Politics and Government

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Urbana council OKs higher fines for parking offenders

URBANA – Repeat parking violators in Urbana will face increasingly expensive fines.

Urbana City Council aldermen, on a vote of 7-1, with Heather Stevenson, R-6, opposed, approved the higher rates at a meeting Monday night. Fines will go up with repeat offenses.

Governor's deputy chief of staff quits amid investigation

SPRINGFIELD – A rural Paris woman who has been an assistant to Gov. Pat Quinn for six years has suddenly resigned from her position as Quinn's deputy chief of staff.

Carolyn Brown Hodge, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, resigned from the governor's staff Friday night upon reports that the state's Office of the Executive Inspector General had confiscated her computer to determine whether she was doing political work on state time.

Army to set up computer center at UI

CHAMPAIGN (AP) – The U.S. Army is financing a new research center at the University of Illinois to develop technology for computer networks used on battlefields and in other similarly difficult environments.

Consensus on how to fix Danville budget elusive

DANVILLE – Aldermen studied more closely on Monday several ways of trying to eliminate a projected $1.7 million budget deficit next year, including increasing the rental registration fee, changing employee health insurance benefits, creating a utility tax and increasing the city's sales tax in conjunction with property tax relief.

No Democrats file for Champaign's countywide races

URBANA – Champaign County Democrats don't have candidates for any of four countywide seats up for election next year, but they have three candidates for two seats in one county board district and four candidates for two spots in another.

At the close of the candidate filing period on Monday, only Republican incumbents had filed for county clerk (Mark Shelden), sheriff (Dan Walsh), county treasurer (Dan Welch) and regional superintendent of schools (Jane Quinlan). But Democratic Party officials can fill the positions on the Nov. 2, 2010, ballot by slating candidates, so long as they do it by April 2.

Vermilion primary will have three contested races

DANVILLE – There will be three contested local races in the Feb. 2 primary election.

Three Republicans are vying for two seats in District 3 of the Vermilion County Board, and five Democrats are vying for two seats in District 5.

Johnson: Health care bill not a bipartisan measure

CERRO GORDO – Americans will come to regret the day their Congress approved a national health care program, U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson predicted Monday night.

The five-term Urbana Republican spoke to a small group of about 30 people at the Cerro Gordo High School gymnasium. It was his 15th town hall meeting in the 15th Congressional District this year, and nearly all of the hourlong session was devoted to the upcoming health care vote.

Afghan president vows reform, reaches out to opponents

KABUL (AP) – Afghanistan's president welcomed his new term – achieved after his main opponent withdrew from a runoff election – by reaching out to opponents Tuesday and promising to banish the corruption that has undermined his administration.

Hamid Karzai did not spell out how he would institute reforms or mention whether he is willing to make concessions to his opponents.

2 tough health care issues remain in House

WASHINGTON (AP) – Just a few unsolved problems – and one final sales job – stand between House Democratic leaders and a landmark vote on President Barack Obama's promised remake of the nation's health care system.

Unfortunately for the Democrats, the unresolved issues are among the most vexing out there: abortion and immigration.

Buses, subways halted by Philadelphia strike

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday, stalling the city's bus, subway and trolley operations a day after the World Series shifted to New York and forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to work.

The strike by Transport Workers Union Local 234 all but crippled a transit system that averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday. The union represents more than 5,000 drivers, operators and mechanics of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Races an early test of Obama influence

WASHINGTON (AP) – In a very early test of President Barack Obama's political influence, two states are choosing whether to continue Democratic rule while voters elsewhere elect a handful of congressmen and big-city mayors.

Elected just a year ago, the president has spent a considerable amount of time and energy trying to ensure that Democrats win governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey and pick up a GOP-held congressional seat in upstate New York.

N. Korea raises threat to get U.S. into direct talks

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea said Tuesday it has reprocessed 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods and extracted enough plutonium to bolster its atomic stockpile, raising the stakes in an apparent effort to push the U.S. into direct negotiations.

Reprocessing the spent fuel rods would give the regime enough weapons-grade plutonium for at least one more atomic bomb, experts say. Pyongyang is believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for half a dozen nuclear weapons.

German leader meets with Obama, talks to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama thanked German Chancellor Angela Merkel Monday for her country's "sacrifice" in keeping forces in Afghanistan, noting she was being honored as the first German leader to address a joint session of Congress.

Merkel, who met Obama shortly before her appearance on Capitol Hill, said she wanted to use the Oval Office session and her speech to Congress to express gratitude for American support "throughout the process leading up to German reunification."

Pakistan Taliban: 'We are prepared for a long war'

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) – A Taliban spokesman denied Tuesday that Pakistan has won a series of battlefield victories in its offensive in tribal South Waziristan, saying the militants are drawing government soldiers into a trap.

"We are prepared for a long war," Azam Tariq told an Associated Press reporter by telephone. "The areas we are withdrawing from, and the ones the army is claiming to have won, are being vacated by us as part of a strategy. The strategy is to let the army get in a trap, and then fight a long war."

Africans boycott meetings at U.N. climate talks

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – African countries boycotted meetings at U.N. climate talks Tuesday, saying that industrial countries had set carbon-cutting targets too low for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

The action forced several technical meetings to be canceled at this week's U.N. climate talks in Barcelona. Delegates warned that, unless the African protest was settled, it could set back the timetable for concluding a new climate change pact at a major U.N. conference next month in Copenhagen.

New Georgetown City Council member takes his seat

GEORGETOWN – City officials seated Adam Hart on the city council on Monday, filling the chair left vacant by Alderman Gary LaMar's resignation.

Hart, 28, said he lived on the city's southwest side and works for Hart Construction of nearby Olivet. He said he had no previous political experience, but was approached by Alderman Tom Seilhymer about serving on the city council.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Hike in parking fines on Urbana council's agenda

URBANA – City council members Monday night will consider increases in parking fines aimed at raising $100,000 a year for Urbana's cash-strapped budget.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. at the Urbana City Council chambers, 400 S. Vine St., U.

