WGFA NEWS for Thursday, March 11, 2010 >

WX > Showers & T-storms this morning, then more rain this afternoon and tonight. High near 61. SW wind at 10-15 mph.

> Governor Pat Quinn used his budget address Wednesday to challenge lawmakers on an income tax increase of one-percent to be used to offset cuts to education. Quinn says raising the state’s income tax from three to four percent would bring in about two-point-eight billion dollars this year.

Without a tax increase, as many as 17-thousand teachers and school workers could lose their jobs after this school year. The state currently faces a budget gap of about 13-billion dollars. Quinn proposes strategic borrowing and further cutting the budget to bridge the gap.

> Governor Quinn’s Republican opponent for the November election had plenty of harsh words for his budget address Wednesday. But State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington said he did agree with Quinn’s proposal to give tax credits for small businesses that hire new employees.

Brady said he wants a 21-hundred-dollar tax credit for all businesses for each job created. That’s down from the 25-hundred Quinn proposed for each job a small business creates. Brady also reiterated his pledge not to raise taxes, despite the state’s 13-billion-dollar deficit. Brady claims there are 40-to-45-billion dollars that can be cut or restructured in the state. However, the state only expects almost 27-and-a-half-billion dollars in revenues for the coming year.

> State Representative Shane Cultra said the problem is that Illinois is out of money and cuts have to be made, like it or not. Reacting to the Governor’s budget message, Cultra said “there’s not much difference from last year’s proposal.” He said threats are made to schools and service agencies, but the bottom line is “cuts have to be made.”

> Representative Lisa Dugan is calling for public input over the Governor’s proposal. Dugan said the budget address is just a starting point and the public needs to hear details about the financial shortfall. Dugan says local families need to know how these cuts will affect them.

> In Vermilion County–State Rep. Bill Black likes what the governor said, but there’s more details that have to worked out….

> Senator Dan Rutherford said he felt good about the tax credits for smaller businesses that Governor Quinn suggested. Rutherford is bothered by other comments that need clarification…..

“Your Illiana News Source”…. 94.1 FM, WGFA

WGFA NEWS FOR Wednesday, March 10, 2010 >

WX > Showers before noon today, cloudy otherwise. High near 64. South winds at 10-15 mph. Showers likely tonight and Thursday.

– Gov Quinn delivers Budget Address today at noon –

> Iroquois County’s financial picture has been painted so dismal that now, there’s a proposal to close the county jail to save money. Sheriff Eldon Sprau laid out a financial savings that would save a bundle of money. But not everyone is excited about losing the lock-up.

Yesterday-the county board heard the sheriff’s proposal. But more info is needed, so it’ll be at least another month before any decisions are rendered. Just how much money would be saved is still being assembled. Should the jail in Watseka be closed, arrestees would be housed at the Kankakee County jail — under Sheriff Sprau’s proposal.

The proposal comes after last week’s lay-offs of four deputies and a correctional officer. The lay-offs are the result of a failed referendum last month. Voters said NO to a public safety tax referendum.

> Community leaders across East-Central Illinois will be listening closely today as Governor Pat Quinn delivers his budget address. Most mayors, county officials, school superintendents and service group leaders want to know what – if anything – the Governor plans to do to get state payments back on track. Many are several months behind in reimbursements. State Rep. Lisa Dugan is anxious to hear what Governor Quinn will say. But she also admits anything said will be painful.

> The Daily-Journal reports federal lawsuits involving the Fitts brothers– Tom and Scott — are expected back in U.S. District Court in Urbana this week. Scott Fitts is the former Police Chief in Grant Park who was indicted for allegedly operating a prostituition sting out of the local police department, while he was chief. Tom Fitts is still a part-time officer in the community, but was a lieutenant until he was demoted and had his pay cut as part of a cost-saving measure. His suit contends his civil rights were violated. Tom Fitts is also seeking another $5,000 for service while he was acting-police chief following his brother’s arrest in 2008.

> A repeat spelling champion is headed back to Washington, D.C. Chris Bayston, a 7th grader at St. George Elementary School, defended his title as champion Tuesday, outspelling 23 other student spellers from Iroquois and Kankakee counties. Chris won the local spelling bee in the National Scripps Howard Spelling competition at Olivet Nazarene University. He’ll represent the area again in national spelling competition in D.C. in May. Chris is the son of Brian & Melissa Bayston.

The Scripps Howard Bee is organized by the I-Kan Regional Office of Education and sponosred by the Daily-Journal.

94.1 FM, WGFA

More information on the SR1 Multiple Vehicle Accident…Another Drug-related Arrest on I-57…Man Killed in Newton County…Meeting Tonight on Wind Farm Project…

Weather forecast: Expect cloudy skies to give way to rain showers this afternoon. We’ll see an afternoon high around 56 with a Southeast wind around 10 MPH.

Tonight, showers and thunderstorms a possibility, especially after midnight. Otherwise, we’ll see cloudy conditions. Low 46.

Wednesday…rain showers continue, but very warm. High 61.

>>An update on the early morning accident that involved 12 vehicles north of Watseka on Monday…

The incident that lead to the two hour closure of State Road 1 comprised of seven different crashes.

Of the seven crashes, the five reports obtained by WGFA show that speeding, failure to avoid a crash, and dense fog were contributing factors to the accidents.

32 year-old David Deaton of Creasent City, 37 year-old Bobbi Lee of Watseka, 25 year-old Mark Dearth of Watseka, and 57 year-old Ilene Flowers of St. Anne were all injured in the accident and were transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

Those cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash include 30 year-old Valerie Kampe of Momence, 20 year-old Gregory Wauthier of Martinton, and 34 year-old Tad Rohlfs of Watseka.

The incident took place near the intersection of St. Rd. 1 near county road 2100 North at around 7:25 Monday morning.

Illinois State Police are continuing their investigation on the incident.

>>Another drug arrest along I-57.

The incident took place Monday afternoon when Illinois State Police pulled over a white Buick driven by 26 year-old Wesley Bell of Mount Vernon for speeding.

Bell showed signs of being under the influence and a K-9 unit was called to the scene.

Troopers discovered 3.7 grams of cannabis in the shoe of Bell.

