and 30. For the full lineup of entertainment or a site map of all the vendors for this year's festival, you can visit www.chmoorehomestead.org/apple-pork.

Gambling Ban Could Have Had Devastating Effects On Local Businesses

A gambling ban in Clinton was lifted Monday night for devices approved by the State of Illinois.

Establishments with approved machines in their place of business prior to the ban being lifted claimed their places of business would suffer from the elimination of the revenue that these machines would generate. President of the Clinton Eagles Club, Bill Rentmeister presented the Clinton City Council with their figures from last year's revenues, and this year's. This year the Eagles face an approximate $9-thousand deficit.

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The Eagles has always been an active member in the Clinton community, but Rentmeister says the donations they are able to give come from their general fund, which would take a big hit if the gambling ban would have been left in place.

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Rentmeister says the numbers he presented to the Council were the high end of their figures, and he does not believe other businesses in Clinton do the amount of business they do. Because of that, he says people would leave town if the gambling ban did not pass. He says people had already begun to leave.

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Rentmeister said a vote to lift the gambling ban would be a vote for Clinton, and to keep jobs and people in the city.

The Council approved lifting the gambling ban in favor of bringing in machines that will be regulated by the state of Illinois.

BMW Championship Tees Off This Morning

Rory McIlroy [[ MAC-il-roy ]] has won two of his last three starts and has three top-five finishes in his last four events.  That has helped him climb to number-one in the world rankings and to the top spot in the FedExCup playoff race.  He'll take his scorching hot game to Crooked Stick this morning for the BMW Championship, the third of four FedExCup playoff events.  Crooked Stick is hosting this playoff event for the first time.  Last year at Cog Hill, Justin Rose opened with an eight-under 63 and hung on to beat John Senden by two strokes.  The field was cut down to 70 after McIlroy's win on Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

NFL Notes

>>With Marshall, Cutler Back Together, Bears Aim High

Jay Cutler wasn't quite sure what the results will be this time around. The last time he and Brandon Marshall were together, they were impressive.

Now the quarterback and Pro Bowl receiver are reunited in Chicago after forming an explosive tandem in Denver, and the Bears are eyeing a big run, starting with the season opener against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

A major reason for that involves Cutler and Marshall. How much better can they be this time?

Cutler isn't sure. He credited former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and assistant Jeremy Bates for being "very good about putting us in situations for us to be successful."

The Bears believe they're in a good spot, particularly after acquiring Marshall from Miami.

>>Cowboys Edge Defending Champion Giants In Season-Opener

(East Rutherford, NJ)  --  Tony Romo completed 22-of-29 passes for 307 yards with three touchdowns and an interception to lead the Cowboys in a 24-17 season-opening win over the defending Super Bowl champion Giants.  Kevin Ogletree had eight catches for 114 yards with two TD's for Dallas, which lost both meeting against the G-Men last season.  Miles Austin hauled in a 34-yard score via the air and DeMarco Murray had 131 yards on 20 carries in the win over their division rivals at MetLife Stadium.  Eli Manning finished 21-of-32 for 213 yards with a nine-yard touchdown toss to former Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett in the fourth quarter for New York.  Ahmad Bradshaw added 78 yards and a score on the ground for the Giants, who become the first team since the Denver Broncos in 1999 to lose their first game of the season after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy the previous year.

>>Rams Thin At Defensive Tackle

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams are thin at defensive tackle heading into Sunday's game at Detroit.  The first injury report of the season includes first-round pick Michael Brockers, Darell Scott and Matthew Conrath.  Conrath's status is uncertain, but Brockers and Scott are out.

>>Rams' Secondary Set To Face "Megatron"

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams' defensive unit is sure to be tested against the Lions.  The young secondary includes five rookies as the Rams try to contain Lions' star wide receiver Calvin Johnson.  The Rams' DB's are now led by veteran free agent pickup Cortland Finnegan.

Cardinals Notes

>>Wainwright Scoffs At Fatigue Suggestion

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright is denying any sort of arm fatigue.  After allowing 11 runs over his last two starts, he said it's about repeating his arm angle, not being tired.  Wainwright added his innings total this season doesn't even have him winded.

>>Cards' Miller Makes MLB Debut

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Cardinals prospect Shelby Miller had a successful major league debut Wednesday.  The 2009 first-round draft pick struck out four over two scoreless relief innings in the Cards' 6-2 loss to the Mets.  Miller had previously only started in 78 minor league games.

Sox Win; Gio, RA Dickey Pick Up 18th Wins

>>Rios Homers Twice As White Sox Top Twins

(Chicago, IL)  --  Alex Rios hit a grand slam in the first inning and a two-run shot in the sixth to power the White Sox to a 6-2 win over the Twins.  Jake Peavy scattered five hits and a run over six innings to even his record at 10-and-10 with the win.  Dewayne Wise had two hits and scored a run for the Pale Hose, who took two-of-three at U.S. Cellular Field.  P.J. Walters allowed all six runs in five-plus frames to take the loss for Minnesota.  Eduardo Escobar and Matt Carson each had a sac-fly for the Twins.

MLB AL
------
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 7, Oakland Athletics 1
Detroit Tigers 7, Cleveland Indians 1
Toronto Blue Jays 6, Baltimore Orioles 4
New York Yankees 6, Tampa Bay Rays 4
Texas Rangers 7, Kansas City Royals 6
Seattle Mariners 2, Boston Red Sox 1

>>Nats Clobber Cubs

(Washington, DC)  --  Bryce Harper had two of the Nationals' six home runs to back seven scoreless innings from Gio Gonzalez en route to a 9-1 win over the Cubs.  Adam LaRoche clubbed a two-run homer, while Roger Bernadina, Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa all added solo shots for Washington, which has won four games in-a-row.  Gonzalez had a no-hitter through five frames and struck out nine on just three hits to improve to 18-and-7 on the season.  Anthony Rizzo's solo home run in the ninth inning accounted for Chicago's lone run of the game.  Chris Volstad allowed five runs during five innings of duty to absorb the loss.  The Cubs have dropped five straight games.

>>Davis, Dickey Lead Mets Over Cards

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Ike Davis hit a three-run homer and R.A. Dickey pitched into the seventh inning as the Mets beat the Cardinals, 6-2.  Josh Thole went 2-for-4 with an RBI as New York salvaged the finale of the three-game set at Busch Stadium.  Dickey fanned five over six-and-two-thirds innings of two-run ball to improve to 18-and-4.  Adam Wainwright allowed five runs in five frames to fall to 13-and-12 with the loss.  He also hit a solo homer for St. Louis, which had won three-of-four.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 6, Cincinnati Reds 2
Pittsburgh Pirates 6, Houston Astros 3
Atlanta Braves 1, Colorado Rockies 0
Milwaukee Brewers 8, Miami Marlins 5
San Diego Padres 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 3
Arizona Diamondbacks 6, San Francisco Giants 2

Scheelhaase Practices, Ankle Still Question

Illinois coach Tim Beckman says starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase practiced Wednesday and his injured ankle looked healthier than it had earlier this week.

Beckman won't say whether Scheelhaase will be able to start or play Saturday at Arizona State (1-0). Beckman says he'll make that decision after Illinois (1-0) practices Thursday morning.

Beckman says backup quarterbacks Reilly O'Toole and Miles Osei (OH'-say) split most of the snaps with the starters in practice this week. He said the two are what he called neck and neck right now as they jockey for the potential starting spot.

Scheelhaase injured his left ankle late in last Saturday's 24-7 win over Western Michigan. O'Toole played most of the second half but was just 2-3 passing for seven yards.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for 9-6

September 6, 2012

Jail Population: 94

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Pilip Hedrick, 53, Glasford, was issued a citation for Speeding (81 mph in a 55 mph zone). Hedrick posted his IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

 

Clinton Mayor Peters Disappointed In Ambulance Decision Process

It's been a week since the DeWitt County Board approved the DeWitt County Ambulance Advisory Committee's recommendation for the County's next ambulance provider.