The only other item on the agenda requiring council action is the appointment of Kim L. Smith, an architect with Smith/Burgett Architects of Urbana, to the Urbana Historic Preservation Commission.

Champaign council to review apartment building plans

CHAMPAIGN – City council members will review plans for an eight-story apartment building at Green and Fourth streets, consider a project to improve a portion of North Mattis Avenue and review an engineering contract for the eventual demolition of the Meadow Gold building in north Champaign.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil St.

Afghan election panel declares Karzai winner

KABUL (AP) – Afghanistan's election commission proclaimed President Hamid Karzai the victor of the country's tumultuous ballot Monday, canceling a planned runoff and ending a political crisis two and a half months after a fraud-marred first round.

The Obama administration – which has been waiting for a government deemed legitimate to emerge in Kabul before announcing whether to deploy tens of thousands more troops – quickly commended the ruling.

Ship built with World Trade Center steel arrives in N.Y.

NEW YORK (AP) – The new Navy assault ship USS New York, built with World Trade Center steel, arrived in its namesake city Monday with a 21-gun salute near the site of the 2001 terrorist attack.

First responders, families of Sept. 11 victims and the public gathered Monday at a waterfront viewing area, where they could see the crew standing at attention along the deck of the battleship gray vessel.

AP analysis: Hardest-hit areas recovering slowly

The economic recovery is proceeding unevenly in its early stages, with areas hurt most by the housing slump still lagging behind other regions, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis of economic stress in more than 3,100 U.S. counties.

Counties in the Southeast, the industrial Midwest and the Southwest are still struggling and have made the least improvement, the analysis of September data found. The northern half of the nation is stabilizing or improving faster than the southern half. Northern counties generally didn't suffer as much from the housing bust.

Clinton moderates statement on Israeli settlements

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) – In the face of Arab criticism, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday moderated her praise for Israel's offer to restrain – but not stop – building settlements in Palestinian areas. While Israel was moving in the right direction, she said, its offer "falls far short" of U.S. expectations.

Clinton said her praise of Israel's offer to restrict Jewish settlement activity had been intended as "positive reinforcement."

Bicycle bomb kills five in southern Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP) – A bomb attached to a bicycle killed five people and wounded dozens in southern Iraq on Sunday, and at least five others were killed in violence across the country, police said.

The bloodshed comes as Iraqi lawmakers intensify negotiations over a new election law that many hope will hasten the end of political gridlock over control of oil-rich Kirkuk – an old dispute between Arabs and Kurds that has threatened Iraq's fragile stability as U.S. troops prepare to leave the country.

Audit: Contractor must trim Iraq work force or face fines

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Army's primary support contractor in Iraq is being warned by Pentagon auditors to cut its work force there or face nearly $200 million in penalties for keeping thousands too many on the payroll.

The Houston-based KBR Inc., responsible for everything from mail and laundry to housing and meals, has increased employee levels while U.S. troops steadily leave the country after more than six years of war, the audit says. As a result, the U.S. government is paying far more in labor costs in Iraq than it should as military resources are shifted to Afghanistan.

Iran wants to buy ready-made fuel for reactor

VIENNA (AP) – Iran wants to buy ready-made fuel for its research reactor, a senior Iranian envoy said Monday – the latest indication that Tehran is rejecting a U.S-backed plan that would have the Islamic Republic ship most of its enriched uranium out of the country.

"We want to buy the fuel from any supplier," said Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's chief representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Handful of elections to shed light on U.S. politics

WASHINGTON (AP) – Most Americans won't vote Tuesday.

Still, a handful of elections in a few states will give hints about this country's state of mind, provide lessons for both Republicans and Democrats, and shed light on answers to a few important questions a year before pivotal 2010 midterm contests.

Suicide bomber kills 35 near Pakistan's capital

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) – A suicide bomber killed 35 people outside a bank near Pakistan's capital Monday, as the U.N. said spreading violence has forced it to start pulling out some expatriate staff and suspend long-term development work in areas along the Afghan border.

Hours after the first blast, another suicide bomber struck in the eastern city of Lahore, exploding a car at a police checkpoint as officers went to search it. At least seven policemen were injured and two were in critical condition, officials said.

Focus falls on cause of mideast collision

LOS ANGELES (AP) – With the possibility of finding survivors all but gone and the ocean search shifted from a rescue effort to a recovery mission, focus fell Monday on what caused a Marine Corps helicopter and U.S. Coast Guard plane to collide over the Pacific.

Petty Officer First Class Allison Conroy said there was little chance of finding survivors among the seven military personnel aboard the Coast Guard C-130 and the two in the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter.

Danville officials examining ways to deal with expenses

DANVILLE – City officials have heard the plea many times in recent weeks from private citizens and aldermen: Don't increase property taxes.

But the city faces a problem.

The expenses paid by property tax dollars will increase next year, and the city has no control over the majority of those rising costs.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Carle clinic/hospital merger: The sale -- and the tax

URBANA – The chief executives of Carle Clinic and Carle Foundation Hospital know it's bound to be a touchy subject when they start talking about a merger that could one day take a big chunk of Carle property out of the local tax base.

And, for anyone wondering about how big a financial hit the cities, the schools, the parks and other taxing districts would take if Carle Clinic properties one day become tax-exempt, here's the deal:

Good thing C-U forefathers knew to go green

One hundred years ago, the Champaign Chamber of Commerce developed its own subdivision and, smart and forward-looking men they were, made sure that there was land for public use. The chamber of commerce donated eight lots to be used for a future public school.

They knew that close-by schools and parks would be an asset to a community and a neighborhood, not just in the early 1900s but 100 years later.

Sketches at exhibit honor Illinois' fallen heroes

studied the pencil drawing of his only son.

"I used to call him my war baby," said the Champaign police officer from Fisher, explaining that his son was born when the elder Kimme served in the Air Force.

Danville alderman to run for Black's seat

Veteran Danville Alderman Michael Puhr on Friday filed petitions to run as a Democrat for state representative in the 104th House District.

