Politics and Government

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Danville attorney Wolgamot resigns, to plead to tax fraud

DANVILLE – Danville attorney John "Pat" Wolgamot resigned Wednesday as the city's corporation counsel and is expected to plead guilty today in a federal tax-fraud case.

Wolgamot's attorney, Ted Poulos of Cotsirilos, Tighe and Streicker in Chicago, said that Wolgamot will plead guilty to one count at a hearing this morning in federal court in Urbana. Poulos did not say which count it would be or what Wolgamot's sentence could entail.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Champaign County Board's vote on schools tax now a formality

URBANA – The Champaign County Board is likely to approve a referendum for a countywide schools tax Thursday, but a more meaningful vote could come later.

Board Chairman C. Pius Weibel said the board is handcuffed in its vote, since a recent state law says that if school districts representing 51 percent of the county's students want it, it goes on the ballot – in this case, in November.

Hospice license plates not selling as petition for them promised

SPRINGFIELD – Lonnie Dirks worked hard to get Illinois to create a new specialty license plate that could raise money for hospice programs.

But, two years after the Secretary of State began offering the hospice plate Dirks designed, only 87 of them have been sold.

Tolono has surplus of funds for project

TOLONO – Officials have identified more potential funding than needed for the Rocket Road overpass.

The proposed bridge would carry County Road 800 N (Rocket Road) over U.S. 45 and the town's north/south railroad tracks. The project's head engineer, Tom Overmyer of Foth Infrastructure & Environment LLC, told the village board Tuesday that projected funds total $12.3 million, while the bridge is expected to cost $9.7 million.

Dispute over county purchase resolved

URBANA – A kerfuffle between two county officials resolved itself peacefully within a day.

On Tuesday, Champaign County Auditor Tony Fabri, a Democrat, rejected a $41,000 no-bid contract sent over earlier by County Clerk Mark Shelden, a Republican.

Catlin Village Board members want lift-station problems addressed

CATLIN – Village officials said on Tuesday that they want longstanding problems with the wastewater lift station near the Webster Street bridge addressed and corrected.

Catlin Village Board members reviewed lift station photos taken by board member Dave Biggerstaff and a report of the lift station provided by Gasvoda & Associates, Inc. of Calumet City.

Jakobsson to hold office hours at Urbana Sweetcorn Festival

URBANA – State Rep Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, will hold office hours at the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival.

She'll meet with constituents from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday in downtown Urbana.

Danville City Council OKs billing contract with sanitary district

DANVILLE – After months of study, the city of Danville has officially decided to hand over its sewer and garbage billing to the Danville Sanitary District, beginning Jan. 1.

Next, city officials will determine what each household will be charged for sewer service, because the switch means residents will pay a flat rate after Jan. 1 rather than a charge based on consumption. Commercial accounts will continue to be consumption based.

Champaign arborist says insect could cause $1.7 million in damage to ash trees

CHAMPAIGN – The emerald ash borer is getting closer to Champaign County and, if it makes its way here, fully 10 percent of the urban tree canopy in Champaign is at risk, according to Champaign city arborist Bill Vander Weit.

Vander Weit, in a short presentation to the city council Tuesday night, said that ash trees make up 10.5 percent of all the trees in Champaign and number about 2,200.

DACC trustees OK $1 million loan for campus upgrades

DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College trustees on Tuesday took another step toward issuing $1 million in bonds to make much-needed improvements to technology across campus.

Trustees authorized the college to enter into a $1 million debt certificate, or installment loan, with First Financial Bank in Ridge Farm, which is offering an annual interest rate of 2.6 percent. By law, the college must show debt before it can proceed with a bond sale.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Rantoul mayor opposes proposed dog-breed ban

RANTOUL – Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams said one of his closest friends was a Rottweiler dog named Otis.

"I'll always treasure his companionship," said Williams, who owned Otis for 10 years. "My mother and sister also had Rottweilers. They are among the kindest and gentlest dogs, and they are great to be around."

Williams opposes a plan by village board member Chuck Smith to ban Rottweilers, pit bulls and Doberman pinschers from Rantoul.

Rantoul village trustee proposes banning certain dog breeds

RANTOUL – A Rantoul village board member wants to ban pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers from the village and set limits on the number of other dogs residents will be allowed to have.

Rantoul Trustee Chuck Smith proposed the ordinance after a village inspector found 19 pit bulls inside a single family home in Rantoul.

"I'd like to ban certain breeds and set limits on other breeds," Smith said on Monday. "We need to ban pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers based on the reputations of the animals, not the owners."

Monday, August 18, 2008

Rantoul's new noise ordinance raises a racial concern

RANTOUL – The president of the Champaign County NAACP is concerned that a new noise ordinance adopted last week by the Rantoul Village Board may be used to target minorities.