There's been a lot of turmoil surrounding the decision, and one local leader is disappointed in the way things went down. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters says she is not only disappointed in the DCAAC but also board members of the DeWitt County Ambulance Association, the non-profit entity who sought to be the next provider of ambulance service. Mayor Peters has made her stance known from the beginning that she supported the DCAA and their efforts.

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The Mayor defends Terrance Hubbard, who headed the DCAA and is the current Ambulance Manager at the Dr. John Warner Hospital. She feels the opinions towards him were not fully researched, and she thanks Hubbard for his service and time he spent putting together the non-profit option.

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Mayor Peters thanks the ambulance crews and wishes them and Hubbard well in the future. She says she hopes they land in a community that is more accepting and appreciative of them and their service.

Mayor Peters adds PSI will need to be held accountable for their service and she hopes the community will be more accepting of them and their staff.

Drought Means Smaller Apples

The owner of a Rockford apple orchard says the drought means apples will be smaller this season.

Pat Curran owns Curran's Orchard and he says his trees need more water before late fall. Curran says the trees are stressed and will have smaller apples. Curran says orchards across Illinois also were hurt by a string of freezing temperatures in mid-April.

Curran says smaller apples will be denser because they don't have high moisture content.

Lynn Edwards owns Edwards Apple Orchards in Winnebago and Poplar Grove. She irrigates her orchards and says the harvest largely won't be affected by the drought. But Edwards says, "we could use more rain."

Online Classes Attract 32-Thousand To University of Illinois

Certain professors at the University of Illinois now have classes of nearly 32,000 students from around the world.

The students are taking the classes via an online learning platform called Coursera. The university is offering seven free online classes this fall. The first class is "Introduction to Sustainability" in the university's School of Earth, Society and Environment.

Professor Jonathan Tomkin says sending an email to thousands of students can be nerve-wracking. Tomkin says he is volunteering to teach the class "as an experiment."

The Urbana-Champaign campus joins Princeton, Stanford, the University of Michigan and other schools offering online classes through Coursera.

The courses won't count toward a degree. But universities may get some revenue from charging students for a certificate showing they completed a course.

Judge Issues Restraining Order Preventing Prison Closures

A judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the state, preventing it from shutting down prisons.  It comes after an arbitrator ruled Governor Pat Quinn moved too quickly in trying to close prisons, transitional centers, and youth detention centers in Carbondale, Chicago, Decatur, Dwight, Joliet, Murphysboro and Tamms.  The AFSCME union asked for the temporary restraining order, which was granted at a hearing this morning.  The judge also denied the state's motion to dismiss the union's case to stop the closures.  Quinn wants to close the facilities in order to save money but union workers say it will increase problems with overcrowding in other prisons, which will threaten the safety of workers and inmates.

Illinois Democrats Speak at DNC In Charlotte

Gov. Pat Quinn says Illinoisans know President Barack Obama's record.

Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth are spoke Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

In his speech, Quinn praised Obama's record from the time he was a state senator and credited him with saving the auto industry as president.

Duckworth is running against Republican Congressman Joe Walsh in suburban Chicago. A campaign email says her speech will take a personal approach and touch on her experiences growing up poor and her time with the military. Duckworth was an Army helicopter pilot in the Iraq War when she lost her legs in combat in 2004.

Quinn Sets Record Straight For Republicans

Governor Quinn wants to set the record straight for Republicans who claim President Obama has weakened the work requirement for welfare.   

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Governor Quinn says the welfare system is stronger under President Obama's leadership, not weaker as Republican's claim.

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Governor Quinn says the nation's Medicare system will hurt seniors under Republican leadership.  

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Governor Pat Quinn says thousands of people are working in Illinois thanks to President Obama's efforts to save the auto industry.

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Governor Quinn says if you want to know how Mitt Romney will lead the country, you should take a look at his record when he was Governor of Massachusetts.  He says Romney failed to deliver on his promise to create jobs, minimize government, and reduce debt.

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Quinn spoke at the Democratic National Convention last night, trying to rally fellow Democrats and even voters to send President Obama back to the White House for a second term.  He says America is moving forward under President Obama's leadership.

Remnants of Hurricane Isaac Provided Much Needed Drought Relief

MOST OF ILLINOIS RECEIVED A LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE DROUGHT AS THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE ISAAC SPUN THROUGH THE MIDWEST.

STATE CLIMATOLOGIST JIM ANGEL SAYS THERE WERE NO SIGNIFICANT REPORTS OF FLOODING…BUT THAT MUCH OF THE STATE ENJOYED A PRETTY GOOD SOAKING OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND. HE SAYS MANY AREAS RECEIVED AT LEAST AN INCH OR TWO OF RAIN.

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ANGEL SAYS THIS SHOULD HELP WITH DROUGHT CONDITIONS.

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EXCEPT FOR PORTIONS NORTH OF I-80…MUCH OF ILLINOIS HAD AT LEAST AN INCH OF RAINFALL…WITH MANY AREAS DOWNSTATE RECEIVING MORE LIKE FOUR TO SIX INCHES OF RAIN. HE ADDS TOTAL AVERAGE RAINFALL IS STILL DOWN FOR THE YEAR IN ILLINOIS…BUT THAT ISAAC DID MUCH TO REPLENISH THIRSTY FIELDS…LAKES AND STREAMS.

Weekly Crop Report

TOPSOIL MOISTURE IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY THANKS TO HURRICANE ISAAC AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE NOW STANDS AT TWO PERCENT SURPLUS…51 PERCENT ADEQUATE…28 PERCENT SHORT AND 19 PERCENT VERY SHORT SAYS STATE CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

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BEFORE ISAAC MOVED INTO THE STATE…FARMERS DID HAVE SOME TIME IN THE FIELDS…AND 12 PERCENT OF THE CORN CROP HAS NOW BEEN HARVESTED.

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41 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE TURNING YELLOW AND SEVEN PERCENT ARE DROPPING LEAVES. 75 PERCENT OF THE CORN CROP AND 40 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE RATED IN POOR TO VERY POOR CONDITION. AS FOR OTHER CROPS…10 PERCENT OF SORGHUM IS MATURE…AND THE THIRD CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS NOW 91 PERCENT COMPLETE.

Lincoln Heritage Committee Of DeWitt County Hosting Event This Evening

The Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County will be hosting a special program, “Lincoln’s Legacy: Effecting Lives After His Death,” presented by Kim Bauer.  Currently, Bauer is the Executive Director of the Coles County Historical Society. An avid Lincoln historian, Bauer was Curator of Lincoln Exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield for many years and has also served as Director of Lincoln Heritage Project for the city of Decatur.  The presentation will take place tonight at 7 pm, at the Warner Public Library’s Revere Room.  There will be no admission fee and the public is invited to attend.  For more information regarding the program, the Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County, or DeWitt County’s Lincoln-related sites and history, please contact the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at 217-935-3364 or chamber@clintonilchamber.com.  

Busy September Kicks Off This Weekend In Lincoln

The month of September figures to be hopping in Lincoln.

The fall season brings several annual events which figures to draw people from all over central Illinois. This coming weekend will be the Atlanta and Mt. Pulaski Fall Festivals. Executive Director of the Abe Lincoln Tourism Bureau, Geoff Ladd says those two events kick off with parades early Saturday afternoon.

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On Sunday, the Tourism Bureau will bring back once again this year their "Fall Farm Day" which will feature several Agri-Tourism hot spots in Logan County. Gail's Pumpkin Patch off Route 10 will be one of the showcased sites. They recently received an award from Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka's office.

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Other events include showcasing the County's organic farm, Irwin Dairy Farm and the JH Haas Grain Elevator in Atlanta. Ladd explains, in a severe drought year like this, it will be a good opportunity to learn about the importance of organic food.

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Ladd notes this is a good opportunity for the agri-tourism sites of Logan County to showcase themselves and he says they always have a great time with it. For a full list of events, a map of the events, and other information, you can visit www.abe66.com.