For now, Puhr has no Democratic Party opposition. One Republican, former Catlin Mayor Chad Hays, also has filed to run in the district that includes almost all of Vermilion County and much of eastern Champaign County. The filing period for the Feb. 2 primary election ends Monday.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Illinois Senate OKs caps on political donations

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – The Illinois Senate signed off Friday on a compromise that would establish Illinois' first limits on campaign donations, sending it to the governor despite Republican complaints that the bill concentrates power in the hands of a few political insiders.

The bill would cap the amount of money that people, interest groups and political committees can give to candidates. The goal is to end worries that donors who give $10,000, $50,000 or even $100,000 are buying themselves special treatment from elected officials.

Auto dealership bill sent to governor

SPRINGFIELD – In six legislative days, state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, and allies managed to pass and send to the governor's desk a bill aimed at helping auto dealers who lost their franchises in auto manufacturers' bankruptcy.

"I'm just thrilled," said Danville auto dealer Gary Knight, owner and president of Carmack Car Capitol and a former Jeep and Chrysler dealer. "It's a process that started with Bill Black, and we had to do it in a hurry. But everything fell into place.

Friday, October 30, 2009

$20 million loan announced for C-U sanitary expansion

CHAMPAIGN – The Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District is getting a $20 million interest-free loan from the state to pay for environmental projects to improve the wastewater system.

White House: Stimulus saved or created 650,000 jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) – More than 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, the White House said Friday, saying it is on track to reach the president's goal of 3.5 million jobs by the end of next year.

New job numbers from businesses, contractors, state and local governments, nonprofit groups and universities were not scheduled to be released publicly until Friday afternoon. But White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein says officials have been told the figures. When adding in jobs linked to $288 billion in tax cuts, Bernstein says the stimulus plan has created or saved more than 1 million jobs.

Health care businesses at risk in House overhaul

WASHINGTON (AP) – The health care overhaul bill produced by House Democrats would impose an array of new taxes, fees and government mandates on major players in the health industry, including insurers, doctors and drugs and medical devices makers.

In most cases, the pain has been meted out with an eye toward raising the money needed to finance President Barack Obama's plan for reshaping the health system but also with careful regard for gaining the votes that will be needed to pass a final bill.

Analysis: Obama has mixed message on recovery

WASHINGTON (AP) – Tugged in different political directions, the White House is seeking credit for good economic news and trying to escape blame for the bad stuff.

President Barack Obama greeted as "obviously welcome news" a government report showing the economy grew 3.5 percent from July through September after four quarters of declines. That's unofficial confirmation that the long, harsh recession has ended.

Illinois House backs caps on political donations

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – The Illinois House on Thursday passed a Democrat-driven compromise that would establish Illinois' first limits on campaign donations and avoid an embarrassing failure on one of the highest-profile ethics proposals to follow the Blagojevich scandal.

Republicans condemned the measure before it cleared the House 66-49. It contains what they consider a fatal loophole: Political parties and legislative leaders would face limits on their contributions during primary elections but not for general elections.

U.S., Colombia sign military pact

BOGOTA (AP) – In a private, low-key ceremony, the U.S. ambassador and three Colombian ministers on Friday signed a pact to expand Washington's military's presence, a deal that Venezuela's Hugo Chavez has called a threat to the region's security.

U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield signed along with Colombia's foreign, justice and defense ministers at the Foreign Ministry in Bogota, said U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Ana Duque.

Pakistan military closes in on Taliban stronghold

ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistani forces pressing an offensive inside the militant stronghold of South Waziristan are closing in on a major Taliban base and have killed 14 insurgents over the last 24 hours, the army said Friday.

The reported advances came as visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a series of public appearances, saw firsthand how angry many Pakistanis are about America's military policies in the region.

Clinton faces Pakistani anger at Predator attacks

ISLAMABAD (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton came face-to-face Friday with Pakistani anger over U.S. aerial drone attacks in tribal areas along the Afghan border, a strategy that U.S. officials say has succeeded in killing key terrorist leaders.

In a series of public appearances on the final day of a three-day visit marked by blunt talk, Clinton refused to discuss the subject, which involves highly classified CIA operations. She would say only that "there is a war going on," and the Obama administration is committed to helping Pakistan defeat the insurgents and terrorists who threaten the stability of a nuclear-armed nation.

Honduras' ousted president, government sign pact

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) – Representatives of ousted President Manuel Zelaya finally reached an agreement with the interim government that could help end the monthslong dispute over Honduras' June 28 coup, and possibly pave the way for Zelaya's reinstatement.

The Organization of American States announced the deal late Thursday but did not release a text of the accord, in which Zelaya appears to have agreed to throw his fate into the hands of a congress that has largely supported interim President Roberto Micheletti.

European leaders: Iran must stick by uranium deal

BRUSSELS (AP) – European leaders pressed Iran Friday to stick by a deal that would limit its uranium enrichment, voicing "grave concern" over the country's nuclear program.

Western diplomats said this week that Tehran had rejected a plan proposed by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei at talks involving Iran, the U.S., Russia and France.

DePauw student decides not to run for House seat

DANVILLE – A 21-year-old Danville man has decided against running for state representative in the 104th House District, which includes most of Vermilion County and much of eastern Champaign County.

Jacob Lane, a student at DePauw University, said Thursday that he will not run for the seat held by retiring state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville. Lane's decision apparently leaves only former Catlin Mayor Chad Hays as a Republican contender in the 104th District. So far there is no Democratic candidate for the seat.

Board willing to try collaborative parkland method

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign parks officials and local developers apparently will continue to agree to disagree about a method to provide new park space in the city's growth areas.

A joint meeting Wednesday night between the Champaign City Council and the park district board highlighted the continuing rift between the park board, which wants a mandatory land dedication law for residential developments, and developers, who favor what has been termed a "mandatory collaboration."

Vermilion animal shelter director suspended

DANVILLE - The director of the Vermilion County Animal Shelter has been suspended indefinitely, according to Vermilion County Board Chairman Jim McMahon.

