Weekend News for WGFA RADIO > Feb 6-7, 2010
> Watseka Police report a quick-thinking clerk stopped an armed robbery attempt at Watseka’s Dollar General store. The clerk disarmed a knife-wielding teenager who was trying to rob the store Thursday. The 14-year-old male had allegedly threatended another customer a moment earlier, before the clerls actions, and several male customers then held the youth until police arrived. The youth was arrested for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault and Burglary. He was being held at a juvenile detention facility.
> It’s been the subject of protests and public hearings, but the state of Illinois is ignoring opposition and now moving forward with the closing of the Minimum Security Prison for Women at Kankakee. Forty-five jobs are stake. The Illinois Department of Corrections does not have a timetable for the facility’s closing. Union negotiations will come into play. Contract language spells out specifics on how prison closings must happen, including the transfer of workers to other facilities.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 is expected to renew efforts to fight the closing. There are no other minimum security prisons FOR WOMEN in Illinois. The Kankakee facility, located near Kankakee River State Park, serves as a satellite facility to the women’s maximum-security prison at Dwight.
Illinois DOC Director Michael Randle says closing the Kankakee prison will save the state $4-million dollars.
> The owner-operators of LaCost Amusements, Inc. of Kankakee pleaded not guilty (this week) to federal charges of illegal gambling and money-laudering. 63-year-old Jimmy LaCost and his son, 40-year-old Michael LaCost are also charged with unlawful money-structuring. Federal agents investigated LaCost Amusements last year. Indictments were handed down in January. A March 25th pre-trial conference is scheduled in U.S. District Court in Urbana.
> Illinois State Police District 21 Acting Commander, Lieutenant Jeffrey Blair, announced that District 21 Troopers will be conducting Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Kankakee County during the month of February. The extra emphasis will begin Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th, and continue throughout the month. The grant allows the Illinois State Police to target an area with saturation patrols that focus on traffic violations and related compliance with safety belt and child safety seat laws. Safety belt enforcement zones will also be set up to ensure the driver and passengers are buckled up.
District 21 will also offer free child safety seat inspections by certified child safety seat technicians during the month by appointment. To schedule an appointment email Safety Education Officer Sgt. Angela Kinstner at angela_kinstner@isp.state.il.us or contact the District by telephone at 815-698-2395.
> The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police have announced details for the “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign in an effort to prevent impaired driving around this weekend’s big game. They’re also reminding fans to buckle up before traveling to and from desired locations. Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig says “Super Bowl Sunday is about family, fun, good competition and safety and we want everyone to enjoy and stay sober if you plan to drive.”
> The 14th Annual Midwest Classic Show Choir Competition is being held this weekend at Danville High School. Thirty high school and middle school groups from around the nation are competing. The middle school competition was held Friday night. Nineteen high school groups take the stage today (Sat), the first performance is at 8 am.