Defending Champs Host Cowboys To Start NFL Season

The Super Bowl champion New York Giants get the 2012 NFL season started by hosting the division-rival Dallas Cowboys this evening at MetLife Stadium.  The Giants ran through the NFC playoffs as a 9-and-7 team last year before defeating the New England Patriots 21-17 to capture Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis.  New York defeated Dallas in both meetings last season, once in Week 14 and again in the final week of the regular season.  The second meeting decided the NFC East title.  The Cowboys finished 8-and-8 last season after that defeat and embark on the 2012 season looking for a postseason berth for the first time since 2009.

Cards Purchase Miller's Contract; Recall Two Others

The Cardinals purchased the contract of pitcher Shelby Miller from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.  The club also recalled outfielder Adron Chambers and infielder Ryan Jackson from Memphis.  Miller finished 5-and-1 with a 2.89 ERA in six starts in August with Memphis.

Cards Top Mets; Cubs, Sox Crushed

>>Cardinals Drop Mets

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Jaime Garcia allowed an unearned run over seven-and-a-third innings as the Cardinals dropped the Mets, 5-1.  Jon Jay went 2-for-4 with an RBI while Yadier Molina was 2-for-3 with a run scored for St. Louis, which has won three-of-four.  Matt Holliday left the game in the seventh with tightness in his lower back.  Matt Harvey allowed three runs across five frames of work to suffer the loss for New York.  Mike Baxter's sac-fly in the eight gave the Mets their lone run.  New York has dropped two straight since winning three in-a-row.

>>Nats Use Homers To Pound Cubs

(Washington, DC)  --  Adam LaRoche hit two solo homers as the Nationals pounded the Cubs, 11-5.  Ian Desmond added a two-run shot and drove in four runs while Ryan Zimmerman and Jesus Flores each hit solo shots.  Tyler Moore also connected on a two-run shot for Washington, which has won six of its last seven.  Edwin Jackson gave up four runs over five-and-two-thirds innings to register the win.  Chris Rusin allowed five runs in just one inning of work to take the loss for Chicago.  Alfonso Soriano hit a solo homer and added a two-run triple while Starlin Castro added two RBI in the loss.  The Cubs have lost four straight games.

MLB NL
------
Pittsburgh Pirates 6, Houston Astros 2
Cincinnati Reds 2, Philadelphia Phillies 1
Colorado Rockies 6, Atlanta Braves 0
Milwaukee Brewers 8, Miami Marlins 4
San Diego Padres 6, Los Angeles Dodgers 3 (11 inn)
Arizona Diamondbacks 8, San Francisco Giants 6 (11 inn)

>>Twins Crush White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  Minnesota plated 10 runs in the fifth on its way to an 18-9 win over the White Sox.  Chris Parmelee hit a three-run homer and drove in four while Ryan Doumit added a solo shot and plated three runs.  Scott Diamond allowed four runs over five innings to improve to 11-and-6.  The Twins had lost back-to-back games.  Dewayne Wise went 2-for-3 with two RBI for Chicago, which jumped out to a three-run lead early before falling down an inning later.  Jose Quintana surrendered seven runs in one-and-a-third innings of work as the Sox lost their seventh game in nine contests.

MLB AL
------
Cleveland Indians 3, Detroit Tigers 2
Baltimore Orioles 12, Toronto Blue Jays 0
Tampa Bay Rays 5, New York Yankees 2
Kansas City Royals 6, Texas Rangers 3
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6, Oakland Athletics 1
Boston Red Sox 4, Seattle Mariners 3

3 West Coast Games Make It A Tougher Week For Big 10

The Big Ten takes a step up in competition this week, with seven games against opponents from BCS conferences.

Five are on the road, including three trips to the West Coast.

Big Ten teams are 24-38-1 in regular-season games in the Pacific time zone or Hawaii since 1990. Take away Wisconsin and Nebraska's combined 15-4-1 record, and the mark is 9-34.

The West Coast games: No. 13 Wisconsin (1-0) at Oregon State (0-0), No. 16 Nebraska (1-0) at UCLA (1-0) and Illinois (1-0) at Arizona State (1-0). The other road games have Penn State (0-1) at Virginia (1-0) and Purdue (1-0) at No. 22 Notre Dame (1-0).

The Big Ten was 10-2 last week, but the lowlights included Michigan's 41-14 loss to Alabama and some narrow wins.

Clinton High School Golfers Take Second; Blue Ridge First

Clinton High School played host to a four-team golf match Tuesday afternoon at the Clinton Country Club. As a team, Blue Ridge shot a 176 to take first while Clinton shot a 192 to edge out Tri-Valley for 2nd. Fisher rounded out the match with a 225.

CJ Bishop of Blue Ridge shot a day best of 42. Maroons' Kip Barber shot a 44, as did Blue Ridge's Mason Potts. Will Duggins and Cory Jayne of Blue Ridge, Steven Evans of Clinton and Adam Covlon of Tri-Valley shot a 45.

Clinton is now 4-9 on the season.

County Board Receives Grant For Clinton Lake Marina Improvements

The DeWitt County Board has voted to approve an increase in slip rate fees at the Clinton Lake Marina.

This is the first increase in the fee in nearly four years. DeWitt County Board Chair Melonie Tilley explains they have done some research, and even with this increase in their rental fees, they are still one of the lower rental fees in the area.

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The Marina was recently awarded a $75-thousand grant. Tilley explains the grant will go to improve current docks in place or they could even begin building a new dock. Tilley says this is a good opportunity for them to improve the Marina.

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Tilley believes it is time to begin updating the docks at the Marina. She explains some of these docks have been in place for almost 25 years since the Marina opened up. While it would be nice to build an entire new dock with 30 or so new slips, Tilley says, that is just an impossibility.

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All the slips at Clinton Lake are filled and there is currently around 100 people on a waiting list to take a dock. Tilley says this was another good year at the Marina for the County.

Dropping Michigan Lake Levels Hit Homes, Boaters

Drought conditions are contributing to a continued drop in the level of Lake Michigan, and operators of harbors and docks in the northwestern Lower Peninsula say it's causing hazards and hassles for residents and boaters.

Lake Michigan water levels are down 11 inches from 2011, and record low levels could be ahead if the drought persists.

Those affected by the dropping water levels include lakefront property owners on Grand Traverse Bay, as well as people who make their living on the water.

Commercial fisherman Joel Petersen says Leland Harbor's south breakwall is deteriorating from low levels, and boaters must avoid hitting bottom on the Leland River.

Peterson says the water level forces him to carry fewer nets, cutting into the size of his catches.

NIU Shuts Down 'Coffee Fund'

Northern Illinois University officials have closed a secret bank account reported to have channeled thousands of dollars to university employees.

NIU employees working at a campus physical plant allegedly sold scrap metal to a company which would write checks to the "coffee fund."

The account contained about $2,100 when closed. It was deposited into NIU's general fund.

University officials say four employees have been placed on paid leave for a month.

Existence of the fund became known when DeKalb Iron and Metal Co. alerted the newspaper. Payment records dating to 2005 show the fund had paid over $13,000.

NIU officials say the money was from a sale of surplus material that was university property. The money was used for social events, like retirement parties.

Fire Damages Eastern Illinois Outdoors Store

Authorities say an eastern Illinois outdoors supply business has been severely damaged by fire.

Firefighters were called to Prairie Outfitters in Charleston around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

No injuries were immediately reported. Damage estimates were not immediately available.

The store opened in 2000 and carries fishing gear, among other things.

Virus Kills Hundreds of Deer In Chicago

Hundreds of deer in the Chicago area have been killed by a virus previously unknown in the area.

Roughly 200 deer in Cook County have died. Six suspected cases have been reported in Kane County.

The disease is known as EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease. It's a virus that kills deer in about a week and is spread among them by bites from flies known as midges.

The disease cannot be passed to humans or pets.

Cook County Forest Preserve District wildlife biologist Chris Anchor says the virus is typically found in other parts of the Midwest and in the Northeast.