Bell was then arrested for possession of cannabis.

>>A Michigan man is dead following a hunting accident that took place near Fair Oaks Dairy in Newton County on Sunday.

42 year-old Jonathon Link was hit by a pick-up truck driven by his hunting partner, Robert Ruch. Link was transported to Jasper County Hospital where he later died.

Newton County Sheriff’s Police and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are investigating the accident.

>>A Town Hall-style meeting will be conducted by Opus Industries tonight at 6pm in the Stockland Gynasium near Stockland.

The topic of tonight’s meeting will be “The Development of the Iroquois Prairie Wind Turbine Farm.”

Speakers and representatives will be on hand after the meeting to answer questions.

For more information on the meeting, call Opus Industries at 815-867-0216.

Illiana’s News Leader…94.1 WGFA/Talk 1360

Accident sends several to the hospital…Infant dies in wreck over the weekend…Kankakee Man gets a Court Date for the Death of a Kankakee Woman…

Weather: Expect the fog to burn off by early afternoon, giving way to mostly cloudy conditions. Warm…high 50.

Tonight: Cloudy with areas of dense fog after midnight…Low 34.

Tuesday: Rain returns to the area. High 52.

>>A multiple vehicle accident north of Watseka sent several people to the hospital earlier this morning.

The incident took place near Route 1 and County Road 2100 North at around 7:25 this morning.

The accident involved 12 vehicles and closed route 1 from US52 to US24 for several hours.

Illinois State Police are investigating the cause of the incident, but fog is a contributing factor to this multi-vehicle crash.

IDOT and Watseka Fire also assisted at the scene.

>>A one vehicle accident over the weekend claims the life of an infant.

The incident took place on I-57 near mile marker 282 in Onarga Township when a 1999 Suzuki SUV, driven by 51 year-old Pamela Harris, was travelling southbound on the interstate.

Harris drove off the roadway, entered the median, and overturned.

Harris and her 17 year-old passenger, Lexis Cunningham were transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Another passenger in the vehicle-2 month-old Jordan Harris was ejected from the vehicle, and died from his injuries.

Illinois State Police discovered in the investigation that the child restraint seat Jordan Harris was riding in was improperly installed and that the child was not properly secured in the device.

The crash remains under investigation with the Illinois State Police reconstruction unit.

>>KAMEG agents served a search warrant at the 300 block of N. Hammes Avenue in Kankakee Friday evening.

During the search, agents found several baggies of crack cocaine and cannabis packaged for sale with a street value of $1,000.

47 year-old Terry Lawhorn was arrested for possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

>>A Kankakee shooting victim, who was believed to be pregnant, was not afterall.

24 year-old Mara O’Conner was gunned down accidentally last Tuesday in the 200 block of South Orchard in Kankakee while walking home from a job interview.

O’Conner, who later died, was initially reported to have been pregnant at the time of her death, however, additional test results have proven otherwise.

Meanwhile, 20 year-old Devon Barker of Kankakee has been arrested in connection with O’Conner’s murder.

Barker was formally charged Thursday with one count of first degree murder and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

His bond has been set at $1 million.

Barker will go before the grand jury on March 18 where he may be indicted.

Illiana’s Local News Choice–94.1 WGFA & Talk 1360

Accident sends several to the hospital…Infant dies in wreck over the weekend…Kankakee Man gets a Court Date for the Death of a Kankakee Woman…

Weather: Expect the fog to burn off by early afternoon, giving way to mostly cloudy conditions. Warm…high 50.

Tonight: Cloudy with areas of dense fog after midnight…Low 34.

Tuesday: Rain returns to the area. High 52.

>>A multiple vehicle accident north of Watseka sent several people to the hospital earlier this morning.

The incident took place near Route 1 and County Road 2100 North at around 7:25 this morning.

The accident involved 12 vehicles and closed route 1 from US52 to US24 for several hours.

Illinois State Police are investigating the cause of the incident, but fog is a contributing factor to this multi-vehicle crash.

IDOT and Watseka Fire also assisted at the scene.

>>A one vehicle accident over the weekend claims the life of an infant.

The incident took place on I-57 near mile marker 282 in Onarga Township when a 1999 Suzuki SUV, driven by 51 year-old Pamela Harris, was travelling southbound on the interstate.

Harris drove off the roadway, entered the median, and overturned.

Harris and her 17 year-old passenger, Lexis Cunningham were transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Another passenger in the vehicle-2 month-old Jordan Harris was ejected from the vehicle, and died from his injuries.

Illinois State Police discovered in the investigation that the child restraint seat Jordan Harris was riding in was improperly installed and that the child was not properly secured in the device.

The crash remains under investigation with the Illinois State Police reconstruction unit.

>>KAMEG agents served a search warrant at the 300 block of N. Hammes Avenue in Kankakee Friday evening.

During the search, agents found several baggies of crack cocaine and cannabis packaged for sale with a street value of $1,000.

47 year-old Terry Lawhorn was arrested for possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

>>A Kankakee shooting victim, who was believed to be pregnant, was not afterall.

24 year-old Mara O’Conner was gunned down accidentally last Tuesday in the 200 block of South Orchard in Kankakee while walking home from a job interview.

O’Conner, who later died, was initially reported to have been pregnant at the time of her death, however, additional test results have proven otherwise.

Meanwhile, 20 year-old Devon Barker of Kankakee has been arrested in connection with O’Conner’s murder.

Barker was formally charged Thursday with one count of first degree murder and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

His bond has been set at $1 million.

Barker will go before the grand jury on March 18 where he may be indicted.

Illiana’s Local News Choice–94.1 WGFA & Talk 1360

CLOSED

Benton Community School Corp

Watseka Unit 9

Donovan Unit 3

Milford Public Schools

North Newton

1 Hour Delay

*No Career Center Bus

Cissna Park Schools

Goodland Head Start

St. Paul Lutheran

Crescent-Iroquois 249

2 Hour Delay

South Newton

Rensselaer Central School Corp.