McMahon declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the suspension of director Pete Smith, stating that it's a confidential personnel matter.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Vermilion animal shelter director suspended

DANVILLE – The director of the Vermilion County Animal Shelter has been suspended indefinitely with pay, according to Vermilion County Board Chairman Jim McMahon.

McMahon declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the suspension of director Pete Smith, stating that it's a confidential personnel matter.

General: German troops OK in calling for airstrike

BERLIN (AP) – A top German general said Thursday that a NATO investigation of an airstrike against a pair of hijacked Afghan tanker trucks showed the attack was appropriate even though it led to civilian casualties.

Gen. Wolfgang Schneiderhan, who is the general inspector of the German army, also said that the exact death toll could no longer be confirmed.

U.S., Russia working on hurdles in nuclear treaty

MOSCOW (AP) – Russia and the United States are scrambling to address disagreements over a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with little over a month left until the existing agreement between the Cold War adversaries expires.

Despite the narrowing timeframe, both sides expressed optimism at the end of a day of negotiations Thursday between U.S. National Security Advisor James Jones and Russia's foreign minister and National Security Council head.

Westville water-system changes under review

WESTVILLE – Village officials said Tuesday that they are considering some major changes to the water system for the neighboring village of Belgium, which may include taking over ownership of its entire water system.

The village of Belgium is adjacent to the north border of Westville. Westville Village Board member Bill Cottrell said that although the ownership of the water mains in Belgium is in question – apparently neither village has documentation to prove which one owns the infrastructure – Westville has provided Belgium with water and maintained the water mains for years.

State attorney general chides Danville panel

DANVILLE – The Illinois Attorney General's Office has found the city of Danville in violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act for action taken at a public works committee meeting in April.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

H1N1 vaccine plans change; T'boro vaccinations Thursday

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will begin H1N1 vaccinations Thursday at Thomasboro Grade School, district Administrator Julie Pryde said.

The public health district will then set up vaccination clinics in the two year-round Champaign schools that are in session Friday, Kenwood and Barkstall elementary schools. Plans to offer vaccinations at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Urbana on Friday were canceled because there wasn't enough time for the school to get ready, Pryde said.

Residents urge Champaign council to fix drainage woes

CHAMPAIGN – On another of night of drizzle and rain in Champaign, residents plagued with flooding problems urged council members to work on solutions.

In a study session Tuesday, city staff recommended that the city borrow money to finance the Second Street Reach of the Boneyard Creek. The staff also asked council members for guidance on funding for other storm water drainage improvements.

Urbana's financial picture goes from abundant to bleak

You'd think that Urbana officials might be feeling a little humbled after discovering, later than just about everyone else, that there's an awful recession out there.

Five months ago, Mayor Laurel Prussing and her supporters were boasting that somehow Urbana was an island of great prosperity in an ocean of economic turbulence.

Danville council tries to brainstorm budget fixes

DANVILLE – Facing a $1.5 million deficit next year, Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer challenged aldermen Tuesday night to decide what services the city should no longer provide, and if all are essential, then what revenues should be created or increased.

Eisenhauer said the city is beyond the point of making cuts within services and departments, showing during a budget presentation that the city has eliminated 58 employee positions in the last five years. The bulk of those personnel cuts came earlier this year, when about 24 positions were cut to balance the budget for the current fiscal year.

Johnson schedules town hall Monday in Cerro Gordo

CERRO GORDO – U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, will hold a town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Cerro Gordo High School gymnasium.

It will be the latest in a series of more than a dozen town hall meetings the congressman has held since July. Other sessions have been held in Danville, Rantoul, Villa Grove, Gibson City, Champaign, Normal and other communities in the 15th Congressional District.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Middle school students stand up for recycling

OAKWOOD – About 20 Oakwood Junior High students were going door to door Monday afternoon, asking residents if they want recycling and would pay a couple dollars for it.

Area hopefuls file papers to run in primary election

Republican voters in northwest Champaign County apparently will have an unusual three-way race for a single county board seat in the Feb. 2 primary election.

On the first day of candidacy filing Monday, two Mahomet residents entered petitions to run against incumbent District 1 board member Chris Doenitz, 48, a rural Mahomet resident who last summer was ordered to get anger-management counseling after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. Doenitz was charged after he slapped another man in the face during a confrontation at the Anderson's grain elevator in rural Champaign.

Vermilion hopefuls file papers to run in primary

DANVILLE – There will be at least one contested race in next year's primary election.

Three Republicans filed papers to run for the two District 3 seats on the Vermilion County Board on Monday, the first day candidates could file.

Urbana council endorses parking-fine increase

URBANA – Parking fines will likely increase in Urbana, but downtown shoppers will get a "courtesy ticket" for first-time parking violations under a plan being considered by the city council.

Council members, meeting as a committee of the whole Monday, unanimously approved forwarding the plan to the regular council meeting next week with a recommendation for approval.

Danville residents have time to comment on recycling proposal

DANVILLE – Residents in Danville have until Saturday to express their opinion to city officials about whether they would like a curbside recycling program.

Danville reiterates leaf-burning rules

DANVILLE – The city is reminding residents that it closely regulates leaf burning.

Larry Thomason, director of public safety, says the Danville Fire Division will enforce the leaf-burning ordinance if someone is found in violation. Possible fines range from $150 to $1,000 for each offense.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Candidates begin filing for February primary

Republicans will have a three-way race for county board in District 1 in northwest Champaign County in the Feb. 2 primary election.

With candidate filings beginning Monday morning, incumbent Chris Doenitz of rural Mahomet brought his candidacy petitions Monday morning to the Champaign County clerk's office, as did challengers Stephanie Holderfield and Gary Maxwell, both of Mahomet.

Soldier killed in Afghanistan back home in Rantoul

The Rantoul community welcomed Sgt. Christopher Rudzinski home Sunday.

Sgt. Rudzinski, 28, who served in the Army, died Oct. 16 from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

It marked his fourth deployment to an area of conflict. He previously had served one tour of duty in Kosovo and two in Iraq. Sgt. Rudzinski was assigned to a military police brigade based at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Champaign council to discuss next 5 years of finances

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Finance Director Richard Schnuer said the near-term future looks good for city finances but the long-term is more uncertain.