He suspects the mild winter and hot summer helped it spread to northern Illinois. The first case was two weeks ago.

Two Peoria Officers Charged In Crash

Two veteran police officers in Peoria are accused of attempting to cover up a drunken driving crash involving 1 of the officers.

Both men were charged Friday.

Prosecutors say vice officer John Couve crashed an unmarked SUV into an electrical transformer and knocked out power to 468 customers in the area. The car was later reported stolen.

The other officer, patrol Sgt. Richard Glover, is accused of giving false information.

The circumstances of the crash were called into question and the Illinois State Police took over the investigation.

Both men are charged with official misconduct and obstructing justice. In addition, Couve is charged with drunken driving and texting while driving.

Couve's attorney, Lee Smith, says he will plead not guilty.

Ban On Gambling Donations Tough Sell

When Gov. Pat Quinn shot down a plan to boost gambling in the state, he called for more ethical safeguards and conjured up cautionary images of mobsters infiltrating Illinois casinos.

Among his top suggestion to fix the proposal was banning political contributions from the gambling industry.

But even if Quinn really pushes for it and a lawmaker sponsors it, that proposal is likely face a difficult road in a state with some of the most lax campaign finance laws.

It's something that a handful of states do, but not all have survived legal challenges. This year Maryland approved a version that supporters say was watered down.

Good government group Common Cause says the gambling industry has contributed nearly $10 million to Illinois politicians over the past decade.

US Farmers Hope Soybeans Will Benefit From Rain

Several days of rain brought some relief to farmers in the nation's midsection as they contend with the worst drought in the U.S. in decades.

The rain was too late to make much of a difference for those growing corn. Most have already started harvesting.

Soybean growers, however, are hoping the showers will help their crops, and ranchers are grateful for a break from hauling water for their cattle.

Thirty-5-year-old Robby Bevis harvested his corn in central Arkansas before the remnants of Hurricane Isaac dumped more than 3 inches on his fields. But Bevis says the rain has given him a welcome break from watering his soybeans.

He'll be bringing those in over the next month.

Hunters Encouraged To Begin Taking Precautions For Stolen Property

As the summer begins to turn to fall, hunting enthusiasts are gearing up for the new hunting season.

As hunters begin gearing up for the winter hunting season, over the past few years, authorities have noticed a rash of thefts involving hunters and their equipment. DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner says most of the time these thefts occur on private property.

[audio:9412huntingtheft1.mp3] [/audio]

One thing hunters can do is record the serial number on their equipment. If there is not a serial number on the particular piece of equipment, Sheriff Shofner encourages engraving a six digit number of your choice and keeping a record of it.

[audio:9412huntingtheft2.mp3] [/audio]

Once that six digit number has been established and a hunter may have a piece of equipment stolen, the Sheriff's Department can enter that serial number into a database of stolen items that is country wide that monitors recovered items that have been stolen.

[audio:9412huntingtheft3.mp3] [/audio]

Even though the hunting season is still a few months off for most hunters, Sheriff Shofner says now is the time to begin taking precautions in case a hunter's property is stolen. He notes most reports are made during the hunting season.

DeWitt County Board Receives New Term Assignments

This coming November, each seat on the DeWitt County Board will be up for re-election.

Every 10 years each seat on the County Board are put up for re-election thanks to redrawn maps and recently the County Board learned the length of their terms. DeWitt County Board Chair Melonie Tilley explains Districts A and C, their terms will be lengths of two consecutive 4 year terms, then a two year term. And for Districts B and D, they will be the reciprocal, 2 years followed by two terms of 4 years.

[audio:9412boardterms1.mp3] [/audio]

The change comes about from the Illinois Counties Association. State's Attorney Dick Koritz says he prefered the old method but explains the new method is to break the county into two groups and put two districts in each group and randomly divide the terms up.

[audio:9412boardterms2.mp3] [/audio]

Larry Schleicher was chosen, because he is not a resident of DeWitt County, to randomly divide the envelopes containing the term sequences assigning them to the two groups.

Clinton BOE Continues To Deliberate On New Elementary School Design

The exterior designs of the new Clinton Elementary School continue to be discussed by the Clinton Board of Education.

The Clinton Board of Education has been meeting on a monthly basis with the architects of the building to finalize the designs on the building. Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Dr. Jeff Holmes explains they are looking at both the exterior and interior designs of the building. He says they want the building to stand out.

[audio:9412schoolappear1.mp3] [/audio]

Another discussion the Board has had is naming the building. Dr. Holmes explains they have been discussing possibly staying with a presidential theme, as the other schools have a presidential name for their buildings, or even a historical name, much like Webster School. The architects of the building also came up with a unique idea of using the pillars that would hold up a potential canopy at the front entrance, and having each branch of the military's logo on those pillars.

[audio:9412schoolappear2.mp3] [/audio]

In the most recent designs submitted by the architects, they expressed concerns over the bid climate come January, when the Board plans to put the project out for bid. Dr. Holmes is optimistic the bid climate will still be good in January. That said, the architects' most recent designs reflected a very conservative design which eliminated a classroom from each grade level. Dr. Holmes says that is not acceptable because this is a building they want to meet the needs of the district for many years.

[audio:9412schoolappear3.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Holmes says the interior of the building is all but finalized but the biggest debate right now is whether to add a second gym. Dr. Holmes says if the bid climate is accommodating, they would like to add a second regulation size gym.

Logano To Join Penkse Racing In 2013

Joey Logano is moving on from Joe Gibbs Racing.  ESPN reports the current driver of the number-20 car for JGR will leave for Penkse Racing in 2013.  An announcement that the 22-year-old will drive the number-22 Ford or a third car for Penske could come as early as Tuesday.  Logano is being replaced by 2003 Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth, who is leaving Roush Fenway Racing the end of the year.  JGR is expected to announce that move on Tuesday as well.

Bears' Urlacher: I'm Playing On Sunday; Bears Sign Okoye

If it's up to Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher [[ ur-LOCK-er ]], he is playing on Sunday's season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts.  Urlacher told WFLD-Channel 32's "The Final Word" that he knee isn't the same and never will be, but he is playing this weekend.  The Bears middle linebacker has reportedly undergone multiple procedures on his left knee, which has forced him to miss the team's entire offseason program and most of training camp.  Urlacher sprained the MCL and PCL in his knee during the Bears' 2011 regular-season finale.

The Chicago Bears have signed defensive tackle Amobi Okoye to a 1-year contract and waived DT Brian Price.

Okoye, the 10th overall pick by the Texans in 2007's draft, played for the Bears last season and had four sacks. He signed a 1-year, $2 million contract with Tampa Bay during the offseason, had arthroscopic knee surgery in June and reached an injury settlement Friday.

The Bears had acquired Price from Tampa Bay in July for a 2013 draft pick. But he struggled coming off a leg injury and sustained a head injury in the final preseason game. Price's sister died in a car accident in May and he and his wife decided to adopt his sister's children.

A second-round pick in 2010, Price, 23, played in 20 games with the Bucs, producing 27 tackles and three sacks.

Sox; Cards Win; Cubs Lose

>>Nats Clip Cubs

(Washington, DC)  --  Adam LaRoche clubbed a solo home run to back seven scoreless innings from Ross Detwiler as the Nationals clipped the Cubs, 2-1.  Detwiler struck out three and allowed four hits with three walks to improve to 9-and-6 on the season.  Tyler Clippard gave up an RBI single to Wellington Castillo in the ninth, but held on to nail down his 30th save.  Ryan Zimmerman added an RBI double for Washington, which has won five of its last six games.  Jeff Samardzija fanned eight through seven innings of one-run ball to suffer the tough-luck loss for Chicago.  The Cubs have dropped three games in-a-row.

>>White Sox Double Up Twins

(Chicago, IL)  --  Gordon Beckham hit a two-run homer and finished with three RBI as the White Sox doubled up Minnesota 4-2.  Paul Konerko added an RBI single for Chicago, which regained control of the AL Central over Detroit by one game after the Tigers lost to Cleveland.  Hector Santiago allowed one run over five-plus innings for the win while Addison Reed picked up his 25th save.  Samuel Deduno suffered the loss for the Twins after allowing two runs across six innings.  Jamey Carroll hit a solo homer and Justin Morneau drove in a run for Minnesota, which has lost back-to-back contests.