Drug Arrest following a Traffic Stop on I-57…Woman caught in Gang-Related Shooting Crossfire in Kankakee…Ashkum Man gets a Date for a Indictment Dismissal Hearing

Weather: Expect clear, sunny skies throughout the Illiana area this afternoon. Temperatures will maintain normal readings. High around 41 with a light northwesterly wind.

Tonight…Mostly clear and starry skies…Low 21

Friday…Sunny and warmer. High 44.

>>A Kankakee woman became an unintended victim of a gang-related shoot-out in Kankakee on Tuesday.

24 year-old Maria O’Conner was caught in the cross fire as members of one gang began firing at another in the 200 block of South Orchard Avenue in Kankakee.

Police arrested 20 year-old Devon Barker of Kankakee in connection with the shooting and is being held without bond on preliminary charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, felony unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a stolen firearm.

>>A plea agreement is being worked on by prosecutors and a defense lawyer in a case involving an Ashkum man.

23 year-old Richard Smith is charged with theft of between $100,000 and $500,000 in connection with the theft of a Wal-Mart semi, parked at the Bradley location back in November.

Iroquois County Circuit Judge Gordon Lustfeldt on Monday scheduled the hearing for 9:30am on April 26th at the Iroquois County Courthouse on defense attorney Joe Anthony’s request to dismiss Smith’s indictment.

Though eligible for probation, the theft charge is a class 1 felony, punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison.

>>Illinois State Police are reporting an arrest following a traffic stop yesterday on I-57.

40 year-old Terrance Pringle of Texas was stopped Wednesday morning for speeding and expired registration.

The trooper then smelled a strong odor of burnt cannabis coming from Pringle’s vehicle.

A search uncovered 32 individual packages of suspected cannabis, a loaded handgun, 8 pieces of drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash.

Pringle was subsequently arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, armed violence, and possession of cannabis.

Illiana’s Local News Choice…94.1 WGFA & Talk 1360

Ag Day in Watseka…Formal Written Complaints Accepted next week…Severe Weather Prepardness Week Continues

Weather: Expect partly sunny skies throughout the area today with an afternoon high around 36.

Tonight: Partly Cloudy…low 21

Friday: Sunshine…high 44

Weekend outlook: sunshine continues Saturday with highs in the mid-40s, but rain moves in Saturday night into Sunday. Sunday’s high…50.

>>Approximately 70 farmers and producers were on-hand yesterday to hear presentations from various agriculture professionals. The First Trust and Savings Bank hosted Ag Day at Celebrations in Watseka.

Speakers at the event included Tammy Bohlmann of the local FSA Office, Dale Weaver of FTH Insurance, Vice President of Agribusiness at First Trust Neil Shippert, Meterologist Ed Keiser, and Farming America host Max Armstrong. First Trust and Savings Bank President, Kerry Bell, was also in attendance.

>>The Iroquois County Board of Review will meet at the Clifford Bury Administrative Center beginning on Monday and will be there through April 8th to accept formal written complaints on the 2009 assessed valuations. All complaints must be on an official form provided by the Board of Review, Chief County Assessment Officer or Township Assessor.

>>Severe Weather Prepardness Week continues throughout the State of Illinois, and WGFA reminds you about a few watches and warnings you may hear during this severe weather season…

A Flood Watch means that flooding or flash flooding is possible in the watch area. Prepare to move to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.

A Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or will soon occur in the warned area. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

A Flash Flood Warning means that a flash flood is occurring or is imminent. Move to higher ground immediately as flash floods develop quicker than river floods.

Stay tuned to WGFA throughout the severe weather season for up-to-the-minute coverage on any severe weather threats.

WGFA Radio–Illiana’s News Leader

WGFA News…Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois…2 fatally injured in Jasper County accident…Federal Unemployment benefits cut

<<WEATHER>> Expect mostly cloudy conditions throughout East-central Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Afternoon highs expected to reach 37 degrees with a breezy northerly wind around 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy… low 24.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny… high 37.

Extended forecast: Sunny skies through Saturday…normal temperatures…highs in the 40s.

It’s Severe Weather Prepardness Week in Illinois, a time to prepare your family, business, and schools for the possibility of dangerous spring weather that could affect the state of Illinois.

Safety tips are available to the public…go online to www.Ready.Illinois.gov or call (217) 785-9888 for a Severe Weather Prepardness Guide. Information can also be found at the National Weather Service’s Lincoln, IL webpage: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/

In addition, a TEST tornado warning will go into affect for the entire state of Illinois this morning at 10am. Take this time to go over safety proceedures in the event of a tornado warning being issued for your area.

——————————

Two Jasper County residents are dead following a one-car crash in Remington on Sunday night. 64-year-old George Christner of Goodland and 59-year-old Mary Jacobs of Remington were headed east on U-S 24 when the minivan driven by Christner crossed the center line, left the roadway, and hit a tree. Both Christner and Jacobs were ejected from the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. The wreck is still under investigation.

——————————

Thousands of unemployed Illinois citizens will lose their unemployment benefits this week. That’s due to Congress failing to pass a bill that extends federal unemployment insurance.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security says this month about 15,000 people in the state will be kicked off federal unemployment insurance programs every week.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security now has a link on their website that has helpful information for people who’ve exhausted their unemployment benefits. That can be found at: http://www.ides.state.il.us/resources/default.asp

WGFA Radio…Illiana’s News Leader

WGFA NEWS for Friday, February 26, 2010 >

WX > High near 30 today, sunny but wind chills near zero. NW wind at 10-20. Flurries Saturday, high near 35. Sunny Sunday, high near 36.

- Regional C-ship B-Ball tonight at Iroquois West and Watseka -

> The Discovery Recount in Iroquois County Thursday showed numbers were not scwewed during the primary election February 2nd. Elections results remain intact for the sales tax for publoic safety–which failed by a 10-vote margin. Finance leaders are reviewing the county’s financial conditions, but five sheriff’s department employees are expected to be laid-off March 5th.

> Newly-elected Iroquois County Board candidate Kyle Anderson will join the board early. Anderson was top vote-getter in District 2 February 2nd. He was selected to fill a vacancy following Art DeWitt’s resignation. Anderson was to be sworn-in in December with other winners from the primary, but will now take his seat at the March 9th County Board meeting.