"The local minority leaders and other residents seem to believe such a measure may be targeting a particular race of people," said the Rev. Jerome C. Chambers, president of the Champaign County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Group seeks openness in Champaign County government

URBANA – A citizens group wants to make it harder for the county board to go into closed session and easier for residents to succeed in Freedom of Information Act requests.

Dianna Visek is a leader of a nonpartisan group that will go before the Champaign County Board's policy committee Sept. 3 with the proposed resolutions on county open government. They were discussed briefly amid a crowded agenda in August's policy meeting.

New law allows school to avoid money penalty for closures

When schools are forced to shut down for a day for whatever reason, be it a death threat or a tornado, the repercussions go beyond the physical damage of the acts and the lost learning time, said state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville.

Up until last week, schools lost a portion of their state aid because of that missed day at school, a loss that could amount to thousands of dollars, Black said, and one that newly passed House Bill 4309 purports to solve.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Urbana proposing zoning changes

URBANA – The city is proposing to rezone scores of properties in east Urbana to prevent owners from replacing older homes with small apartment buildings.

The Urbana Plan Commission will consider a wide-ranging proposal to downzone 154 properties at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the City Building, 400 S. Vine St.

MTD ready to start service along U.S. 45

SAVOY – At a study session this week, village board members discussed the probable MTD annexation of certain properties along the Dunlap Avenue/U.S. 45 corridor, between Curtis and Airport roads.

Mayor Robert McCleary told the board on Wednesday that not many parcels along the route will be affected.

Fisher board reaches agreement with developer

FISHER – The village board and Heritage Estates developer Steve Zehr have an agreement.

Thursday night Zehr paid the village $23,700 for portions of several streets in the subdivision that don't meet state standards for concrete thickness and one area where topsoil was evident in the subgrade beneath the concrete.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

FAA delays drainage project at former Chanute Air Force Base

RANTOUL – The Air Force's plan to excavate dirt on the former Chanute Air Force Base to improve drainage in south Rantoul and to backfill an excavation area may be delayed because it doesn't have permission from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Chanute Redevelopment Commission member Denny Long told the commission Wednesday that the FAA has put a hold on a proposal to remove 50,000 yards of dirt on the south side of the airport.

Intersection going to all-way stop in Danville

DANVILLE – Beginning today at 7 a.m., the stop lights at Vermilion and Seminary streets were to be deactivated, so drivers should treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

The lights will be deactivated and stop signs installed for 90 days as part of a study to determine whether traffic would flow better as an all-way stop at that intersection.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Car-sharing business gets green light in C-U, Campustown

CHAMPAIGN – City council members gave their enthusiastic backing Tuesday night to creation of a car-sharing program in Champaign-Urbana, despite the fact that it could wind up costing the city thousands of dollars if drivers don't use it.

Meeting in study session, Champaign council members voted 8-0 in favor of directing staff to complete an intergovernmental agreement with Urbana, the University of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, all of whom will share equally in the costs, and risks, of the car-sharing program.

Proposed contract changes get mixed reaction in Homer

HOMER – Mayor David Lucas' recommendation that village trustees restructure the tax increment funding contract with developers of the proposed Heritage Ranch subdivision has received a mixed reaction from trustees.

The proposed changes to the contract would increase the total possible reimbursement to $687,000. The original redevelopment contract, approved last February, was for a maximum of $600,000. Lucas' proposal would also change the reimbursement schedule to a sliding scale, giving Gordon Highlander-LLC a greater proportion of TIF dollars earned on the development in the first years of property sales.

Gibson City OKs ordinance changes, increased fees

GIBSON CITY – The cost of having property that needs to be cleaned up, or that needs to be rezoned, is going up in Gibson City.

At Monday night's meeting, council members approved changes in ordinances, and fee increases.

Ford County hires zoning enforcement officer

PAXTON – At the recent Ford County Board meeting, Larry Knilands of Piper City was appointed as the county's first zoning enforcement officer for a six-month trial period beginning Aug. 13.

He will be paid $8.75 per hour for the part-time position with no benefits.

Fisher, developer near deal on streets for subdivision

FISHER – It appears an agreement is imminent between the village board and Heritage Estates developer Steve Zehr.

At a Tuesday meeting of the street, alley and drainage committee, Zehr and committee members reached an understanding of what Zehr will pay the village for portions of several streets in the subdivision that don't meet state standards for concrete thickness and one area where topsoil was evident in the subgrade.

Rantoul Products founder named new village administrator

RANTOUL – The man who helped found Rantoul Products more than 24 years ago is returning to the community as Rantoul's new village administrator.

Following a 22-minute closed session, the Rantoul Village Board voted 6-0 Tuesday to hire Bruce W. Sandahl.