MLB AL
------
Cleveland Indians 3, Detroit Tigers 2
Baltimore Orioles 4, Toronto Blue Jays 0
Tampa Bay Rays 4, New York Yankees 3
Texas Rangers 8, Kansas City Royals 4
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 8, Oakland Athletics 3
Seattle Mariners 4, Boston Red Sox 1

>>Cards Hold Off Mets

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Allen Craig's RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning was the difference as the Cardinals held off the Mets, 5-4, yesterday at Busch Stadium.  Skip Schumaker smacked a solo homer and Matt Carpenter plated a pair for St. Louis, which has won two-of-three on the heels of a four-game slide.  The series continues tonight at 7:15 p.m.

MLB NL
------
Philadelphia Phillies 4, Cincinnati Reds 2
Atlanta Braves 6, Colorado Rockies 1
Miami Marlins 7, Milwaukee Brewers 3
Houston Astros 5, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
San Francisco Giants 9, Arizona Diamondbacks 8 (10 inn)
Los Angeles Dodgers 4, San Diego Padres 3 (11 inn)

>>Cards Recall Marte From Memphis

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals recalled pitcher Victor Marte from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.  Marte played in 43 games with the Cards earlier this season and was 2-and-2 with a 4.46 ERA.  The 31-year-old was with the big league club until being optioned July 25th.

>>Nats' Strasburg Done After Two More Starts

(Washington, DC)  --  Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will be shut down following his next two starts.  Nationals manager Davey Johnson says Stephen Strasburg will make his final start of the season on September 12th.  Strasburg had Tommy John surgery last year and the Nationals say they only want him to pitch between 160 and 180 innings this season to protect his elbow.  He is up to 156-and-one-third innings this season.  The 24-year-old fireballer is 15-and-6 with 2.94 ERA and leads the National League in strikeouts for the first-place Nats.

Beckman Unsure If QB Scheelhaase Will Play Saturday At ASU

With Nathan Scheelhaase at the controls last Saturday, Illinois was cruising past Western Michigan 17-0. After he left with an ankle injury the defense had to save the Illini with a late touchdown of its own.

Illinois coach Tim Beckman says he won't know until Wednesday whether Scheelhaase will be able to play Saturday at Arizona State, and backup Reilly O'Toole says he's ready if needed.

The Illini (1-0) entered the season saying O'Toole would play on a regular basis but he was a rocky 2 of 3 for 7 yards Saturday and couldn't move the offense.

Arizona State (1-0) is coming off a season-opening 63-6 win over Northern Arizona. Illinois beat the Sun Devils at home last season, 17-14.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Labor Day Weekend Report

 

September 1, 2012

 

Jail Population: 97

Summons Served: 4

Warrant Arrests: 1

 

September 2, 2012

 

Jail Population: 98

Summons Served: 1

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 3, 2012

 

Jail Population: 99

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

September 4, 2012

 

Jail Population: 99

Summons Served: 0

Warrant Arrests: 0

 

Linda Clark, 62, Clinton, was issued citations for Improper Lane Usage and Driving Under Influence. Clark posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Lori Ann May, 51, Wapella, was issued citations for Illegal Transportation Alcohol and Driving Under Influence. May posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

Elmer Clark, 61, Clinton, was issued a citation for Illegal Transportation Alcohol. Clark was issued a Notice To Appear and was released.

 

Rebecca Brown, 18, Decatur, was issued a citation for Speeding (79 mph in a 55 mph zone). Brown posted her IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Vanessa Stephenson, 36, Warrensburg, was issued a citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Stephenson posted her IL Drivers License as bond and was released.

 

Shawn Vancleve, 37, Hartsburg, was arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Failure To Appear. Vancleve posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

ON 9/1/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED FADRA F. WARD 24, CLINTON FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. WARD WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/1/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED KENNETH E. MASON III 27, CLINTON ON A DEWITT COUNTY WARRANT. MASON WAWS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/1/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JASON E. MOYER 30, CLINTON FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO STATE SUPPORTED LAND. MOYER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/2/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED RUSTIN N. WAGERS 32, CLINTON ON A MACON COUNTY WARRANT, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, AND POSSESSION OF SYRINGE AND HYPODERMIC NEEDLE. WAGERS WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

ON 9/3/12 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED KELLY R. RITTER 44, CLINTON ON A MCLEAN COUNTY WARRANT. RITTER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Resident Expresses Concerns With Ambulance Advisory Committee's Recommendation

A roomfull of residents, paramedics and local leaders showed up last Thursday night to hear the DeWitt County Board's decision on approving the recommendation from the DeWitt County Ambulance Advisory Committee to contract with Paramedic Services of Illinois, or PSI, from Schiller Park, Illinois.

One resident was able to give his opinion on the matter. Aaron Kammeyer addressed many concerns he had with the Committee's decision. With several businesses around the area leaving or going out of business altogether, Kammeyer does not want to see the County's money go to Chicago.

[audio:9512kammeyerthoughts1.mp3] [/audio]

Through the entire process, the Dr. John Warner Hospital was not represented on the committee. Kammeyer questions not having a representative from the hospital on the Committee and also feels the Committee unjustly portrayed the hospital's ambulance service as "incompetent, unproductive and unreliable".

[audio:9512kammeyerthoughts2.mp3] [/audio]

Kammeyer believes PSI just needs a foot in the door to the area before they look to make a presence in other communities. He specifically points out Lincoln's operation and compares PSI's business model to a local Wal-Mart.

[audio:9512kammeyerthoughts3.mp3] [/audio]

Before Kammeyer spoke before the full Board he made himself clear he was a member of the DJWH Board of Directors, but was speaking on behalf of himself and other taxpayers. Once he wrapped up his written statement, Kammeyer proceeded to be severely questioned by multiple members of the Board for over ten minutes, questions which quickly turned into the specifics of his knowledge of the DJWH.

Kammeyer implored the Board to take extra time to make a decision, as he felt his was not something people of the County wanted, however, the Board voted 9-2 in favor of upholding the Advisory Committee's recommendation of PSI.

Clinton City Council Approves Lifting Gambling Ban

The issue of gambling in Clinton can be put to rest... at least for the time being.

Tuesday evening the Clinton City Council voted to remove a ban in Clinton banning video gambling devices. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters said several weeks ago she would research what other communities around the area did about gambling in their towns. She explains her results came back very mixed and for various reasons.

[audio:9512gamblingvote1.mp3] [/audio]

While deliberating on the issue, the Mayor invited both sides of the argument to openly discuss with her their concerns. As previously reported and stated, the Pastoral community expressed their concerns for the negative effects gambling would have on the residents of the city, while the business owners explained what a continued ban could negatively mean for their business.

[audio:9512gamblingvote2.mp3] [/audio]

The key to obtaining a license for these machines will be having a liquor license. Mayor Peters explains it now appears the state of Illinois now has the controls in place to monitor the gaming devices, she states she would support lifting the ban if the Council chose to do so.

[audio:9512gamblingvote3.mp3] [/audio]

To take precautions of expansion of gambling in Clinton, there have been guidelines set in place for a maximum number of liquor licenses that can be obtained by certain businesses in Clinton.

[audio:9512gamblingvote4.mp3] [/audio]

That ordinance passed unanimously. The ordinance of lifting the gambling ban in place passed 3-1, John Wise was the "no" vote, and Mayor Peters abstained from voting.