Champaign council members will discuss a five-year financial forecast at a study session at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the council chambers, 102 N. Neil St., C.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Herman: 'It's good to have the ambiguity resolved'

Chancellor Richard Herman, who announced his resignation last week, will spend his last day in office Monday. He sat down with The News-Gazette's Julie Wurth on Friday to talk about his decision to resign, his accomplishments and regrets over the past decade as provost and chancellor, the upheaval caused by the "Category I" admissions scandal, and the school's future. Excerpts follow. For the complete version, please click here.

Slain soldier returning to Rantoul this morning

People who want to pay their respects to Army Sgt. Christopher Rudzinski of Rantoul, killed in Afghanistan earlier this month, may want to stand along the route that will be taken to get his body to Rantoul this morning.

Lux Memorial Chapel director Leslie Lux said the military aircraft bringing his body from Dover Air Force Base is scheduled to arrive at Willard Airport in Savoy at 10 a.m. today. Sgt. Rudzinski's father and brother flew to Delaware to accompany him back, she said.

Scramble for county board, statehouse seats to begin

Although there have been a number of announcements by candidates for statewide races, including U.S. Senate and governor, there hasn't been much news on the local front.

That should change Monday, when filing for the Feb. 2 party primary elections begins.

Champaign in no rush to set up police review board

CHAMPAIGN – The fatal shooting of a Champaign teen when police answered a burglary call this month has sparked renewed calls for a citizen police review board. But city council members are not inclined to reopen that issue now, saying that there are other priorities.

A police review board was among demands from an overflow crowd Tuesday night at the Champaign council meeting.

Champaign council willing to wait for state police report

CHAMPAIGN – City council members say they want to wait for an Illinois State Police report on the investigation of a fatal shooting before deciding where to go from there.

Most said last Tuesday's emotional public comments affected them, but they need facts about the incident before taking action involving the police.

UI's annual faculty meeting will have new roster at top

URBANA – Monday's annual meeting of the University of Illinois faculty may require a lineup card.

Normally the session hosted by the campus senate is a chance for professors to question the president and chancellor, and sometimes the provost, on all manner of issues.

Outgoing UI chancellor opens up on his thoughts, views

Chancellor Richard Herman, who announced his resignation last week, will spend his last day in office Monday. He sat down with The News-Gazette Friday to talk about his decision to resign, his accomplishments and regrets over the past decade as provost and chancellor, the upheaval caused by the "Category I" admissions scandal, and the school's future.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Champaign council to review 'use of force' policies

CHAMPAIGN – The city of Champaign has scheduled a city council study session for Nov. 10 to review the police department's recently revised "use of force" policies.

Meanwhile, in response to questions at last Tuesday's council meeting about the police department's "use of deadly force" procedures, the department released a statement Friday claiming the local policy "is taken directly" from Illinois law.

Paxton among 30 DCFS offices set to close

PAXTON – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is closing 30 of its offices across the state, including one in Paxton, as a cost-cutting measure that DCFS officials stressed would have no impact on the services the department provides.

Parking-fine increase on Urbana council's agenda

URBANA – Parking violators in Urbana may face stiffer fines.

Urbana City Council members Monday will discuss a proposal to bring Urbana's fines in line with those in Champaign and at the University of Illinois. It also would raise about $100,000 in revenue. The council meeting is set for 7 p.m. at 400 S. Vine St.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Delays in E. Church Street project boost engineers' bill

SAVOY – Because of delays with the reconstruction of East Church Street in Savoy, ESI Engineers has had to work more on the project than originally anticipated.

As a result, ESI asked for payment in addition to its original agreement with the village. The original agreement called for about $140,000 for the engineering portion of the project. The actual reconstruction of the street is estimated to cost approximately $480,000. About $150,000 of that will come from the state and the remainder will be taken out of the motor fuel tax fund. The village board approved extra payment for ESI in the amount of $10,928.

Entryway work under way at Vermilion County annex

But there's no walkway leading up to it, and city hasn't decided what to do

DANVILLE – A crew with McDowell Builders has knocked a hole through the 2-foot-thick brick wall on the back side of the Vermilion County Courthouse Annex to make way for a new public entrance.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Carle Foundation Hospital offers to buy Carle Clinic

URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital has offered to purchase Carle Clinic and its subsidiary, Health Alliance Medical Plans, for $250 million, according to documents filed with the state this week.

Champaign County Nursing Home rates will rise

URBANA – A 3 percent increase in room and service rates will go into effect at the Champaign County Nursing Home, effective Dec. 1, the county board decided Tuesday night.

Daily skilled care and long-term care rates will increase from $150 to $155.

Funds or no funds, Lincoln Hall renovation fete is on

URBANA – University of Illinois officials are planning to celebrate the beginning of the restoration of Lincoln Hall on Friday – even though the long-anticipated project is still without a primary funding source.

Election officials deliver Afghan runoff ballots

KABUL (AP) – Election authorities began delivering ballots with U.N. assistance across Afghanistan on Thursday, as hurried preparations for the Nov. 7 runoff in the insurgency-plagued nation's presidential election got under way.

International election monitors called on authorities to avert the widespread fraud that marred the first round of voting in August. Scores of election staff accused of misconduct have been axed, and new personnel need to be hired.

Changes in Catlin wastewater pipe OK'd

CATLIN – Village officials voted Tuesday to have some changes made to a 20-foot-long vertical pipe at the wastewater plant.

Currently, the 6-inch-wide pipe runs along a concrete wall, then turns at a right angle and tapers to 4 inches in diameter to connect with a wastewater pump that has a 4-inch port.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Speakers chide police at Champaign council meeting

CHAMPAIGN – Dozens of voices cried for changes by the Champaign City Council on Tuesday night in the wake of the Oct. 9 fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy.

Study session to focus on use-of-force policy

CHAMPAIGN – Council members will have a study session to review the Champaign police department's policy governing use of force.

Council member Michael La Due, District 2, told audience members late Tuesday after hearing comments from citizens about the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington that six council members signed a city form requesting the study session.