Record attendance seen at migrant school in Rantoul

RANTOUL – School officials reported record attendance at this Rantoul Township High School's migrant school.

More than 200 young people attended classes this summer, according to Migrant Elementary School Principal Todd Wilson and Migrant Middle School and High School Principal Scott Amerio. It's by far the highest enrollment for the program.

New Vermilion County Board member sworn in

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County board welcomed a new board member Tuesday night when businessman Robert Boyd, 46, of Danville was sworn in and took the seat vacated earlier this year by Karen Jones-McKissack.

Boyd, who was appointed and sworn in during Tuesday night's regular county board meeting, will fill the remainder of McKissack's term, which continues through 2010. He will serve in District 8 along with the other two board members in that district, Ivadale Foster and Daniel Walls Sr.

Westville village officials tackling sewer problems

WESTVILLE – Village officials may have some additional sewer-improvement projects in their future, Mayor Jeff Slavik said Tuesday.

Slavik said that at a July 24 meeting, representatives from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Attorney General's Office told him Westville's sanitary sewers were an insufficient collection system during severe rain events.

Danville committee approves new billing for garbage, sewer

DANVILLE – City officials moved closer Tuesday night to changing the way residents are billed for sewer and garbage services.

By a 4-2 vote, the Danville City Council's public works committee approved a five-year contract with the Danville Sanitary District to take over billing for sewer and garbage services. Alderman Rick Strebing, Ward 2, and Alderman Terry Baldwin, Ward 4, voted against the proposed contract.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Urbana councilman was fiercely devoted to constituents

URBANA – Joseph Whelan was known to most Urbana residents as Mr. Republican, the only elected Republican in Urbana city government for many of his 26 years of service on the city council.

But to his two granddaughters, he was the man behind "the candy tree."

Rossville fire board OKs putting bond proposal on ballot

ROSSVILLE – The Rossville Area Fire Protection District board voted unanimously Monday night to put a bond proposal on the November ballot to pay for the new fire station.

The board hopes November's vote goes as smoothly as Monday's, and that's why the board is already planning an informational campaign that will lead up to the general election on Nov. 4.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Danville committee to review flat-rate sewer-billing proposal

DANVILLE – Beginning Jan. 1, Danville residents should always know how much their sewer bill is before they even open it.

The city plans to initiate a flat-rate billing system next year for sewer bills under a proposal to turn over billing for sewer and garbage to the Danville Sanitary District. Business, commercial and industrial sewer bills, however, will continue to be consumption-based.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Community Action Team boosts policing in Garden Hills

Champaign police were busy Wednesday night in the Garden Hills neighborhood with a shooting and an unrelated home invasion.

In contrast, two weeks earlier, a group of juveniles swarmed around Champaign police officers who passed out stickers to kids at the Joann Dorsey Homes.

Those wanting ballot questions will have to organize earlier

It just got harder to put a question to voters via annual township meetings.

Some local activists who have used the technique aren't too happy about that, calling it a "sad direction" for government. But others are just fine with it, saying it will end the "hijacking" of meetings.

One lane of Randolph Street in Champaign to close Monday

CHAMPAIGN – Motorists may want to avoid a portion of Randolph Street in downtown Champaign on Monday.

Weather permitting, one lane of Randolph Street between Church and Park streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. while a new liner is installed in the storm sewer underneath.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Champaign school board to be updated on sales-tax proposal

CHAMPAIGN – If county voters approve the creation of 1 percent sales tax in November to be used for school building needs, the Champaign school district said it will use its share of the money to lower property taxes.

But the question school board President Dave Tomlinson gets all too often is, how do we know you're going to do that?

Plan to stabilize downtown Rossville buildings OK'd

ROSSVILLE – Just one week ago, Rossville Village Board members held an open meeting to give residents an opportunity to ask questions about its plan to stabilize several village-owned downtown buildings.

On Thursday, the board voted unanimously to do exactly that, using tax-increment-financing-district money for the project. In addition, the board approved a $79,000 proposal by Contois Masonry & Concrete Contractors of Donovan for the masonry work on buildings at 114, 116 and 118 on the north side of East Attica Street and 113, 115 and 117 on the south side of the street.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Local businessman up for appointment

DANVILLE – Local Democrats have chosen a former Danville alderman and businessman for appointment to a vacant seat on the Vermilion County board.

The board on Tuesday will consider appointing Robert Boyd, 46, of Danville to the District 8 seat vacated by Democrat Karen Jones-McKissack, who resigned in June.

Farmers' market responds to need at public health district

CHAMPAIGN – There was fresh corn on the cob, and plenty of it.

Ripe tomatoes, peaches, squash, berries, potatoes, onions and peppers, too.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

County board committee advances school tax proposal

URBANA – Champaign County taxpayers could see property tax rebates in exchange for a sales tax increase under an agreement with county school districts.