IHSA Weekend Scores

Quincy (Notre Dame) 30 F
Alton (Marquette) 6
    
At Argenta (A.-Oreana)
NON-CONFERENCE
Decatur (St. Teresa) 9 F
Argenta (A.-Oreana) 32
    
At Bismarck (B.-Henning)
NON-CONFERENCE
Arcola 0 F
Bismarck (B.-Henning) 44
 
   
At Bloomington (Central Catholic)
CORN BELT
Normal (University) 34 F
Bloomington (Central Catholic) 28
    
At Bunker Hill
PRAIRIE STATE
Mt. Olive 40 F
Bunker Hill 0
    
At Canton
NON-CONFERENCE
Springfield (Southeast) 27 F
Canton 21
 
   
At Cerro Gordo
NON-CONFERENCE
Westville 8 F
Cerro Gordo [C.G.-Bement Coop] 60
    
At Champaign (Centennial)
BIG TWELVE
Decatur (MacArthur) 30 F
Champaign (Centennial) 20
    
At Champaign (St. Thomas More)
NON-CONFERENCE
Kincaid (South Fork) [Coop] 0 F
Champaign (St. Thomas More) 47
 
   
At Danville (H.S.)
NON-CONFERENCE
Chicago (St. Rita) 49 F
Danville (H.S.) 7
    
At Downs (Tri-Valley)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) 0 F
Downs (Tri-Valley) 47
    
At Dunlap
NON-CONFERENCE
Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central) 13 F
Dunlap 47
 
   
At Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran)
NON-CONFERENCE
Wood River (East Alton-W.R.)   ppd.
Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran)  
This game was postponed due to extreme lightning and rain. After an hour weather delay, the field was unplayable due to large amounts of standing water. The game will be played on Monday, 9/3 at 5:00pm at Metro East Lutheran HS in Edwardsville.
    
At Fairbury (Prairie Central)
CORN BELT
Mahomet (M.-Seymour) 20 F
Fairbury (Prairie Central) 39
    
At Farmer City (Blue Ridge)
NON-CONFERENCE
Gilman (Iroquois West) 38 F
Farmer City (Blue Ridge) 0
 
At Fisher
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Tremont 25 F
Fisher 0
    
At Fithian (Oakwood)
NON-CONFERENCE
Arthur (A.-Lovington) [Coop] 26 F
Fithian (Oakwood) [O.-Armstrong-Potomac Coop] 14
    
At Flora
NON-CONFERENCE
Palestine [P.-Hutsonville Coop] 20 F
Flora [Coop] 13
 
   
At Gillespie
SOUTH CENTRAL
Litchfield   7:00
pm
Gillespie  
    
At Heyworth
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) 46 F
Heyworth 20
    
At Hillsboro
SOUTH CENTRAL
Staunton 32 F
Hillsboro 7
 
   
At Lawrenceville
NON-CONFERENCE
Oblong 42 F
Lawrenceville 19
    
At Lexington
HEART OF ILLINOIS
Colfax (Ridgeview) 46 F
Lexington 6
    
At Lincoln
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (Lanphier) 14 F
Lincoln 22
 
   
At Macon (Meridian)
NON-CONFERENCE
Clinton 50 F
Macon (Meridian) 0
    
At Maroa (M.-Forsyth)
NON-CONFERENCE
Tolono (Unity) 7 F
Maroa (M.-Forsyth) 6
    
At Mattoon
NON-CONFERENCE
Marion (H.S.) 43 F
Mattoon 21
 
   
At Milford
NON-CONFERENCE
Broadlands (Heritage) [East Central Coop] 6 F
Milford [Coop] 55
    
At Minonk (Fieldcrest)
HEART OF ILLINOIS
LeRoy 63 F
Minonk (Fieldcrest) 37
    
At Morton
NON-CONFERENCE
Galesburg (H.S.) 24 F
Morton 21
 
   
At Moweaqua (Central A & M)
NON-CONFERENCE
Sullivan [S.-Okaw Valley Coop] 7 F
Moweaqua (Central A & M) 20
    
At New Berlin
SANGAMO
Pawnee 12 F
New Berlin [Coop] 6
    
At Newton
NON-CONFERENCE
Casey (C.-Westfield) 28 F
Newton 13
 
   
At Niantic (Sangamon Valley)
SANGAMO
Pleasant Plains 47 F
Niantic (Sangamon Valley) [Coop] 6
    
At Nokomis
PRAIRIE STATE
Decatur (D. Lutheran) 6 F
Nokomis [Coop] 56
    
At Normal (Community West)
BIG TWELVE
Decatur (Eisenhower) 13 F
Normal (Community West) 50
 
   
At Normal (Community)
BIG TWELVE
Bloomington (H.S.) 20 F
Normal (Community) 18
    
At Oakland
NON-CONFERENCE
Georgetown (G.-Ridge Farm) [G.R.F.-Chrisman Coop] 15 F
Oakland [Tri-County Coop] 18
    
At Olney (East Richland)
NON-CONFERENCE
Albion (Edwards County) [Coop] 20 F
Olney (East Richland) 56
 
   
At Pana (H.S.)
SOUTH CENTRAL
Roxana 15 F
Pana (H.S.) 16
    
At Paris
NON-CONFERENCE
Watseka 49 F
Paris 21
    
At Paxton
NON-CONFERENCE
Effingham (H.S.) 22 F
Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) 30
 
   
At Peoria (Richwoods)
NON-CONFERENCE
Washington 24 F
Peoria (Richwoods) 14
    
At Peoria Stadium
NON-CONFERENCE
Pekin 13 F
Peoria (Notre Dame) 14
    
At Pontiac
CORN BELT
Stanford (Olympia) 20 F
Pontiac 36
 
   
At Riverton
SANGAMO
Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop] 13 F
Riverton 49
    
At Sidell (Jamaica)
NON-CONFERENCE
Martinsville 8 F
Sidell (Jamaica) [Salt Fork Coop] 41
    
At Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Rochester 26 F
Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) 29
 
   
At Streator Woodland
HEART OF ILLINOIS
El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) 7 F
Flanagan (F.-Cornell) [F.C.-Woodland Coop] 51
    
At Taylorville
CENTRAL STATE EIGHT
Springfield (H.S.) 40 F
Taylorville 13
    
At Tuscola
NON-CONFERENCE
Monticello 49 F
Tuscola 13
 
   
At Urbana (H.S.)
BIG TWELVE
Champaign (Central) 14 F
Urbana (H.S.) 33
    
At Vandalia
SOUTH CENTRAL
Carlinville 32 F
Vandalia 14
    
At Villa Grove
NON-CONFERENCE
Danville (Schlarman) 6 F
Villa Grove 82
 
   
At Warrensburg (W.-Latham)
NON-CONFERENCE
Shelbyville 6 F
Warrensburg (W.-Latham) 14
    
At Williamsville
SANGAMO
Virden (North Mac) 0 F
Williamsville 50
 


 

SUNDAY'S SCOREBOARD

MLB NL
------
New York Mets 5, Miami Marlins 1
Washington Nationals 4, St. Louis Cardinals 3
Cincinnati Reds 5, Houston Astros 3
Milwaukee Brewers 12, Pittsburgh Pirates 8
San Francisco Giants 7, Chicago Cubs 5
Colorado Rockies 11, San Diego Padres 10
Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Arizona Diamondbacks 4
Atlanta Braves 8, Philadelphia Phillies 7

MLB AL
------
Baltimore Orioles 8, New York Yankees 3
Texas Rangers 8, Cleveland Indians 3
Tampa Bay Rays 9, Toronto Blue Jays 4
Kansas City Royals 6, Minnesota Twins 4
Oakland Athletics 6, Boston Red Sox 2
Seattle Mariners 2, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1
Detroit Tigers 4, Chicago White Sox 2

WNBA
------
Atlanta Dream 87, Connecticut Sun 80
Chicago Sky 85, Los Angeles Sparks 74

NASCAR
------
AdvoCare 500  (at Hampton, GA)

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Brad Keselowski

 

Bears Acquire CB McManis From Texans

 The Chicago Bears have acquired cornerback Sherrick McManis from the Houston Texans in exchange for fullback Tyler Clutts.  Clutts spent the entire 2011 season with the Bears and started eight games, catching  eight passes for 48 yards and making four special-teams tackles.  McManis was a fifth-round pick of the Texans in 2010 and had 18 tackles and one interception in 23 games over the last two seasons, seeing most of his time on special teams.