> The validity of four more candidates are being challenged by the Porter County, Indiana Election Board when it meets at 2 p.m. Friday. All four of the candidates filed as Republicans to attend the party’s state convention June 18 and 19. Their party affiliation is being challenged by fellow registered voters from their district.

Tim Vojslavek is challenging G. Mike Cinko of Union Township on the grounds Cinko has not voted in a primary election to reveal his party status. County GOP Chair Joyce Webster is challenging Emily Pulley of Portage for having voted as a Democrat the last time she voted in a primary. The same charge is being made against Faith Jones and Scott Schafer of Center Township by Kenard Taylor.

The party delegates elected from Porter County are among 2,086 statewide who will be eligible to gather at the Indiana Convention Center to nominate this fall’s Republican candidates for secretary of state, and state auditor and treasurer, according to the party’s state headquarters. Democrats also plan to present the election board Friday with a couple challenges of their own.

> The Illiana Expressway won final approval by a wide margin in the Indiana House on Thursday. The House voted 89-6 to allow a public-private partnership to be used to build and develop the proposed toll road connecting Interstate 65 in Lake County with Interstate 55 in Illinois.

> Today is Ag Day at Buckley. The Ford-Iroquois Extension Ag Day finds WGFA Radio on hand for a live broadcast. Several speakers are scheduled to educate visitors during the day-long event at Christ Lutheran High School.

> Area fire departments answered a call to Sun River Terrace east of Kankakee Thursday. A house fire resulted in damage, but no damage estimates were available. The cause was under investigation.

> Residents in Limestone are looking for answers to their questions as to why some 30 trees are down. The trees were taken down on private property and might be related to a drainage re-route project. The Daily-Journal reports several residents were seeking answers at a local board meeting.

WGFA NEWS for Thursday, February 25, 2010 >

WX > Partly sunny today, high near 26 then dropping temps to near 19 later in the day. Wind chills near -3. NW wind at 15 mph.

- Watseka wins OT Regional thriller; CPCI, I-West also win -

> Ideas are welcome, suggestions will be considered; but as of now, March 5th is when five employees of the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department will be laid-off. Still dealing with the failed public safety tax referendum, the County Board Finance committee, although divided, is saying it can’t spend money that isn’t there.

A special committee meeting last evening ended following a closed door session with sheriff-elect Derek Hagen discussing personnel. Four road deputies and a correctional officer are scheduled to lose their jobs March 5th.

The committee voted down a motion filed by John Dowling to borrow $273,000 from a Solid Waste Fund to use to maintain the current force of deputies. Dowling said the loss of five good people now will cost more to replace later. Dowling’s motion was supported by Susan Wyn-Bence and Harriett Mowrey. But voting No were committee members Russell Bills, Kevin Hansen, Charlie Ault, Jim Meyer and Rod Copas…. #6

Meyer expressed total dismay in the lack of support from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the union representing the deputies. Local personnel suggested a willingness to make concessions to save jobs, but the state FOP wasn’t willing to give in….. {meeting} 1:57 #5

Talk of early retirements are thwarted by rules from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IRMF).

> A discovery recount happens today in Iroquois County. Five employees of the sheriff’s department requested the recount, to have another look at the safety tax referendum results from February’s primary election. County Clerk Lisa Fancher said the process does not involve taxpayers money ….. :38

The referendum failed by 10 votes. The recount takes place in the county board room at the Administrative Center.

> Dismal unemployment numbers are likely to continue for at least a couple more years, according to a state economist. Richard Kaye is with the Illinois Department of Labor. He was talking economics at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Kaye goes so far, as to say, two million of the eight million jobs lost nationally in the past few years will be lost forever.

Kaye– according to the Daily-Journal — said the jobs are lost forever through innovation or changing job responsibilities. Kaye said there is a changing nature in the job market. In previous recessions, people could wait out a recession. But a large number of these jobs will never return. Kaye’s advise is to prepare for the future.

> Extension Ag Day is tomorrow at Buckley. WGFA RADIO provides “live” reports from the Ford-Iroquois Extension Service Ag Day, which features special presentations from speakers scheduled all day long. Registration begins at 8 am. Topics of discussion will include Farm Family Emergency Response, Conservation Incentives in Agriculture, White Mold in Soybeans, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. The 2010 Fertilizer Outlook will also be presented by the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Assocation.

> Expo Ag is Saturday in Watseka. WGFA broadcasts again from the 2nd Annual Expo Ag at the Watseka Theatre. Over 20 vendors and businesses will exhibit and explain services. The Slow Boys Tractor Club will have antique tractors and equipment on display. The program runs from 8 am ’til 4 pm.

> New digital flood insurance rate maps are available for inspection in Iroquois County. The federal government is updating all flood maps. A Floodplain Mapping Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 6-8 pm at the Iroquois County Administrative Center.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites all county residents to attend and learn more about the project. Citizens can locate their property on the newly-produced digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and view the Flood Insurance Study Report (FIS).

> Sports—The Watseka Warriors won an OT thriller in 2A regional semi-final action last night. Watseka outlasted Momence 57-52 to advance to C-ship action vs PBL Friday. At Iroquois West, the host Raiders defeated Armstrong while CPCI was a 35-31 winner over Fisher. The T-wolves and Raiders meet in the title game Friday. Donovan meets G-S-W tonight in semi-final play at Wilmington while Dwight meets Illinois Lutheran. The winners play for the title Friday.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

WGFA NEWS for Wednesday, February 24, 2010 >

WX > Light snow may amount of an inch locally today, high near 25 with blustery NW winds at 10-20. A lake effect snow warning for Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, a foot of snow likely.

– Boys Regional B-Ball continues tonite on 94.1 FM, WGFA –

> Bond was set at $1-million in Kankakee Circuit Court for a 23-year-old mom, whose daughter was found un-responsive in her home. Gregoria Perez is jailed in Kankakee County. She’s charged with first-degree murder for the death of her infant girl. Thirteen-month-old Alma Perez was pronounced dead Friday at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital. Another three-year-old child was placed in protective custody.

> A former Crescent City resident was handed an 8-year prison term for delivering cocaine. 27-year-old Bradley D. Rose plead guilty in Iroquois Circuit Court. He was arrested last August 30th after Watseka Police and KAMEG conducted an investigation in which Rose delivered cocaine to an undercover agent.