The county board's policy committee voted 5-2 Wednesday to send the schools sales tax election issue on to the full board, which meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Brookens Center, 1776 W. Washington St., U.

Virginia Theatre could reap benefits from OTB

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Park District stands to reap about $50,000 a year if the local off-track betting parlor moves to Jupiter's at the Crossing in Champaign later this year as planned.

Park district Executive Director Bobbie Herakovich said local park districts are supposed to get a portion of revenues from OTBs, and she'll likely recommend the money go for ongoing renovation of the Virginia Theatre. But if the Urbana Park District's experience is any indication, the Champaign district shouldn't count its chickens too soon.

Panel to plan for future of Urbana school district's facilities

URBANA – Twelve people from around Urbana have a mission.

Their challenge, now that the school board has accepted them, will be to peer 10 years into the future of Urbana schools and come up with something more than fixing stairs or repainting an entrance.

Nursing home tax subsidy issue won't be on ballot

URBANA – There won't be a Champaign County Nursing Home tax subsidy proposal on the November ballot.

At the county's policy committee Wednesday night, the issue was tabled by a voice vote, meaning it won't be on the full board's agenda Aug. 21, which would have been the last board meeting before the deadline for approving a referendum proposal.

Savoy trustees question need for fishing dock this year

SAVOY – When the village received a $50,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help cover the cost of a fishing dock at Colbert Park, the amenity was a pleasant surprise.

But after reviewing a proposed design on Wednesday and noting the cost was about $45,000 more than the $75,000 budgeted, some village trustees questioned the need for a dock at this time.

Savoy annexation not done, but MTD plans start of service

SAVOY – The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District may start some service to certain areas in Savoy as early as the next few weeks, despite the fact the agreed-upon annexations have not taken place.

Village Manager Richard Helton said Wednesday that he met with MTD representatives, who said the MTD is working to get an annexation plat put together but has run into problems with personnel issues.

Land purchase for FutureGen project proceeding

MATTOON – The parties involved in attempting to bring the FutureGen clean power plant to Mattoon will finish buying the land next week.

Coles Together and the FutureGen Alliance are basically splitting the $6.5 million cost of about 400 acres that have potential to allow the storage of liquefied carbon dioxide deep underground.

Philo cracking down on golf carts

PHILO — Village officials want to get the word out to the public that it's illegal to operate golf carts on the town's streets.

The village board Wednesday directed Deputy Clerk Susan Helmink to explain the state law regarding golf carts in the village's next newsletter. The board also decided to ask the Champaign County sheriff's office to step up its enforcement.

Rantoul guarantees state's share of airport lighting costs

RANTOUL – Village trustees have agreed to guarantee the state's share of the cost of airport lighting upgrades to ensure that the project goes ahead.

"The design work is done, the contractor has been selected, but the state has not released funding, so we've been asked to guarantee their portion," Comptroller Scot Brandon said at a special meeting Tuesday.

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley board OKs teachers' contract

GIBSON CITY – The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school board unanimously approved salaries for district personnel during a special meeting Wednesday, including ratifying a new three-year contract with district teachers.

The agreement with certified teaching staff will cost the district $604,736 in new money for salary and benefits, or a 12.14 percent increase over its three-year term, according to Superintendent Chuck Aubry.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Despite protests, bar owner pushing ahead with OTB plans

CHAMPAIGN – Carlos Nieto said he intends to push ahead with plans to open an off-track betting parlor at Jupiter's at the Crossing, despite neighbors' complaints to the Champaign City Council.

Nieto wouldn't project an opening date for the OTB Wednesday morning, but said "the sooner, the better." He said he hosted a meeting for residents of southwest Champaign on Sunday night, with 40 or 50 in attendance.

Officials hope Zipcars can ease congestion

 

You could be renting a Mini Cooper by the hour in Champaign-Urbana by October.

The University of Illinois, the cities of Champaign and Urbana and the twin cities' Mass Transit District are working out the last details of an agreement with Zipcars, which rents a wide variety of vehicles by the hour in cities like Washington, D.C.

Fate of proposed Homer subdivision up in air

Homer – The fate of a new Heritage Ranch Subdivision is still up in the air, thanks to the rising costs of development and a weak real estate market.

At a special meeting Monday night, the village board adopted an ordinance amendment, allowing oil and chip roads to be installed in new subdivisions. All other roads in the village are oil and chip, but current ordinance had required asphalt or cement for new subdivisions.

Tolono trustee complains about train noise

TOLONO – Mike Golish thinks noisy trains are the biggest quality-of-life issue facing Tolono.