Officials say resignation was right move for UI

URBANA – An admissions scandal, years in the making, had many expecting Richard Herman to resign as chancellor since last month, when Urbana's faculty-student senate voted to recommend that both he and the president of the University of Illinois step down.

The Sept. 14 resolution, approved 98-55, called for an orderly transition. Less than two weeks later, on Sept. 23, UI President B. Joseph White obliged by exiting first.

Safe Haven's new home in works

CHAMPAIGN – Volunteers will begin cleanup this weekend at some vacant apartments at Restoration Urban Ministries in advance of renovations to make room for members of a local "tent community."

Safe Haven, a self-governing group of homeless people who lived in tents and then at local churches, will move from St. Mary Catholic Church in Champaign to Restoration Urban Ministries, 1213 Parkland Court, C.

City OKs adjusted budget for 2009-10

GEORGETOWN – City officials adjusted their 2009-10 budget on Monday to better reflect their projected incomes and expenses.

The Georgetown City Council approved a 2009-10 budget in the spring, but the city's auditor recommended amending the whole budget after revising some projected revenues and changing some expenditures.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Herman resigns; Ikenberry, Easter to assume duties

URBANA – The University of Illinois made it official Tuesday: Chancellor Richard H. Herman will resign his campus leadership position effective Oct. 26 and return to teaching.

Meanwhile, Interim President Stanley Ikenberry and interim Provost Robert Easter will assume many of Herman's duties, possibly for several months.

Herman's letter to the campus

It has been the great privilege of my life to serve for 11 years as your
Provost and Chancellor. I will not reiterate the complicated and agonizing
steps that have brought us to this place, except to say that I regret the
circumstances. I'm confident that Illinois will be stronger for all that
we have learned from the controversy.

Obama honors unit for 'Anonymous Battle' in Vietnam

Remarks by the president in awarding the presidential unit citation to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry.

 

AT&T building demolition bids to be opened today

DANVILLE – City officials will open bids today for the long-awaited demolition of the vacant and deteriorating AT&T building, as well as bids for the possible demolition of the upper deck of the two-story Walnut Street parking garage.

Tax delinquency has increased, treasurer says

URBANA – In another indication of the troubled local economy, more people are behind in their property tax payments than at any time in the last 10 years, according to Champaign County Treasurer Dan Welch.

Georgetown updates budget figures

GEORGETOWN – City officials adjusted their 2009-10 budget on Monday to better reflect their projected incomes and expenses.

The Georgetown City Council approved a 2009-10 budget in the spring, but the city's auditor recommended amending the whole budget after revising some projected revenues and changing some expenditures.

Urban planner will speak at UI

CHAMPAIGN – An urban planner interested in regenerating depressed local economies will speak at 7 p.m. today at Plym Auditorium in Temple Buell Hall, which is one block east of South Sixth Street, between Taft Drive and Peabody Avenue, at the University of Illinois.

Trained as a planner and educated as a tavern keeper and brewmeister, Dan Carmody is president of Detroit's Eastern Market.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Rantoul soldier killed in vehicle attack in Afghanistan

RANTOUL – A Rantoul serviceman serving in Afghanistan died on Friday after the enemy attacked his vehicle.

The Department of Defense announced on Sunday night that Sgt. Christopher M. Rudzinski, 28, of Rantoul died near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Agenda trimmed to accommodate shooting discussion

CHAMPAIGN – Expecting a large crowd, city officials trimmed their agenda for the city council meeting Tuesday night.

Mayor Jerry Schweighart said the city expects people will come to the council meeting to talk about a shooting Oct. 9 that involved Police Chief R.T. Finney and Officer Daniel Norbits.

Danville schools officials reveal plans for stimulus funds

DANVILLE – Danville teachers will have new professional development opportunities, students and teachers will have more technology at their fingertips and two older elementary schools could be rewired to handle more technology, thanks to federal stimulus funding.

School officials said those are some of the things they're looking at doing with the district's $3.6 million allocation.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Upstate split benefits Brady in gubernatorial race

These are the best of times for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady of Bloomington.

In what is now, unofficially, a seven-way race for the GOP nomination, one thing sets Brady apart: He is the only one of the candidates from south of Interstate 80. In fact, he's the only one of the seven white male Republican hopefuls not from Cook or DuPage counties.

Urbana weighing giving parking offenders the 'boot'

URBANA – By next year, people who don't pay their parking fines in Urbana may find their car immobilized until they do.

Urbana city council members at their meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at the council chambers, 400 S. Vine St., U, will consider adoption of an ordinance allowing immobilization devices – commonly called "boots" – for vehicles driven by motorists who fail to pay five Urbana parking tickets.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

State pauses its premium payments to Health Alliance

URBANA – The state of Illinois' financial condition has become so bad that officials have told Urbana-based Health Alliance Medical Plans that the company won't receive any more premium payments from the state until Dec. 10.

Health Alliance insures 78,600 active state employees and employee dependents, and was last paid by the state Aug. 26 for the July premium. The state's average monthly premium payment to Health Alliance is $33 million, spokeswoman Jane Hayes said.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Hynes: Plan to fix budget won't be popular

URBANA – For a gubernatorial candidate seeking votes in a tough primary contest, Dan Hynes had a lot of bitter medicine to deliver to Champaign County Democrats at a fundraiser Thursday afternoon.

"I can guarantee you that if you look at my budget plan on our Web site you'll find something in there that you don't like," the three-term state comptroller told about 50 people at a $50-a-plate fundraiser at Kennedy's in Urbana. "You'll find something in there that hits home with you, maybe not in a great way. But that's the nature of the situation that we're in. It's the nature of the mutual sacrifice that we're going to ask."

Mayor wants local penalties for bar violations

CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission wants a crackdown on underage drinking, but Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart would like to have local, rather than state, sanctions for bars where minors are found in possession of alcohol.

Speaking Thursday to members of the Champaign Liquor Advisory Commission, Schweighart said he will get legal advice from the city attorney's office and then talk to a state liquor commissioner about doing local enforcement on liquor license violations based on citations to minors caught having alcohol during police bar checks.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Gill announces another run for U.S. House seat

URBANA – Physician David Gill, who challenged U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, in 2004 and 2006, formally announced Wednesday that he'll try again in 2010.