> A search warrant executed at a residence on Fraser Avenue in Kankakee resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Jacob Hayden of Kankakee. KAMEG agents found 3.5 pounds of cannabis and a digital scale. Hayden was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

> A fatal accident Tuesday morning shut down Interstate 65 near Lowell, Indiana. The roadway had to be shut down after two semi-trucks collided with a tow truck, killing two people. Indiana State Police say the accident happened about five miles south of Lowell, Indiana and State Road 2. Traffic was stopped for a ten-mile stretch of the highway between the Lowell exit and the Demotte exit.

> A near head-on collision on U.S. 35 in Kingsbury, IN Tuesday morning instantly killed two people and a third person later died. A fourth person was seriously hurt. The names of the deceased and others involved have not been released.

LaPorte County sheriff’s police report shortly after 9 a.m., a southbound car veered across the median into the northbound lanes and collided with an oncoming SUV. Police said the driver’s side of the airborne car was facing the front of the SUV upon impact. Both drivers and a front seat passenger in the SUV are dead. The only survivor was a back seat passenger in the SUV. Police report the cause remained under investigation but witnesses reported the car traveling above normal speed. The road’s surface at the time of the crash was wet, but not snow covered.

> Eighteen members of the Milford Fire Department recently completed CPR training. February is National Heart Month and that means it is CPR time in the village of Milford. In advance of this weekend’s Community CPR classes, members of the Milford Fire Department have also spent time refreshing their CPR skills. Fifteen EMT’s and Firefighters completed CPR refresher training this month. They include: Jeff Anderson, Cory Birch, Jim Cook, Austin Crawford, Ernest Garrett, Randy Hiltz, Frank Hines, Fred Hines Jr, Jim Kunce, Amanda Lambert, Melinda McKay, Josh Sparling, Gary Toelstede and Kevin Woodby. Four of the newest members of the department completed basic CPR training. They are Bryon Brown, Adam Clutteur, Mike Lucht and Matt Longest.

{Classes were taught by Donna Brutlag, Terri Fanning and Georgia Woodby}.

The public may still register for the Community CPR Classes that will be held at the Milford Fire Department on Saturday 2/27 from 9AM-1PM and Sunday 2/28 from 1PM-5PM. Individuals only need to attend one session.

To register call Terri Fanning 815-432-7712 or 815-889-5203 or email marketing@iroquoismemorial..com. The course fee of $5 payable is on the day of the class. The Annual Community CPR classes are jointly sponsored by the Milford Fire Department and Iroquois Memorial Hospital.

> Danville Area Community College Trustees discussed a proposed increase in tuition last evening (Tues., Feb. 23rd). The Board is considering raising tuition by $10-per credit hour for in-district residents. The technology and activities fee would remain at $12.

President Alice Jacobs says the funding DACC receives from the State of Illinois is still at 1996 levels….

Dr. Jacobs notes the funding level for Illinois community colleges is much less than four-year-universities…

Although Danville Area Community College Board members are going to be discussing a proposed tuition increase this evening, a vote is not expected until March.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

The Jasper Newton Co. Relay for Life meeting at South Newton school has been cancelled for tonight.

WGFA NEWS for Tuesday, February 23, 2010 >

WX > Scattered snow flurries again today, mostly before noon, high near 34. NW wind at 5-10.

– Boys Prep Regional B-Ball resumes tonite on WGFA –

> Indiana State Police expect a section of I-65 to remain closed for several hours today after an accident in which two people died. The interstate is closed in both directions between Lowell and Demotte.

State Police at Lowell said the accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes and the semi-tractor trailer and SUV involved in the accident slid into the northbound lanes. Police and investigators from the Lake County coroner’s office remained at the scene just after 8:30 a.m.

Further details were not immediately available. The cause of the accident has yet to be released, although area police reported numerous slide offs and spin outs early today due to ice on the roads, particularly in rural areas and on side streets.

> The Watseka man accused of providing the gun that led to the shooting death of Roger McVay of Watseka last April has been sentenced to nine years in prison. 24-year-old Chad Walwer was handed the prison term Monday in Iroquois Circuit Court. Walwer plead guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon–in connection with the 2009 murder of McVay outside a Watseka tavern. State’s Attorney Jim Devine asked the court to impose a 25-year prison term, based on Walwer’s criminal background. Judge Gordon Lustfeldt delivered a nine-year sentence.

Co-defendant Jeffery Hite is still awaiting trial for murder. The 30-year-old Hite killed McVay outside McSki’s Tavern on Walnut Street.

> Bunge’s decision to cease its soybean crushing operations in Danville in April will cost 99 employees their jobs. But the plant will continue to employ 185 workers in its corn mill and grain elevator operations.

State Senator Mike Frerichs says he received only a few minutes notice before the company made the announcement public….

Frerichs, along with Mayor Scott Eisenhauer and State Representative Bill Black say the company gave no advanced warning…so there was no chance at the state level to try to avoid the cuts. Mayor Eisenhauer told us…
Representative Black thinks losing the jobs is not the community’s fault…

Mark Van Emmon, Vice President and General Manager of Bunge Oilseed Processing, says the company is faced with a soybean market that has more capacity than required to operate all of Bunge’s soybean processing assets as efficiently as possible. So he says the company made the difficult decision to discontinue soy operations in Danville.

>>

Bunge North America has announced it is discontinuing soybean processing and related operations at its Danville plant, effective April 23rd.

Deb Seidel, Director of Communications for Bunge North America, says the industry – overall – has an over-capacity for soybean processing….

Seidel adds the Danville plant will continue to handle soybeans as a grain elevator, and in addition, the corn-mill will remain open….
Mark Van Emmon, Vice President and General Manager of Bunge Oilseed Processing, says the company is “faced with a soybean market that has more capacity than required and to operate all of our soybean processing assets as efficiently as possible, we made the difficult decision to discontinue soy operations at Danville.”

“As a long-time member of the Danville community, we are disappointed that we must end soybean processing but we are pleased that we will continue to operate the corn mill and serve local farmers as an elevator.”