The Tolono trustee Tuesday tried his best to convince his fellow village board members that they need to stifle that noise. Golish wants to hire village engineer David Happ to do an analysis of the changes need to create "quiet zones" in which train operators are relieved of a federal rule that requires that whistles be sounded every time a train approaches a railroad crossing.

Monticello council discusses traffic changes

MONTICELLO – Downtown Monticello may be in store for traffic changes.

Councilman Vince Kuetemeyer lobbied for members to consider prohibiting parking on the west side of North State Street during the council's study session on Monday.

Group wants to move Sidney Summer Fun Daze to park

SIDNEY – The village's annual summer festival may get a new home.

Sidney Summer Fun Daze, which is organized by the Sidney Improvement Group, has been held downtown for the last five years. Sidney Improvement Group member Keith Kropp approached the village board Monday to ask about the possibility of moving the event to Witt Park, which is in the northwest corner of the village.

Thomasboro looking at increasing water rates

THOMASBORO – A 20 percent water rate increase is being considered by the Thomasboro Village Board to offset the costs of needed repair work to the water tower.

Now, the minimum amount for residents is $7.50 per month for the first 1,000 gallons of water used and $1.75 per 1,000 gallons after. This has not been raised since 1999.

Danville seeks action on burned-out downtown building

DANVILLE – City officials have asked the owner of a burned-out downtown Danville building to make an immediate decision on whether to preserve, restore or demolish what remains once insurance companies are finished with their work.

Mayor Scott Eisenhauer told the city council Tuesday night that city officials have been meeting with Tinley Lippie, owner of the building in the 100 block of North Vermilion Street, which burned on March 26.

Catlin officials to keep enforcing established water bill rules

CATLIN – Village board members discussed the procedures for handling overdue water bills from customers Tuesday night, and decided to stick with the established guidelines as a rule.

Commissioner Dave Biggerstaff initially suggested giving residents more time to pay overdue water bills, but other board members said they wanted to follow the village ordinances under most circumstances.

Danville TIF district proposal gains support

DANVILLE – Ann Lilley has lived on East Main Street for more than 20 years and worked at nearby Danville Area Community College for 17 years.

She told the Danville city council Tuesday night that a proposed tax-increment-financing district on East Main Street would benefit the college, its students and the neighborhood.

Danville OKs rebate to Village Mall for Steve & Barry's

DANVILLE – The Danville City Council granted its first-ever retail incentive agreement Tuesday night by giving back some sales tax revenue to the Village Mall for the benefit of the Steve & Barry's and Famous Labels stores.

In the agreement, the city will rebate to the Village Mall, 2917 N. Vermilion St., a portion of the sales tax revenue collected from Steve & Barry's and Famous Labels for five years, retroactive to 2006, the year both stores came to the mall.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Farmer City residents get information on pedestrian path

FARMER CITY – A half-dozen residents from the Prairie Ridge subdivision on the city's southwestern edge attended Monday's Farmer City Council meeting to ask about plans for a foot or bike path to connect their homes to town without being forced to use Illinois 54.

Samantha Harnack of George Rock Drive questioned council members about official plans.

$4 court fee proposed to help Vermilion drug program

DANVILLE – Drug addicts can encounter a lot of bumps in the road on the way to recovery, so Vermilion County drug court officials are proposing a $4 court fee to help smooth the way.

Money generated by the proposed fee would be used to meet various needs of the participants in drug court, a special probation program to help those convicted of a crime beat their drug addiction. Program officials could use the money to buy a participant a pair of boots for a job, or cover housing costs or pay for medication for mental or physical problems, according to Betty Seidel, director of development for the Prairie Center in Urbana and Danville, where drug court participants go for treatment.

Georgetown City Council approves study of sewer system

GEORGETOWN – City officials voted Monday to have a study of the municipality's sewers done as part of a larger renovation project.

Georgetown City Council members voted to have Farnsworth Group of Bloomington perform an evaluation of the sewers for $37,000.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Champaign council to review city's energy consumption

CHAMPAIGN – The city council will discuss a "sustainability inventory report" Tuesday that is meant to show where the city stands in terms of energy usage and conservation.

The council meets in regular session at 7 p.m. at the Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil St. The sustainability report will be discussed at a post-council study session.

Danville wants to return sales-tax money to Steve & Barry's

DANVILLE – Officials want to give back part of the sales-tax money the city has collected from Steve & Barry's while its corporate officials continue evaluating individual stores after declaring bankruptcy in July.

"We think this will help as corporate looks at making decisions," said Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer. "Anywhere we can help offset costs makes this store more likely to remain open versus somewhere else where they have large expenses that have no offset."

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Calabrese not backing down from 'Goliaths' in election

He just turned 21, his biggest issues have been Chief Illiniwek and campus bars, and he's facing down an incumbent state representative.