"I guess we'll call this Gill 3," the Democratic candidate told a crowd of supporters at Milo's Restaurant in Urbana.

Danville Republican interested in challenging Frerichs

DANVILLE – An organizer with the East Central Illinois Tea Party group said he's willing to challenge state Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign, in next year's 52nd District Senate race.

Al Reynolds, 64, of Danville, said Wednesday he's interested in becoming the Republican candidate in the district that includes most of both Champaign and Vermilion counties, including the cities of Champaign, Urbana and Danville. Republican leaders have been rebuffed in several attempts to persuade others to run for the two-year term.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Hoosiers not really living in an economic paradise

So, the state of Indiana is some kind of economic miracle, swimming against the tide of revenue shortfalls and budget cuts, churning out tax dollars and jobs while pitiful states like Illinois wallow in red ink.

That's the line some Illinois politicians and opinion leaders would have you believe. They contend Indiana is superior to Illinois because it cut spending, which created business investment, which created some sort of economic paradise.

Hoopeston bar fined for smoking-ban violation

DANVILLE – One of the first rulings under the state's new administrative review process for smoking ban violations upheld a Vermilion County Health Department fine against the Hoopeston bar, Deano's on Main.

Health department officials cited the business earlier this year when inspectors entered Deano's for a routine food inspection and a customer was smoking inside the business. The health department had received multiple complaints about smoking ban violations at Deano's prior to the inspector's visit, according to health department officials.

Kirk takes state treasurer to task over Bright Start

CHAMPAIGN – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk used a college-savings proposal he is sponsoring in Congress to skewer state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democratic Senate candidate, for big financial losses in Illinois' Bright Start college-savings program.

But he admitted Tuesday that his proposal for a 401(k)-type college savings program was proposed two years ago, has no Democratic co-sponsors and is stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Gibson City veterans memorial receives state award

GIBSON CITY - The Drummer Creek Veterans Memorial on Gibson City's west side has received a 2009 Governor's Home Town Award.

The veterans memorial is near Illinois 9, at the southeast corner of Drummer Cemetery on Gibson City's west side. It was dedicated on Veterans Day last year.

The memorial cost $125,000 and was paid for entirely with donations.

Ford County's new budget is $272,155 in the red

PAXTON – Ford County Board members have approved a fiscal 2010 budget with a significant deficit – not for the first time and probably not the last time, according to officials.

The budget projects a deficit of $272,155 in the county's general fund, according to Ford County Treasurer Nancy Krumwiede. For the past two years, income has barely exceeded expenses.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Champaign high school redistricting options presented

CHAMPAIGN – The best option for changing high school boundaries in Champaign would affect families south of Windsor Road and in two areas between Russell Street and Mattis Avenue, according to a demographer hired to develop redistricting options for the Champaign school district.

Jerome McKibben presented two options at a community forum Monday night, then the school board discussed them.

Urbana City Council to begin looking at spending cuts

URBANA – Faced with going in the red by an estimated $1.3 million during the current fiscal year, Urbana officials will be looking at salary freezes and spending cuts.

Urbana Comptroller Ron Eldridge told council members at a study session Monday night that drops in sales-tax and state income-tax revenues are now projected to result in the $1.3 million deficit.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Quinn, Hynes voice different plans for income-tax hike

CHAMPAIGN – Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes avoided mentioning each other by name, but they didn't avoid comparing each other's position on an income tax increase in an appearance before Champaign County Democrats on Sunday night.

The two main candidates in the Feb. 2, 2010, gubernatorial primary were among a dozen candidates to speak before more than 250 Democrats at the local party's fall dinner at the I Hotel and Conference Center. Other speakers included U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman of Chicago and 15th District congressional hopeful David Gill of Normal.

A state lawmaker's worst bill? The one marked 'unpaid'

To the long list of contractors, vendors and other businesses awaiting payment from the state of Illinois, you can add state legislators and the people they do business with.

The owner of the building where state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, has his Danville office hasn't been paid since June. Same with the landlord of Democratic state Rep. Naomi Jakobsson's Champaign office. State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said he had his trash-hauling service cut off for a number of days because of the nonpayment of bills.

Champaign will try to mirror Urbana's recycling plans

CHAMPAIGN – Over the next year, Champaign city officials, apartment building owners and waste haulers will be sorting out details to implement a multifamily recycling program.

At a city council meeting Tuesday, city leaders gave staff a green light to proceed with a recycling program that mirrors one in Urbana. The Champaign program is expected to be operating by next fall.

UI students say they're willing to join in recycling effort

CHAMPAIGN – University of Illinois students will recycle if given the chance, supporters told the city council during a discussion of Champaign starting a recycling program for apartments and other multifamily properties.

"If you make the resource available, the students will use it," Cassie Carroll, a University of Illinois graduate and executive director with the Illinois Green Business Association, said at Tuesday night's city council meeting.

Danville starts survey on desire for recycling service

DANVILLE - This month, residents interested in a curbside recycling program in Danville will have the chance to fill out an online survey and indicate how much they would be willing to pay to have the service.

Residents will receive a message with their sanitary sewer and solid waste bills about how to access an online survey about recycling, said Public Works Director Doug Ahrens.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Mental health grant panel has youngsters in mind

CHAMPAIGN – Adrienne Spires has been a counselor, educator and parent of two daughters.

It's that last job that landed her on a panel alongside academics and agency directors who will help decide how to spend a $9 million Champaign County mental health grant.

An interim steering committee appointed this week will begin the planning process for the six-year federal grant, and 10 of the 19 members are teens or parents. The money – $1 million the first year – comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA.

Urbana district hopes suit shows need for sharing info

URBANA – The Urbana school district's lawsuit against the Normal school district is a way for it to recoup some of its financial losses from settlements to students abused by former Urbana teacher and convicted sex offender Jon White, said Joseph Perkoski, the Chicago attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Urbana school district.