Bunge expects approximately 100 employees to be impacted by the discontinuation of soybean processing and related plant operations in Danville. The local plant will continue to employ more than 185 workers.

> A committee approved legislation Monday to authorize the Illiana Expressway, but the measure is likely to be changed again before a final House vote. Officials did not specify everything they’d like changed, but said a provision of the committee-revised legislation that requires public hearings in the most populous city in a county, as opposed to the county seat, ought to be altered.

The House Roads and Transportation Committee voted 10-2 Monday to send an amended version of Senate Bill 382 to the full House. Any representative can propose amendments now that the measure has reached the floor. Before forwarding the legislation, the committee made several changes to the proposal, which originally was approved by the Senate 48-0.

Among the changes, an economic impact study would have to be conducted before the state begins to solicit bids for the proposed toll road connecting Interstate 65 in Lake County with Interstate 55 in Illinois. Public hearings would have to be held before and after an operator is selected.

> The National Weather Service is projecting a “high probability” of spring flooding along parts of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries. Hydrologist Mark Fuchs says that several factors could lead to moderate or even major flooding in parts of Iowa, Illinois
and Missouri. Those factors include significant winter snow in northern states like North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, and heavy rain last fall in parts of Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.

That water became trapped in the soil when the ground froze. Once the ground thaws when the weather warms, significant runoff could cause rivers to rise. Heavy rain over the weekend already has some rivers in Missouri above flood stage, but no major damage is reported.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA

WGFA NEWS for Monday, February 22, 2010 >

WX > Rain and snow thru mid-morning, then flurries after noon. High near 36. Nw wind 10-15. Accumulations less than a half-inch.

- Boys Illinois Regional B-Ball tonite on WGFA, coverage of the I-West Regional at Gilman, Watseka Regional and G-S-W Regional -

> No injuries reported this morning, but a school bus in Pontiac apparently tipped over on a frontage road near the I-55 and Route 23 Interchange. Passing motorists say it appears only one person was on board at the time of the crash. Pontiac Police are investigating.

> A 23-year-old Kankakee mother is facing a murder charge following the death of her infant daughter. Gregoria Perez was arrested after the death of one-year-old Alma Perez. The baby was found unresponsive by emergency persponnel Friday at an apartment on South Chicago Avenue in Kankakee.

> A Kankakee family was left homeless Saturday. It was a kitchen fire in the 900 block of Wilson Drive near Kennedy Drive. No injuries were reported. Extensive damage was reported. The cause was under investigation.

> The National Weather Service reports a winter storm expected to drop six inches of snow on a good part of central-Illinois won’t materialize after all. The heavier bands of snowfall were re-directed northwest toward the Quad Cities, according to meteorologist Dan Kelly with the National Weather Service in Lincoln. A mixture of rain and snow is expected Monday. Accumulation is expected to maybe an inch.

> As local school districts struggle with funding woes caused by slow state payments, State Representative Bill Black says some help is on the way. The Danville legislator says the Governor’s Office and the State Board of Education have notified him that the State of Illinois has received approximately $1-billion dollars in federal stimulus funds for Elementary and Secondary Education.

Black says the funds were budgeted into the FY10 budget plan, and will be used by the State Board of Education to make the February 20th General State Aid payment, followed by the March 10th and March 20th payments.

Representative Black says the federal funds will provide some cash flow relief to the state’s General Revenue Fund, and will therefore allow for the reduction of the current backlog of the state’s unpaid bills.

Danville District 118 School Superintendent Mark Denman remains concerned about next year, though. He notes some federal stimulus funds have been plugged in to help with state aid payments this year, but those funds will apparently not be available next year. So Denman says the situation could get worse next year unless lawmakers approve some new source of revenues. And even if that occurs, Denman wonders how long it would take before those new revenues actually begin flowing to local school districts.

> A public hearing to address poverty is scheduled tonight in Danville. The hearing is at 6 pm at the David Palmer Arena. Area residents can give opinions on what the state should be doing about poverty. The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty is holding the event. Commission member Dwight Lucas of Danville says the panel has been looking at a variety of things including how people are disconnected from the workforce, chronically homeless individuals, school readiness and job placement and access to food among others.

Lucas explained what is going to be happening during the hearing….

Lucas is the Chief Executive Officer of the East Central Ilinois Community Action Agency. State Senator Michael Frerichs sponsored the bill to create the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty. When the bill passed in 2008, Vermilion County’s poverty rate was 18-percent, which was six percent higher than the statewide average.

Special Weather Statement
Statement as of 3:29 PM EST on February 19, 2010

…Potential for winter storm Sunday night into Monday…

A couple of upper level disturbances will affect northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana from tonight through Monday. The second of these systems has the potential to bring significant snow accumulations to portions of the region Sunday night into Monday.

A weak disturbance tracking east out of the plains will bring light snow accumulations to the area from tonight through Saturday. A stronger storm system from the Pacific will then track into the central and Southern Plains on Sunday. Light snow is expected to develop ahead of this disturbance across portions of northern and central Illinois Sunday afternoon. The intensity of snow is expected to increase Sunday night into Monday as the disturbance across the plains begins to track eastward. At this time it appears as though there is a potential for significant snow accumulations with some areas possibly receiving in excess of 6 inches of snowfall by Monday evening. There is still much uncertainty regarding the exact track of this storm which will not only have an impact on the location of heaviest snow…but also on the precipitation type. A storm track further to the north may result in mixed precipitation Sunday night into early Monday…
especially south of Interstate 80. Anyone planning travel across the region late this weekend into the early part of next week should keep up on later forecasts regarding this potential winter storm.

courtesy: www.iqesda.com

WGFA NEWS for Friday, Febrary 19, 2010 >

WX > Morning sunshine then increasing cloudiness today, high near 34. West winds at 5 mph. Light snow over the weekend, accumulations likely less than an inch.

– I-West at CPCI, Momence at Watseka, Boys B-Ball on WGFA –

> – Authorities at Northern Illinois University say a suspect is in custody after an early morning shooting on campus left one person injured. Police say the victim was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital for treatment. There are no details yet about that person’s condition.