He's Frank Calabrese, not a very scary young man. But an Illinois Democratic Party leader who has advised Bill Clinton is the lawyer who challenged his election forms.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Top students may not be getting into state universities

Legislators have asked a state commission to look into its program for high-ranking high school juniors to find out if the students are getting into the state universities of their choice.

Every year the Illinois Student Assistance Commission honors the top 10 percent of all high school juniors from around the state by designating them state scholars. In recent years some legislators have heard anecdotes about scholars who, despite their high grade point averages and ACT or SAT scores, were denied admission in state schools, particularly the University of Illinois, said State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. Brady, who sits on the appropriations and higher education committees, introduced the legislation. It unanimously passed the Illinois State House and Senate.

New member to be sworn in on Urbana City Council

URBANA – David Gehrig is expected to be sworn in Monday as the new Ward 2 alderman at Monday night's city council meeting.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Rossville residents debate future of ailing buildings

ROSSVILLE – Residents' opinions were in abundance when the Rossville Village Board held a public meeting to discuss the fate of six aging downtown buildings Thursday night.

Nearly 100 people turned out to listen to how the board acquired the buildings and what its plans were. The meeting was to give residents the opportunity to speak out on whether to stabilize or demolish the buildings, which face each other from across Attica Street.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Cuts will cause a lot of pain for drug treatment programs

URBANA – Major cuts in state funding to local social services will likely result in overburdened hospital emergency rooms, crowded jails and more people going to prison, local service providers contend.

A group of administrators for Prairie Center Health Systems, the Mental Health Center of Champaign County, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities and the Danville Area United Way said at a news conference Wednesday that $55 million in cuts to the budget of the Department of Human Services will have immediate negative consequences at the local level.

Recovering addict speaks up for drug court program

URBANA – Veronica Horstead hit bottom on April 12, 2007.

That's the day the then 39-year-old Urbana woman went into a coma, not long after her last hit of heroin almost suffocated her. Fortunately for Horstead, she was able to surprise the judge and all the medical professionals who said she wouldn't live to see 40.

Now in her seventh month of Champaign County's drug court program and planning her fall school schedule for Parkland College, Horstead is a living testament to the success of tax-supported drug treatment programs such as the one she's engaged in at Prairie Center in Urbana.

Two area museums getting grants for projects in Champaign

Two local museums received more than $204,000 total for projects they say they'll use to reach out to Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.

The Early American History Museum in Mahomet received $116,500 for an exhibit it's planning at the Champaign County Courthouse dedicated to Abraham Lincoln's law career, and the Orpheum Children's Science Museum in Champaign received more than $88,000 for a program geared toward educating middle-school-age kids about material consumption.

Commission signs off on 47.2 percent water-rate increase

SPRINGFIELD – A 47.2 percent overall water-rate increase, approved Wednesday by the Illinois Commerce Commission, should go into effect during the second week in August, according to an Illinois American Water spokesman.

The commerce commission, as expected, approved the rate increase for the water company's Champaign district, which includes Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, St. Joseph, Sidney, Bondville, Philo and some unincorporated areas.

Traffic lanes to narrow Friday on John Street for sewer flushing

Traffic lanes will narrow on John Street Friday between Chicago and Prospect avenues. National Power Rodding will be cleaning storm sewers on John Street in that area, narrowing traffic headed both east and west, according to a press release from the city of Champaign.

The cleaning will start at 7:30 Friday morning and continue until 4 p.m.

Champaign County Board member Melin stepping down

Democrats are looking for a new Champaign County Board member as District 7's Carrie Melin announced plans to resign.

County Board Chairman C. Pius Weibel will select her replacement, with approval of the board. Weibel said there are a couple of viable candidates to replace Melin, but they probably won't be chosen until September.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

ICC approves Illinois American Water Co.'s rate increase

SPRINGFIELD – As expected, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a 47.2 percent overall water rate increase Wednesday for customers in the Illinois American Water Co.'s Champaign district.

The rate increase should go into effect in about a week. The Champaign district includes Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, St. Joseph, Bondville, Pesotum and some unincorporated areas.

 

State drug-funding budget cuts mean layoffs, program cuts

URBANA – Local emergency rooms will likely find more drug addicts and alcoholics in distress at their doors in the wake of Illinois budget cuts that have trickled down to East Central Illinois.

Bruce Suardini, chief executive officer of Prairie Center Health Systems Inc., said at a news conference Wednesday that Thursday will be the last day its detox unit in downtown Champaign will accept new admissions.

Urbana to close part of Eastern Drive for sewer work

URBANA – Eastern Drive between Cole Place and Grant Place will be closed to through traffic starting at 6 a.m. Thursday.

 

Champaign County Board member Melin to resign

Champaign County Board Democrat Carrie Melin intends to resign.