Cards To Call Up Shelby Miller

 It looks like top prospect Shelby Miller is on his way to St. Louis.  The Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals are expected to promote the right-handed pitcher from Triple-A Memphis to the big league club sometime this week.  Miller is expected to help the club out of the bullpen.  He is 7-and-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 10 starts with the Redbirds since the Triple-A All-Star break.

Tigers Double Up White Sox

Justin Verlander struck out 11 over eight innings of one-run ball to lift the Tigers to a 4-2 win over the White Sox.  Alejandro De Aza drilled a solo jack for Chicago, which has lost six-of-seven.  Chris Sale gave up four runs and struck out seven in six innings for the loss.  The Southsiders return to The Cell this evening to open up a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.  Hector Santiago will toe the rubber against Samuel Deduno in the opener.

Giants Rally Past Cubs

Angel Pagan singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning as the Giants rallied past the Cubs, 7-5, yesterday at Wrigley Field.  Alfonso Soriano clubbed a three-run homer for the Cubs, who have dropped five of their last seven.  Carlos Marmol fell to 2-and-3 with the loss.  The Northsiders kick off a four-game series with the Washington Nationals in the nation's capital this afternoon.  Jeff Samardzija [[ suh-MARD-juh ]] gets the nod opposite Ross Detwiler in the opener.

Nats Clip Cards

 Danny Espinosa's RBI single in the seventh inning turned out to be the difference as the Nationals clipped the Cardinals, 4-3.  Daniel Descalso clubbed a two-run dinger and Tony Cruz added an RBI double for the Cards, who have dropped five-of-six.  Lance Lynn was saddled with the loss.  The Cardinals start a six-game homestand today with the first of three against the New York Mets.  First pitch is at 1:15 p.m.

Red Cross School Safety Tips

With the fall season approaching, school is now back in session.
 
The start of school brings many opprotunities for learning and discovery, yet there are also several inherent dangers that go along with a new school year.
 
Carl Baker, director of the Mid-Illinois chapter, of the American Red Cross has several tips for kids and their parents this fall. He says that it is important for children to know important phone numbers and other basic information.
 
[audio:safety1.mp3] [/audio]
 
Baker says one of the most important areas of school saftey to remember is traffic safety. There is always a good amount of activity happening before and after school and kids of all ages need to be careful.
 
[audio:safety2.mp3] [/audio]
 
For more information on these issues or specific classes to take you can contact the Red Cross at 428-7758 or visit  their website at www.midillinoisredcross.org. You can also visit them at the site at 2674 North Main St. in Decatur.

Illinois Officials Dole Out Weather Safety Tips

State officials are reminding people to stay prepared for severe weather and disasters.

September is National Preparedness Month.

The Illinois Department of Emergency Management says each home should be equipped with an emergency supply kit containing water, non-perishable food, a weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

Officials say it's also wise to have a family communication plan, which includes a place for family members to meet after a disaster if they're separated.

State officials are urging people to check out a state website for more tips. The address is: www.ready.illinois.gov .

Federal Officials Offer Labor Day Travel Tips

Federal officials are offering safety tips as travelers zip through 1 of the nation's busiest airports this Labor Day weekend.

Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection say there's an increase of travelers coming into the country from abroad especially as international students arrive before the start of school.

Officials say to be sure all documentation and identification is up-to-date and ready. That includes documents from the school they are attending.

CBP says the agency processed over 3 million travelers last year over during the Labor Day weekend.

Federal officials say it's important to also familiarize yourself with which items that can be brought into the United States and those that are highly-regulated. That includes fruits, meats and dairy products.

New Child Vaccination Bill Is Passed

A new bill has been signed by Governor Pat Quinn that has many locals excited.
 
On Tuesday, it was decided that children who have always had to go to the doctor's office to be immunized can now visit their local pharmacy to get their shots. The Flu and TDAP Booster Shots will be covered. Tanya Trish, senior counsel for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, says the bill will be a major help to familes with children.
 
[audio:vaccine1.mp3] [/audio]
 
Trish says there is no extra cost except what insurance or the patient would normally pay.
 
[audio:vaccine2.mp3] [/audio]
 
Trish says that there is still time for parents to take their children to get their shots, but encourages them to not wait too long.
 
[audio:vaccine3.mp3] [/audio]
 
Only children 10 and over can get their vaccinations at their local pharmacy. All kids under 10 still will need to go to their personal physician.

 

Cubs Hold Off Giants

The Cubs jumped out to a five-run lead and held on for a 6-4 victory over the NL-West leading Giants.  Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run homer and drove in three for Chicago, which has won back-to-back contests following a three-game skid.  Anthony Rizzo also connected on a solo homer in the victory.  Chris Volstad allowed two runs across five-and-two-thirds innings to pick up his second victory while Carlos Marmol notched his 17th save.  Madison Bumgarner allowed five runs and four earned across four frames to fall to 14-and-9 for San Francisco.  Buster Posey went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI for the Giants, who had won three straight.

Nats Blank Cards Behind Gonzalez's Complete Game

Gio Gonzalez went the distance and tossed his first career shutout as the Nationals blanked the Cardinals, 10-0.  Gonzalez struck out eight and allowed just five hits and three walks to improve to 17-and-7.  Ryan Zimmerman popped a two-run homer while Jayson Werth went 3-for-3 with an RBI and three runs.  Bryce Harper finished 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI for Washington, which won its third straight following a five-game slide.  Adam Wainwright gave up six runs in just two-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 13-and-11 on the season.  St. Louis has lost four straight.

Friday's Scoreboard

MLB NL
------
Chicago Cubs 6, San Francisco Giants 4
Washington Nationals 10, St. Louis Cardinals 0
New York Mets 3, Miami Marlins 0
Philadelphia Phillies 8, Atlanta Braves 5 (10 inn)
Cincinnati Reds 9, Houston Astros 3
Milwaukee Brewers 9, Pittsburgh Pirates 3
San Diego Padres 5, Colorado Rockies 4
Arizona Diamondbacks 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 3 (11 inn)

MLB AL
------
Baltimore Orioles 6, New York Yankees 1
Detroit Tigers 7, Chicago White Sox 4
Texas Rangers 5, Cleveland Indians 3
Toronto Blue Jays 2, Tampa Bay Rays 1
Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals (PPD/Rain)
Oakland Athletics 20, Boston Red Sox 2
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 9, Seattle Mariners 1

NCAA Top-25 Football  ("USA Today" Rankings)
------
#13 Michigan State Spartans 17, #22 Boise State Broncos 13
#18 Stanford Cardinal 20, San Jose State Spartans 17

WNBA
------
Minnesota Lynx 92, Tulsa Shock 83

Republican Leader Not Surprised By State's Downgraded Credit Rating

 Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Wednesday downgraded Illinois' credit rating by one notch to A from A-plus, citing the state's large budget imbalance and an $83 billion unfunded pension liability.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross, in a joint statement with Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno, called for immediate action to craft comprehensive pension legislation instead of a piecemeal approach. Cross says it is no surprise the credit rating is downgraded and says they have no interest putting the burden on downstate property owners and tax payers.

[audio:83012CrossSP.MP3] [/audio]

Attached is audio with Rep. Cross who says there are a host of areas we can look at in fixing the pension problem, even some he doesn’t like but has agreed to work on and to collaborate on, but he has no interest in and will fight against any idea of placing the fix on the backs of suburban and downstate property taxpayers and homeowners.

 

DJWH Officials Speak Out At Dewitt County Board Meeting

The Dr. John Warner Hospital was well represented at Thursday night's DeWitt County Board meeting.

Larry Schleicher (shlI-ker), IT Manager of the hospital addressed the Board regarding mapping software. Mapping software has become somewhat of a hot topic the past few weeks due to an incident where Clinton Ambulance crews got lost in going to a call at the Warner Library. Schleicher stressed there is no agreement in place between the County and the hospital to use the maps they have provided. In fact, Schleicher states they have had ongoing issues in trying to access the maps provided by the county.

[audio:9112hospitalspeaks1.mp3] [/audio]

CEO of the Dr. John Warner Hospital, Earl Sheehy explains the hospital is showing signs of improvement after letting go of the service. He says explains their deficit this year versus last year this time is quite significant, and he points to cutting back on ambulance crews as the primary reason for those differences.

[audio:9112hospitalspeaks2.mp3] [/audio]

 There are many things that concern Sheehy in moving forward. He continues to stress the hospital will work with the new provider, Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI) in transitioning current hospital equipment over to them. Sheehy explains though, a Clinton City ordinance give the non-profit group, DeWitt County Ambulance Association, first rights to the ambulances, and those rights must be given up the DCAA.

[audio:9112hospitalspeaks3.mp3] [/audio]

Sheehy explains if the existing vehicles owned by the hospital are not sold, Sheehy says they will not be giving up their garage space. He says that would leave the ambulances suspect to weather and vandalism. He says the hospital would like to know a firm start date for the new provider to comply with their collective bargaining agreement.

The DeWitt County Board voted Thursday night to approve the recommendation of the DeWitt County Ambulance Advisory committee of PSI to be the new ambulance provider for a majority of DeWitt County.

Peoria Man Gets 33 Years in Prison For Friend's Death

A judge in central Illinois has sentenced a Peoria man to 33 years in prison for fatally stabbing a friend he'd known since childhood.
 
42-year-old Justin Cervantes will be 75 when he gets out of prison because he's required to serve his full sentence.
 
Before being sentenced Thursday, Cervantes apologized to the family Sven Mundt, who was killed in October 2011. Cervantes also apologized to his own family for what he'd put them through.
 
Prosecutors say Mundt was killed after he and Cervantes argued over a missing pit bull and bottle of whiskey after a night of heavy drinking. Authorities say Cervantes stabbed Mundt more than 20 times.
 

Farmers Can Transport Hay on Illinois Interstate

A new policy put into effect due to drought conditions in Illinois means farmers will be able to transport hay loads on interstates.
 
Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider on Friday announced that workers will be able to transport hay loads up to 12-feet wide on all state routes and interstates. State transportation officials say this will make processing and transporting hay more efficient. The drought hurt hay production in the state.
 
Schneider says farmers and truck drivers will be able to cut transportation costs and travel times throughout the rest of harvest season. Those moving hay loads will need a copy of an official authorization.
 
The new policy takes effect immediately. It expires Dec. 31.

Springfield Man Finds Muskox Vertabra From Ice Age

A Springfield man's swimming trip in the Sangamon River has produced a rare Ice Age discovery.
 
The vertebra of an extinct Harlan's muskox went on display Friday at the Illinois State Museum. McDonald's restaurant manager Tony Blisset found the vertebra while wading in chest-deep water in the river with his son. The water in the river was low due to drought conditions in Illinois. At first Blisset said he thought the vertebra was from a cow or horse.
 
But then Blisset contacted the museum, which researched the vertebra and informed Blisset of his significant find. Blisset has donated the vertebra to the museum. It is only the thirteenth record of the species in Illinois. Paleontologists at the museum call it an "important discovery."

Police Discover Combine Stolen In Illinois

Police have recovered a combine reported stolen from a farm field in Mason County.
 
Champaign County Sheriff Dan Walsh says the combine was found Friday morning in a field 60 miles away near Homer in Champaign County. Mason County sheriff's Sgt. Jason Brown says a farmer reported the combine stolen after arriving at his field Friday morning and finding it missing. In its place was a John Deere riding lawn mower.
 
Police tracked down the owners of the lawn mower and found it was stolen from rural Findlay in Shelby County. The thief would have had to ride the mower about 15 miles to reach the combine, a John Deere 9600.
 
Police ask for any information on the thefts be reported to the Macon County sheriff.

Police Beefing Up Labor Day Traffic Patrol

POLICE WILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND FOR DRUNK DRIVERS.
 
LABOR DAY TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IS ALREADY UNDERWAY IN ILLINOIS…AND INCLUDES BEEFED UP PATROLS AND ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKS SAYS STATE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SHANNON ALDERMAN.
 
[audio:laborday1.mp3] [/audio]
 
ALDERMAN REMINDS THAT UNDER STATE LAW…EVERYONE RIDING IN A CAR…INCLUDING THOSE IN THE BACKSEAT…MUST WEAR A SEAT BELT.
 
MOTORISTS SHOULD ALSO EXPECT TO SEE PLENTY OF COPS ON ILLINOIS HIGHWAYS AND LOCAL ROADS THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON ARRESTING DRUNK DRIVERS…SO ILLINOIS STATE POLICE MASTER SERGEANT MICHAEL VORREYER (vore-air) SAYS HE CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DESIGNATED DRIVER.
 
[audio:laborday2.mp3] [/audio]
 
 
LAST YEAR…NINE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 709 WERE INJURED OVER THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND ON ILLINOIS ROADS

Hummingbirds On Display This Weekend At Weldon Springs

Each late-August and early-September, ruby-throated hummingbirds gather in the marsh at Weldon Springs State Park to feast on the nectar of spotted jewelweed flowers before their annual migration southward.

Get a close-up look at this tiny winged jewel and the fascinating wildflower that helps fuel its high-energy existence.  Join us Sunday, September 2, 2012 from noon to 4 PM at the marsh, below Chautauqua Picnic Area.  Participants should feel free to come and go anytime throughout the afternoon.

For additional information, please contact Carol Thompson, Natural Resources Coordinator at Weldon Springs at 217-935-0373.

August Weather Better In Illinois

After a summer of extreme high temperatures across Illinois the state climatologist says things finally headed back toward normal in August.
 
Climatologist Jim Angel says the statewide average temperature in August was just slightly below normal at 73.5 degrees. The average for all of June through August was 76.1 degrees. That's 2.6 degrees above normal, making this this summer the eighth warmest on record.
 
The state also had more-typical rainfall in August. Angel said the average precipitation total for the month was 3.4 inches. That's just 5% below normal and comes in the middle of a lengthy drought. Just over half the 6.6 inches of rain the state averaged from June through August fell last month.
 
But Angel noted virtually the entire state remains in some stage of drought.

Seat Belt Use Reaches All Time High In Illinois

Travelers on Illinois roadways are buckling up at higher rates than ever.
 
Gov. Pat Quinn announced Friday that nearly 94% of front-seat passengers were using seat belts as of June. That's a slight increase from nearly 93% a year ago. It's also above the national average of 84%.
 
The governor also reminded people to drive safely during the Labor Day weekend.
 
Quinn credits new legislation for the increase in seat-belt use.
 
A 2003 Illinois law allows police to pull over drivers solely because of seat-belt violations. The governor's office says that seat-belt usage has climbed every year since the law was enacted.
 
Another law that went into effect earlier this year requires that all passengers buckle up, including anyone riding in the back seat.

Remnants of Hurricane Isaac Pounding Central Illinois Over Labor Day Holiday Weekend

 width=(National Weather Service graphic)

The remnants of Hurricane Isaac continue to affect the Regional Radio listening area thru this Labor Day holiday weekend.

Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain came down across Central Illinois, from Friday thru 7am Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service expects another 2 to 4 inches for the area, thru the remainder of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Weather Service says the remnants of Isaac were nearly stationary over parts of southwest Missouri and should not move too much thru the weekend. Bands of moderate to locally heavy rain were rotating north and northwest across our area and expect this to continue. Scattered thunderstorms may form again over parts of the area with one or two of the storms possibly producing gusty winds. The weakening low pressure area will edge across south central Illinois Sunday bringing another rainy day to most of the area. Rain chances should begin to diminish from west to east on Monday as the low pushes well off to our east.

Stay tuned to this Regional Radio station, and on the Internet continue to go to our on-line daily newspaper, for the latest developments as Isaac continues to move slowly to the east.

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