Last week marked the two-year anniversary of a shooting rampage at NIU that left five students dead and 12 others injured before the gunman took his own life.

Friday’s shooting happened near Stevenson Hall, one of the residence halls on campus. And police believe it was an isolated incident between two individuals.

NIU issued a campus-wide alert shortly after the shooting, but officials say the campus will remain open and classes will be held as scheduled Friday.

> The case of the alleged “puppy mill” in rural St. Anne has been continued until February 26th in Kankakee Circuit Court. And the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights is in a holding pattern concerning any sales or adoptions of any dogs seized in a raid last week. The Daily-Journal reports a temporary injunction is in place after court action Thursday.

The Cook County Humane Society has been temporarily barred from adopting out or selling any of the dogs seized from a rural St. Anne dog breeder accused of running a “puppy mill.” Potential charges, or the lack of charges, against the dog breeders involved in the case raise questions. A 1:30 pm hearing next Friday (Feb 26) may sort out details.

Associate Judge James Kinzer Thursday granted an emergency request for a temporary injunction, preventing the Humane Society in Chicago Heights from selling or adopting out any of the 53 dogs and puppies seized last week from two sisters who breed designer “lap dogs.”

Sisters Pat Gorecki and Karen Brownfield filed the emergency request for the injunction, stating that criminal charges haven’t been filed against either woman. Conflicting reports out of Cook County last Friday indicated 57-yr-old Karen Brownfield had been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Gorecki has not been charged. The Cook County sheriff’s police, Illinois State Police officers, and humane society investigators raided the rural St. Anne site along Illinois Route One Feb. 12. They confiscated 53 dogs and puppies, which officers and humane investigators said were living in cruel and neglectful conditions. Neighbors to the site have come to the defense of the breeders, saying the dogs were taken care of in a proper way.

> The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty will be holding a public hearing in Danville Monday (Feb. 22nd). Commission member Dwight Lucas of Danville says the panel has been looking at a variety of things including how people are disconnected from the workforce, chronically homeless individuals, school readiness and job placement and access to food among others…

Lucas says Monday evening’s hearing is an opportunity for area residents to give their opinions on what the state should do about poverty. The hearing begins at six p.m. Monday at the David S. Palmer Arena.

> Another suspect in custody in that theft case at the former Swissland packing Plant at Ashkum. Iroquois County Sheriff’s police returned from the Markham Police Department Thursday with 35-year-old Jabari Debose of Harvey. He was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for burglary, criminal damage to property and theft. Debose is the 4th suspect arrested in the case, which involved the theft of copper wiring and tubing from the now-shuttered manufacturing plant.

“Your Illiana News Source” …. 94.1 FM, WGFA

WGFA NEWS for Thursday, February 18, 2010 >

WX > A cloudy start, then gradual sunshine, high near 33. West wind at 10 mph.

- Boys B-Ball on WGFA tonight: Benton Central vs S. Newton 6:30 -

> A first-ever nationwide report ranks Iroquois County 30th and Ford County 20th in the state of Illinois when looking at the health of its residents. The numbers are not so good in Livingston (85th), Kankakee (84th) and Vermilion (96th) counties in the ranks among the 102 counties in the state.

County Health Rankings — by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin — ranks health of counties by state using a formula to measure the health of residents and how long they live. Generally speaking, poor and rural counties ranked lower than wealthier urban and suburban counties, highlighting the connection between fewer resources and poor health.

Among area counties, lowest on the list was Vermilion, Kankakee and Livingston County. Linda Rhodes, health education and marketing director with Livingston county’s health department, said she needs to analyze the results but the ranking was not a shock “because we know we have problems that we need to address.”

Livingston County has higher-than-average rates of smoking, sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol abuse “but these are not necessarily things that public health can deal with on its own,” Rhodes said. “These are things the entire community must address.”

Report researchers used five measures to assess the overall health of counties: the rate of people dying before age 75; the percent of people who report being in fair or poor health; the number of days people report being in poor physical and mental health; and the rate of low birth weight infants.

Among factors that affected residents’ health were: smoking; obesity; binge drinking; teen birth and Chlamydia rates; lack of health insurance and a primary care provider; preventable hospital stays; education; unemployment; poverty; single-parent households; violent crime; unhealthy air; liquor store density; and lack of access to healthy foods.

> Vermilion County Health Department Administrator Steve Laker says some type of coalition needs to be formed to change the county’s poor health rating. And some countywide stakeholders have already launched that effort.

Steve Runyon, Director of Special Education for Danville District 118 Schools, says he realizes the schools will be a key player…

Chad Hays is Vice-President of Development Admissions Services at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. He says part of the solution lies with parents….
Hays adds some positive steps are already being taken to solve the problems….

Hays and Runyon were two of the community stakeholders who discussed the health ratings during a meeting at the Vermilion County Health Department Wednesday afternoon.

> Imprisoned former Illinois Governor George Ryan is trying to get out of jail early. Ryan was sent to a federal prison back in 2006 after he was convicted on corruption charges. Now, his lawyers are asking for clemency from the President because of health reasons.

Ryan’s attorney says Ryan has health problems, including kidney disease and infected teeth. He says Ryan’s 75-year-old wife, Lura Lynn, has a terminal lung disease, and has to be on oxygen 24 hours a day.

> A former Director of the Vermillion County, Indiana Emergency Management Agency has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft charges. Sixty-nine year old Ramon Colombo of Clinton was arrested after an investigation revealed he obtained items for personal use with Department of Homeland Security funds. The items included three LCD televisions, kitchen appliances and a tractor.

An investigation conducted by Indiana State Police, the Indiana Office of Inspector General and Department of Homeland Security found that Colombo hid the purchases in otherwise legitimate contracts with the county. {Vermilion County First}

> The Illinois Senate Executive Committee has pushed through a bill that would allow colleges and universities to borrow more money. Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard said that would help make up for what the state has not paid.

Republicans opposed part of the bill which would allow some of the money to be spent on Medicaid that would make the state eligible for a federal Medicaid match. Republicans say they like the idea of borrowing for schools but not “shoe-horning” in the Medicaid provision. The bill passed down party lines and now heads to the floor.