She hasn't set a date yet, and plans to attend August board meetings.

Rossville fire station receives support, despite likely tax increase

ROSSVILLE – Living across the street from the new Rossville fire station, Karen Olson thinks the building is a good addition to the community even if it means a property-tax increase.

"We have it. It's there; we have to pay for it. You have to pay for things that you want," said Olson, who lives in the 600 block of North Chicago Street in Rossville. "And we certainly are getting something for our taxes."

Tolono board continues liquor law discussions

TOLONO – Village officials would like to see fewer problems with businesses in town that sell liquor. Though they don't yet agree on the best way to do that, they're working on it.

The village board on Tuesday held the second in a series of special meetings to update the village's liquor ordinance. The 19-page ordinance was last reviewed about 25 years ago.

Buckley officials agree to pay for half of project, with stipulation

BUCKLEY – The village board has agreed to spend $25,000 to help install a new drainage tile on a private property just outside of village limits, with the stipulation that a detailed written estimate is provided by the landowner.

Ronnie Weber, the landowner, requested the village help pay for half of the project's anticipated $50,000 cost. Weber provided Trustee Keith Hartke with an estimate, but it did not show an itemized list of expenses for the project, which the board had requested.

Monticello drainage surveys completed

MONTICELLO – City Superintendent Floyd Allsop has provided details on recent storm water drainage surveys that include the areas of Kirby Creek and Lone Beech.

According to the report, an initial survey has been completed and the recommendation is to address smashed and plugged ditches and culverts in the area. Storm tiles from Lone Beech to Kirby also need attention and small berms may be needed near the back of the homes along Kirby Creek.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Wakeland sues over Urbana decision on Main Street home

URBANA – Developer Howard Wakeland has gone to court seeking to overturn a July 8 decision by the Urbana City Council that denied him the ability to demolish an old rooming house at 809 W. Main St. and replace it with a new house.

A complaint seeking a court review of the council's decision was filed Tuesday in Champaign County Circuit Court by Wakeland's attorney, Glenn Stanko.

No decision yet on Tuscola golf cart ordinance

TUSCOLA – A proposed ordinance to allow golf carts on Tuscola streets stalled Monday night, with city council members agreeing that state law allowed too much room for liability.

The Illinois vehicle code states that golf carts cannot be operated on any street or highway unless a city, township or county authorizes their use on certain roadways. This means that any ordinance allowing golf carts in Tuscola would have to designate specific streets on which they could be operated.

Orange and Blue Festival in Gibson City to expand

GIBSON CITY – Plans are under way for the fourth annual Orange and Blue Festival in downtown Gibson City on the evenings of Aug. 14-16.

Officials discuss design plans for new library in Mahomet

MAHOMET – Plans for the new Mahomet Public Library are shaping up with some final adjustments.

Proposal on unlicensed vehicles in Villa Grove nixed

VILLA GROVE – Instead of writing a new city ordinance to ban unlicensed vehicles on the streets of Villa Grove, the city council decided Monday to try to work with the police department to do a better job of enforcing state laws already on the books.

The council also is urging citizens who witness illegal use of motorized vehicles, such as dirt bikes, go-carts and all-terrain vehicles to file an official complaint with the police department.

Champaign focuses on hiring, retaining minority employees

CHAMPAIGN – The city of Champaign had success in hiring minorities during 2007, but saw some of those gains erased when a number of minority employees left city jobs, according to the city's affirmative action audit.

"We're hiring minorities at a higher rate than we are whites," said Chris Bezruki, the city's human resources director. "However, at the same time, we're losing minorities at a pretty rapid clip, so we need to focus on retention."

Ward 2 nominee is sole applicant for Urbana alderman post

URBANA – The man who has been nominated to be the next alderman in Ward 2 says he's a liberal, pro-labor Democrat, but that he won't be "Danielle part two."

David Gehrig, 46, of 304 W. Elm St., was nominated Monday by Mayor Laurel Prussing to replace Danielle Chynoweth, a two-term incumbent who resigned earlier this month. Chynoweth said she was resigning because of growing job duties that will frequently take her out of town.

Rossville fire district must find new way to finance station

ROSSVILLE – Rossville Fire Protection District officials thought financing was in place for its newly built fire station, but now they must pursue a bond issue that will require voter approval this November.

Dean Grimes, chairman of the fire district's board of trustees, said the board planned to use a special tax levy to partially pay down a $900,000 low-interest loan through the United States Department of Agriculture.

But Grimes said district officials recently discovered that according to state law, a special levy cannot be used to pay a mortgage, and the only recourse to get the necessary revenue is to issue bonds, which requires voter approval.

Suit filed over controversial dirt bike track in Villa Grove

VILLA GROVE – The owners of a controversial dirt bike track in Villa Grove are taking their fight to have the property rezoned to court.

Nichelle and Brad Drew have filed a lawsuit in Douglas County court that claims Villa Grove city officials acted beyond their legal authority in refusing to allow a zoning amendment.

Judge rules Calabrese should stay on 103rd District ballot

URBANA – The Republican candidate for the 103rd District state representative has fended off another court challenge.

Champaign County Associate Judge Chase Leonhard ruled Monday that an electoral board was correct in keeping Republican Frank Calabrese on the ballot against incumbent state Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana.

Vermilion County groups' old-tire recycling day set Sept. 3

DANVILLE – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Keep Vermilion County Beautiful and the Vermilion County Recycling program will sponsor a one-day used-tire recycling event.

Illinois residents may bring up to 200 passenger, truck or tractor tires, but will be asked to unload and stack them. The event is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Vermilion County Fairgrounds, off U.S. 150 west of Danville, and is free.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Prussing nominates Gehrig to Urbana city council seat

URBANA – David Gehrig, a research programmer in supercomputing applications at the University of Illinois, has been nominated by Mayor Laurel Prussing to fill the city council vacancy in Ward 2.

Gehrig "comes highly recommended" and also was the only person to apply for the position.

UI student wins court challenge to 103rd District candidacy

State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson's challenger is still hanging in there, winning a court challenge Monday.

Republican Frank Calabrese will stay on the ballot against the incumbent Democrat from Urbana.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Champaign County ballot funding question put on hold

URBANA – For months, Champaign County Board members have mentioned asking voters to increase their taxes through a November referendum as a possible fix to nursing home expenses weighing on its budget.

With the recent creation of an advisory board and the subsequent hiring of a St. Louis consulting firm, the talk has died down as a deadline for putting the measure on the ballot nears.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Similar street names breed confusion in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Misdelivered mail. Misdelivered pizzas. A stranger rummaging through his garage. You want war stories? Steve Scopel's got 'em.

Scopel and other residents of similarly named streets say the situation has resulted in unending confusion and, though it hasn't happened yet, they're worried that police or other emergency personnel, like an ambulance driver, could make the same mistake.

ISU board selects judge as new president

NORMAL – Michael McCuskey is the new president of the board of trustees of Illinois State University.

McCuskey, chief judge for the U.S. Central District of Illinois, was elected to the post Friday. He was appointed an ISU trustee in 2005.

Friday, July 25, 2008

UI prof points out flaws in nursing home bookkeeping

URBANA – A University of Illinois accounting professor said Thursday the county nursing home's books are flawed.

Rachel Schwartz, who has offered her services to the county unpaid, told the Champaign County Board that there are discrepancies. For example, the home reported spending $342,875 for contract rehabilitation services in fiscal 2007 on its unaudited expense report, but gave the state a $567,495 figure for the same expense.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Danville man wants $10,000 from city to help with bus program

DANVILLE – The owner of a local property-management business wants the city to donate $10,000 to help fund a private bus service that provides low-income workers in Vermilion County with rides to jobs in Champaign County.

Kevin Flynn, owner of Flynn Properties, 707 N. Vermilion St., Danville, made the request at Wednesday's Danville Public Services Committee meeting.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Urbana impedes Judah Christian School's relocation plans

 

URBANA – Judah Christian School has hit a roadblock in its plan to build a high school on a piece of property on North Lincoln Avenue in Urbana.

Urbana city planners are not recommending approval of the proposed development, unless the school can address concerns about safety, loss of potential property tax revenue and land-use compatibility.

Urbana mayor, city clerk join those getting bonuses from city

URBANA – For more than 10 years, Urbana employees have gotten bonuses when worker's compensation claims are lower than expected. Last year, the mayor and city clerk started getting them, too.

Mayor Laurel Prussing's salary is set by ordinance at $50,000, but city records show she and City Clerk Phyllis Clark also received $940 bonus payments.

Champaign votes to pursue buying Urban League land

CHAMPAIGN – The city will pursue the purchase of property at the southeast corner of Neil Street and Bradley Avenue for future redevelopment.

During a city council study session Tuesday night, the council voted unanimously to direct city staff to pursue purchase of the property from its current owner, the Urban League of Champaign County.

Westville officials looking to fix erosion in crucial drainage ditch

WESTVILLE – Village officials voted Tuesday to pursue a plan to repair erosion along the banks of a storm water drainage ditch that runs on the north side of Moses Avenue, north of Zamberletti Park.

In March, inspectors from the Army Corps of Engineers investigated a complaint about the erosion in the ditch. According to Mayor Jeff Slavik, village officials apparently authorized a cleaning and deepening of the ditch in 2002 without receiving a permit to do so from the Corps of Engineers.