The Urbana district has agreed to pay more than $2 million in present-day dollars in settlements to the families of White's victims.

UI has funny way of showing it has 'no secrets'

Earlier this year, University of Illinois President B. Joseph White appeared before an Illinois House committee and pledged that the university would be open and transparent when dealing with the public.

"We're a public university. There should be no secrets," he said.

Getting Personal: UI professor Bruce Hannon

Explain in one sentence what it is you do.

As a University of Illinois professor, I teach about and do research on the modeling of ecological and economic systems.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Urbana forced to deal with lower revenues

URBANA – Lower sales tax and state income tax revenues pose problems for the city.

"We are going to have to bridge a $1.3 million gap" in the budget for the coming year, Mayor Laurel Prussing said in an interview Friday.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Proposed Champaign County budget includes major cuts

URBANA – Sharp declines in tax revenue, particularly in sales and income taxes, will require a $2.4 million cut in general fund spending for Champaign County next year.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Panel calls for end of Champaign County Board panels

URBANA – A Champaign County Board committee has endorsed one major change in county board operations and agreed to hold public hearings on another one.

Nursing home worker to return after charges dropped

URBANA – An employee of the Champaign County Nursing Home accused last spring of hitting a resident is expected to be back on the job Monday.

Nursing home Administrator Andrew Buffenbarger said Sharoia Hill, 29, of Danville, had been on paid administrative leave since April 8. She was charged with aggravated battery the next day, accused of striking an Alzheimer's resident in the face while she worked as a certified nursing assistant in the Alzheimer's unit.

Quinn, UI students rally for MAP grant funding

URBANA – Kimberly Nunley doesn't come from money – the Chicago native is a former ward of the state, and has three small children of her own.

She wants to continue her studies at Parkland College, and possibly on to Millikin University, but there's no money for the spring semester – because the Legislature didn't fund the second half of a state grant she was promised.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Volunteer's $1.5 million bequest surprises VA hospital

DANVILLE – John P. Wright was a volunteer extraordinaire with the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System. Before his death in March 2008 at age 74, he had logged 49,668 hours at the facility over nearly 40 years.

Grant to hire police accepted by Danville City Council

DANVILLE – Two months after winning more than $730,000 in federal grant money, the Danville city council approved Tuesday night allowing city officials to accept the grant to hire three new police officers.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Champaign police getting funds to fight sexual predators

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Police Department is one of eight Illinois police agencies to benefit from a federal grant intended to prosecute child sexual predators.

The $496,732 grant comes the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, and will be shared equally by the Champaign, Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon, Moline, Peoria and Quincy police departments and the Peoria County sheriff's office.

Apartment building recycling in Champaign by late 2010 OK'd

CHAMPAIGN – Residents of Champaign multi-family apartments are expected to have recycling available next year.

Champaign city council members were unanimous in support Tuesday night of directing city staff to proceed with a multi-family recycling program. The program is not expected to be implemented until November 2010.

Memorial to veterans earns Savoy state award

SAVOY – Savoy has won a Governor's Hometown Award for the community's efforts in building a veterans memorial.

Trustee Bill Smith, who proposed the idea to the village board and led the effort to create the memorial, received the news that Savoy received an award in late September after nominating the project earlier this summer. It is not known if Savoy has received first- or second-place recognition.

Johnson again questions mission in Afghanistan

SAVOY – There were no big crowds at U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson's latest town hall meeting, no yelling, no angry outbursts, not even – for a while – any questions about health care reforms.

The Urbana Republican's session at the Windsor of Savoy Monday night, before about 45 elderly residents, was a calm affair.

Quinn will visit UI to lead MAP grant rally

URBANA – Gov. Pat Quinn plans to lead a rally Wednesday at the University of Illinois to reinstate funding for the Illinois Monetary Awards Program, a financial aid program for Illinois college students.

But two local Democratic lawmakers say that, for now, they do not support the governor's revenue stream for the program – a $1 a pack increase in the tax on a pack of cigarettes sold in Illinois.

Georgetown council to consider amended budget

GEORGETOWN – City officials announced some changes to the 2009-10 budget on Monday, and they plan to formally adopt those changes later this month.

Georgetown City Council members will hold a special budget hearing at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and will likely vote on the amended budget that evening.

Official changes his tune on size of Champaign board

URBANA – In a surprising reversal, the chairman of the Champaign County Board's policy committee now says he supports reducing the size of the board from 27 members to 13, 15 or 17 members.

Board to look at liquor license limits in Vermilion County

DANVILLE – Vermilion County officials plan to discuss limiting the total number of liquor licenses in the county and whether to establish an earlier closing time for businesses that sell alcohol.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Urbana council joins efforts to rein in utility rate hikes

URBANA – Mayor Laurel Prussing said Illinois citizens must get involved in protecting their natural resources.

Champaign pondering recycling options for apartments

CHAMPAIGN – Families living in Champaign apartments may get recycling services.

Champaign city council members will discuss options on multifamily recycling at a study session after the regular council meeting.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

UI trustees name Ikenberry as interim president

URBANA – Stanley Ikenberry has never really left the University of Illinois.

As he said on Saturday – his first official day as interim president-designate, a job which will entail working with current President B. Joseph White before White's resignation takes effect at the end of the year – "I've had a love affair with the University of Illinois that started 30 years ago." And that love affair has never faded over the decades, he said.

Urbana council to consider sustainability agenda

URBANA – A vision statement on sustainability will be considered as part of a continuing goal-setting process by the Urbana City Council Monday.

The statement is proposed by the city's sustainability advisory commission. The issue will be considered in a goal-setting study session at 5 p.m. at the council chambers, 400 S. Vine St., U. The regular council meeting is set for 7 p.m.

So far, no GOP challenger for Frerichs' Senate spot

In 2006, Democrat Mike Frerichs won his first Illinois Senate race – in a district considered marginally Republican – by just 542 votes.

Next year, he has his first re-election campaign – an election in a year that ought to be friendly to Republicans, given the story line of Illinois Democrats like former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and new U.S. Sen. Roland Burris.