CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno has died at age 62. The university says Montemagno died Thursday morning, but it didn't reveal the cause of death. Montemagno in June revealed in his blog that he was suffering from cancer. Montemagno, a professor of engineering, became chancellor of SIU Carbondale in August 2017. In November, Montemagno announced a plan to eliminate academic departments and department heads amid plummeting enrollment.
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A newspaper obtained recordings that show a suburban Chicago police officer allowing an officer from a neighboring community whose blood-alcohol level after a traffic stop was more than twice the legal limit to call for a ride home rather than take him to jail. The Lake County News-Sun reports that the squad car dashboard camera footage and video footage obtained it obtained show the November 2017 traffic stop of Waukegan Police officer Daniel Ramirez by Libertyville Officer Richard Kelly.
(Rantoul--ab) -- Rantoul has officially hired Scott Eisenhauer. Mayor of Danville, to be the Village Administrator in Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says Eisenhauer was the right choice for the job...
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Paxton--ab) The Paxton Buckley Loda school district is undergoing some major renovations with their buildings. P-B-L School Superintendent Cliff McClure says all is going to plan…
P-B-L School Superintendent Cliff McClure
CHICAGO (AP) — The Obama Foundation is launching an initiative aimed at boosting educational opportunities for girls around the world. Former first lady Michelle Obama on Thursday announced the Global Girls Alliance that will work with organizations worldwide to increase public awareness and action. The Chicago-based foundation says more than 98 million adolescent girls worldwide don't go to school.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The University of Illinois Gies College of Business is now behind football coach Lovie Smith when he answers questions about the team. The business college's name is emblazoned on the backdrop for Smith's press conferences. It's part of a "branding" effort by the business college, which was named after donors Larry and Beth Gies. Dean Jeffrey Brown says the college will no longer be out-marketed and out-competed by its peers. Brown is a former brand manager at Procter and Gamble.
(McLean-Dewitt Counties--jc) - Dewitt County, McLean County and Farmer City police are warning the public about a current phone scam. Police say the tactics are old but this particular occurrence is new occurrence is new. The scam involves an attempt to deceive the victim that the caller is family. The caller will start by saying something like "Grandma?". This is done in an effort to elicit information that helps them trick the victim into sending money.The suspects have used a local McLean County number in the scam. Anyone who receives a call like this is asked to hang up and report it to local authorities
(Danville-dg)-On Sunday October 14th, you can relive the past in form of political participation at the Truman Whistle Stop 1948 in Danville. This is an interactive all-ages reenactment complete with 1940s cars, posters, buttons, music, food, a replica Ferdinand Magellan train car, and, of course, Harry S. Truman. And then join in for a conversation with the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum archivist Sam Rushay and local historian Tim Smith about the political history of Danville and its significance in the 1948 campaign. This free event is being produced by the Vermilion County Museum and Illinois Humanities as part of the celebration of the Illinois Bicentennial.
(Undated--jc) -- Illlinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial Minute…
(Quincy--jc) -- Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker would not give details about his graduated income-tax plan in the final televised debate with Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. Pritzker and Rauner faced off Thursday night in Quincy. Pritzker has proposed replacing the state's flat tax rate with a progressive income tax .Pritzker was asked how a Peoria public school teacher would fare under his plan. He says the teacher should get a "tax break."
Rauner says Pritzker wouldn't provide details "because he knows the middle class is going to get crushed."Pritzker said after the debate he won't discuss specifics because the plan would have to be negotiated with the Legislature if he becomes governor. Rauner says the people of Illinois would like to know the scary details.
RANTOUL — Free introductory airplane flights for kids ages 8 to 17 will be offered Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 3 pm. The event is set for the Rantoul Aviation Center. The flights are on a first-come, first-served basis. No pre registration is required, but a parent or guardian must accompany the youth and be able to sign a release form. Those interested are asked come to the main hangar at the airport.The flights are being offered by volunteer pilots of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
(Springfield--jc) -- State technology experts say cyber security begins with a sold password. In updating our story from earlier today, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Spokesperson Jennifer Rominger says you need a stronger password at home, where you may not have the firewall protections you have at work…
Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Spokesperson Jennifer Rominger.
ASHKUM, IL- Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 is reporting the arrest of Joseph S. Benegas, 32, of Manteno for Battery and Interference with Emergency Communication. Thursday morning an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a battery that was taking place along route 45 in Iroquois County. The trooper arrived on scene and observed a female victim in the southwest ditch along the road. The suspect, Joseph Benegas, was walking northbound from her location. Benegas was taken into custody without incident. A male victim was located in the northeast ditch. Both victims were checked for injuries by emergency personnel, and refused treatment. Benegas was transported to the Iroquois County Jail for processing. Benegas was charged with two counts of Battery and Interference with Emergency Communication.
(Undated--jc) --Races up and down the state will determine who will be in the Illinois statehouse and could shape how the state addresses its massive pension debt. Illinois’ unfunded public pension liability is at least 130 billion dollars. Add in other post employment benefits and that debt eclipses 200 billion dollars. The state's pension costs have continued to climb, crowding out spending in other areas. Some candidates running in the contested General Assembly races in the suburbs of Chicago are looking at ways to tackle the issue.In the 19th Illinois House District, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Robert Martwick said Illinois needs to frontload the pension payments. Illinois voters would have to change the constitution to allow for a progressive income tax before that could happen.Martwick’s Republican challenger, Ammie Kessem, said Martwick’s plan will increase taxes on everyone. She wants to get rid of pensions for future state employees.
(Washington--jc) The United States is one step closer to seeing year-round sales of E-15 gasoline Gary Crawford reports…
The Melvin Community Hall will host Michael J. on Saturday October 13th. Michael J. is considered to have one of the smoothest voices and largest vocal ranges in the world. He is known for his comedy and impersonations, especially his tribute to Barney Fife. Admission is $10 for those 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the show to begin at 7pm. The Melvin Women’s Club will be serving sloppy joe sandwiches, chips and pie.
The Village of Buckley will be having golf cart games and a free movie in the park at Buckley Lake Park this Saturday. Registration for the golf cart games begins at 3:30 with a variety of games beginning at 4pm. Entry is $10 per cart. Closing ceremonies will take place around 6:30. Then the free showing of the movie Sandlot will begin at 7pm. Food vendors will be on hand beginning at 4:30.
(Springfield--jc) -- It’s Friday of National Fire Prevention week and the state fire marshall is urging you to Look, Listen and Learn. State Fire Marshall Matt Perez says families should look for potential fire hazards around the house, including frayed electrical cords to space heaters. Perez also says you should also test and “listen” for the smoke alarm…
Illinois Fire Marshall Matt Perez
Perez says once you hear a smoke alarm you have only minutes to get to a safe place.