94.1 FM, WGFA — since 1961

WGFA NEWS for Wednesday, February 17, 2010 >

WX > Snow flurries, high near 30. NW wind at 10-15 mph.

– High School B-Ball tonight: Watseka at P-B-L on 94.1 FM –

> A 10-vote difference now confirms Iroquois County’s proposed public safety tax failed. Election results surfaced Tuesday when absentee ballots–still outstanding from the February 2 Illinois primary–were officially counted. Just six of 65 absentee ballots were returned to Iroquois County election officials. And four of those were NO votes. The two YES votes produced the final vote: 3,434 against the referendum with 3,424 in favor.

Tuesday marked the deadline for return of any still-outstanding absentee ballots. County Clerk Lisa Fancher points out however, proponents are considering a discovery recount. The election results will be canvassed today.

Other candidates are also considering a discovery recount. County Board District 2 candidate Wade Bell lost his bid for a seat by a single vote.

> A co-defendant in an Iroquois County Armed Robbery case pled guilty Tuesday in Circuit Court. 25-year-old Noelle Huss of Pontiac entered her guilty plea to a Class X felony for the December 2007 robbery of Iroquois Federal in Clifton. Judge Gordon Lustfeldt set a March 30 sentencing date at 1:30 pm. She faces between 6-12 years in prison.

Huss carried out the crime with her then-boyfriend Jason Satterfield, who’s already been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Judge Lustfeldt handed Satterfield an 18-year prison term for the Iroquois Federal robbery.

Satterfield was sentenced to 12-years just last Friday in Ford County. Judge Steve Pacey handed down the sentence for the 2007 robbery of the vermilion Valley Bank of Kempton. Satterfield and Huss were also implicated in bank robberies in Livingston and Woodford counties. The couple entered guilty pleas to the robberies which occurred in November and December 2007.

> A Rochelle man faces up to 12 years in prison after police found approximately two pounds of marijuana in his car following a traffic stop Sunday in Minonk. 37-yr-old William Pillion was stopped by police and officers searched the vehicle after detecting a strong odor of marijuana, Woodford County State’s Attorney Michael Stroh said in a news release. During the search, officers located two separate bags of marijuana.

Pillion has been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of cannabis. Pillion remains in Woodford County jail in lieu of posting $25,000 bond. His next court date is March 8.

WGFA NEWS for Tuesday, February 16, 2010 >

WX > Additional snow showers, high near 29 today. West to NW wind at 15 mph.

> Several area fire departments battled a two-story house fire Monday morning along State Line Road in rural Beaverville. The vacant house was engulfed in flames when firemen arrived shortly after 3 am, according to fire department spokesman Jim LeVeque. Firefighters were on the scene for 3-plus hours. No injuries to report. The cause is under investigation.

Fire departments answering the box-alarm included: Beaverville, Papineau, Martinton, Aroma Park, St. Anne, Pembroke, Donovan, Concord and Morocco, IN.

> The Milford Fire Department is teaming up again with Iroquois Memorial Hospital to offer CPR training. During National Heart Month, the Milford Fire Department and IMH offers their Annual Community CPR training on Saturday, February 27 from 9AM-1:00 PM and Sunday, February 28 from 1-5:00 PM. Participants need only attend one session. Classes will be taught at the Milford Fire Station.

Terri Fanning, Director Volunteers/Marketing at IMH and a longtime volunteer EMT with the Milford Fire Department notes there are many good reasons to take the class. “The public needs to know important things such as how to recognize life threatening emergencies, including Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Stroke and Choking and how to call for help. They also need to know what to do until help arrives-including performing CPR, how to operate a public access Defibrillator and how to help someone who is choking,” she said.

“Every year area families face unexpected emergencies. Fanning said the worst thing is to feel completely overwhelmed where you have no idea what to do. A Community CPR class lays a solid foundation that will help individuals feel more confident in responding to emergencies. “We encourage families to attend-parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren (fifth grade and up),” she added. Groups are also welcome to attend.

Registration is required and there is a fee of $5. To register please call Terri Fanning at 815-432-7712 or 815-889-5203 or e-mail marketing@iroquoismemorial.com.

> A new water well is being drilled in the Ford County town of Roberts after problems developed last week. As a result, residents are still being asked to conserve water until the issue is resolved. Mayor Rick Flessner told WGFA News a small hole in the screen at the bottom of the well was allowing sand and other foreign materials into the water supply. Water Superintendent Ron Williams is working with Meadows Well & Pump of Rolling Meadows to solve the problem. A new well is expected to be drilled today. The community is getting its water from a back-up well while repairs are made, but the well’s capacity is much less so residents are being asked to conserve water until further notice.

Meanwhile–a section of Roberts is under a boil order after two water-main breaks were discovered Friday. Repairs were made. The mayor said until the EPA finalizes its testing of water samples, the boil order will remain in place.

The Roberts boil order affects those residents on Adda Street, West Weldon Street, west of Locust; and also Locust Street from Adda to Green Street.

> Four of the seven unions that represent Danville city workers have contacted the mayor about accepting a wage freeze in the new budget year that begins May 1. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer would not specify which have made contact or whether any have already agreed to a freeze, but he did indicate discussions are ongoing. Eisenhauer said employees also have contacted him about taking up to five voluntary furlough days.

The wage freeze is one of a few major cost-saving measures that city officials hope will reduce expenses enough to avoid eliminating employees. Last year, more than 20 positions were cut, leaving the city with about 250 employees; the majority of those workers are in three divisions: police, fire and public works. Furloughs are another measure city administrators have proposed, in addition to some changes in employee health insurance that could yield as much as $500,000 in annual savings to the city.

City officials have been working for weeks to draft a balanced budget in light of a projected deficit because of lagging revenues and increasing expenses.

> Gas prices have been dropping around Illiana. Local prices are around $2.49 a gallon. The average price of gas is around $2.44 a gallon throughout Bloomington-Normal. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices may drop further, but will rebound soon.
DeHaan says the drop in prices is due to manufacturer’s dumping winter gas supplies as they prepare for the switch to more expensive summer mixes. He predicts gas prices will remain relatively stable in 2010 while gasoline demand is at its lowest since the 1990’s.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA