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Thursday March 16, 2000
Bud Price, Senior Editor
Update
The Russians Are Coming
(30 seconds)
JOHNSTON CITY, ILLINOIS March 16, 2000 (CN)--Johnston City School Board officials reports that seven Russian teachers and three school administrators will be visiting the Johnston City School system today.
They will tour the high school and visit classes and teachers. They will also talk with teachers and observe classes. They will then visit elementary schools in the district. The visitors will also be provided with the written district description and a set of school report cards. They will also receive school souvenirs.
The purpose of the visit will be to observe the schools' environment and programs. They also plan on observing other schools in the area during their visit to the United States. It is part of the State Department Exchange of Educators.
Rockford School Deseg Hearing Scheduled To Conclude
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--With testimony in the Rockford School District's "unitary status" hearings scheduled to end today, U.S. Magistrate Judge P. Michael Mahoney has imposed time limits for remaining witnesses.
The action does not sit well with Attorney Bob Howard, who is complaining about the limitations. He says the plaintiffs in the school desegregation case "object to the time limit being invoked."
School district attorney Mike Kirk said the district has no objection to limiting the remaining testimony. Kirk said he calculates that the plaintiffs have used 47.5 hours and the defendants 22.5 hours of court time in arguing the case.
It is the fourth week of testimony in the hearing to determine where the public school system should be relieved of federal court oversight in the historic fight to end racial segregation and discrimination.
Quad-Citian Plays Hard Ball
After striking out in out-of-court negotiations, Anthony Molina, 22 of Moline and his attorneys have decided to play hardball.
The Quad City Times reports that Molina's left eye was crushed by a warm-up pitch from Wichita State University's Ben Christensen prior to a college baseball game April 23. So, he filed a lawsuit Wednesday in district court in Sedgwick County, Kan. The suit alleges Christensen is guilty of battery and "willful, wanton and reckless negligence" in connection with the incident. It further accuses Wichita State University of negligence.
Christensen has since signed a lucrative professional contract as the top draft choice of the Chicago Cubs. The exact amount of damages being sought in the lawsuit will be determined later.
Decatur Man Sentenced In Iowa
CLINTON, IOWA, March 16, 2000 (CN)--A Decatur man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for slipping a woman a sleeping pill while the two were on a business trip to Iowa.
Daniel Hocking, 46, also must undergo a psychiatric evaluation as part of his punishment. The case drew to a conclusion one day after Illinois charges of possession of child pornography and aggravated battery were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
The victim said that since the incident, she has moved to be near her family, quit college and has experienced a great deal of fear. Her depression has worsened and her worst nightmare is that she will never know what happened during the hours she was drugged, she told the judge. Hocking will be sentenced April 12 on a Macon County controlled substance charge.
Residential Fire Leaves Homeless
EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--An Edwardsville woman and her 8-year-old daughterare homeless following a fire late Wednesday afternoon destroyed most of their house and everything they owned, including three family pets. Tracy Mayabb said, "Everything I owned was in that house."
The fire started in a rear bedroom or attic area, officials said. The cause and the dollar amount of the damage were not determined Wednesday afternoon. Two cats died, and a small dog was missing and presumed dead, Mayabb said. Members of Firefighters said the fire was under control within an hour, but intense heat did extensive damage throughout the house, and it was uncertain whether any part of the home could be salvaged.
"Match Day" for Med School Seniors
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--At 10 a.m. sharp on today, 115 seniors at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine will rip open envelopes to learn where they will spend the next four years of their budding medical careers.
The so-called "Match Day" is an annual rite of spring when graduating medical students across the country simultaneously find out where a computer has sent them, come July, to continue their training in hospital residency programs. Pritzker students will uphold the long tradition of contributing a few dollars to a pot that goes to the last nail-biting student to receive their envelope from Pritzker Dean of Students, Norma Wagoner, Ph.D.
The pot, often reaching $200, is traditionally spent on rounds of beer for the whole class after the Match Day ceremonies.
Illinois Group Blasts NRA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence says the accusation made by Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association, that President Clinton has the blood of slain Skokie resident Ricky Byrdsong on his hands dishonors Ricky's memory.
Elizabeth Coolidge, Chairperson of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence says, "Wayne LaPierre is a hypocrite to the core when he accuses the Federal government of lax gun law enforcement. The NRA has fought tooth and nail to reduce the powers of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) and succeeded. Federal prosecutions rose 25% last year, even in the face of the NRA's continued opposition to gun screening laws."
Coolidge concluded, "The NRA needs to start shooting straight with the American public. In the meantime, we can only hope that more victims will not be dragged through the mud to satisfy the needs of the NRA propaganda machine."
Highland Park Says Hearing Un-related To Racial Profiling
HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS, March 17, 2000 (CN)--The Highland Park City Manager's office is denouncing reports that a police hearing yesterday was related to a pending federal lawsuit or allegations of racial profiling.
Spokesman Sean McBride said, "The meeting Wednesday at the Highland Park Police Department was regarding an internal police department personnel issue." The events involved a Police Commander conducting an interview of a patrolman who was accused by a fellow patrolman of violating a general departmental policy. The Police Department has a long-standing complaint investigation and resolution policy, which involves a thorough and complete investigation of all complaints.
The Highland Park City Council is on record as being strongly opposed to any form of discrimination. The City has retained an experienced federal prosecutor, Thomas Sullivan, to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of racial profiling that have been made. Based on Mr. Sullivan's findings, if corrective measures are necessary, they will be taken. In addition, the City will continue to do everything possible to proactively embrace and enhance diversity within Highland Park.
Morning Edition
Gov. Releases Money For Paxton School
PAXTON, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Governor George H. Ryan yesterday released $1.1 million in Illinois FIRST grants to the City of Paxton, Rantoul Township High School and the Village of Thomasboro for infrastructure and school rehabilitation projects.
"Illinois FIRST has been very successful in providing local governments the necessary resources to improve the quality of life for its citizens," Ryan said. "We have been able to reach out to communities across the state and help them improve their quality of life."
(MORE)
The City of Paxton received two grants. The first is a $430,000 grant for the reconstruction of Technology Drive from Illinois Route 9 to Concrete Technologies. This reconstruction is necessary due to the increased truck and car traffic generated form this expanding industrial site. The other project for the City of Paxton is a $365,000 grant for improvements to the city's water system to provide adequate water supply and pressure for the southeast area of Paxton.
Rantoul Township High School received two Illinois State Board of Education Illinois FIRST project grants. First, $15,000 for heating controls in the form of architectural services and roof replacement. The other is $20,000 for classroom rehabilitation.
Governor Ryan also announced a $285,000 grant for the Village of Thomasboro sewer treatment. This grant will provide funding for constructing sanitary sewers for the entire Village of Thomasboro with a force main to the Rantoul Treatment Plant.
City News USA Uncovers Possible Democratic Hi-jinks
by City News USA Reporter Dan Zanoza
OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)---City News USA has launched an investigation into Republican charges that Democrats have installed one of their own in a GOP primary. Republican leaders allege Terrence McGlynn has been secretly endorsed and financially supported by Democratic operatives.
The reason for the Trojan Horse strategy in the 36th district of the Illinois House of Representatives is to defeat the real Republican candidate, Patricia Vlasis. If he were victorious against Vlasis, McGlynn would then lay down in the general election versus incumbent James Brosnahan.
According to Republican strategist and former Illinois House member Penny Pullen, the strategy is not without precedent. Pullen told City News USA a candidate in the 64th district of the Illinois House was almost certainly a Democratic plant, before he dropped out of the race after the possible deception was uncovered.
(MORE)
McGlynn's Republican opponent in the 36th district, Patricia Vlasis, told City News USA, "We couldn't find any Republican history concerning Terrence McGlynn. He has no background of service to the community of any sort. In fact, McGlynn registered as a Democrat in the last two elections."
McGlynn told City News USA his decision to run for the Illinois General Assembly was not prompted by any Democrat. McGlynn has no campaign manager or support staff. However, his campaign has done two mass mailings to Republicans in the 36th district.
When asked if he had filed his campaign funding information with the Illinois State Board of Elections, McGlynn said he had raised less than $2,000. But, if he had indeed sent out political mailers on two separate occasions, each one of these mailings might have cost McGlynn's campaign at least $2,000 each.
A valid question could be: What is McGlynn's base of support? Is his campaign backed by the Democratic Party and what are McGlynn's true campaign funding totals?
Patricia Vlasis has received the endorsement of the Republican Party. Worth Township GOP Committeeman, Maureen Murphy, told City News USA, "I tried to meet with Mr. McGlynn a number of times. But he refused my invitations." Murphy added, "Even though I have formally endorsed Vlasis, I would normally have a working relationship with every Republican running on the local ticket. For some reason, McGlynn wants no part of us and that is suspicious, to say the least."
Greg Durham, press secretary for Lee Daniels, the Republican Senate Minority Leader, told City News USA, "If the Democratic leadership is behind this straw candidacy, it doesn't surprise me. If true, such tactics are a corruption of the system." Durham added, "I don't know if it's fraud, or what the legal ramifications are in such a matter, but I think the voters are smarter than what the Democrats give them credit for."
City News USA attempted to contact Democratic House Majority Leader, Mike Madigan, but his office did not return phone calls on the matter.On Tuesday, the Daily Southtown, a local newspaper, endorsed Patricia Vlasis in that race. McGlynn, a Chicago lawyer, has not responded to recent City News USA inquiries.
Audit Blasts State's Role in Child Support Fiasco
by City News USA Capitol Correspondent Doug Dobmeyer
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, MARCH 16, 2000 (CN)--A management audit conducted by Illinois Auditor General William Holland's office gave low marks to the state's new centralized child support distribution center. The audit was released the same day as one conducted by Bank One at the request of Governor Ryan. That audit also paints a negative picture of the state's role in the child support operation.
The state's audit cites eight specific major problems in four general management areas. The problems include: poor record keeping, spending $10 million without adequate documentation, poor planning and failure to test the system before implementing.The system has been operated by DuPage County Circuit Clerk Joel Kagann's office under contract to the Illinois Department of Public aid since starting on October 1, 1999. The contractual amount has more than doubled from$8.5 million to $17.5 million. Kagann has already said he won't continue the work past June 30.
In addition, Public Aid has asked the legislature for $17.5 million to cover $10 million in emergency checks issued to families and added personnel costs.Holland makes 15 recommendations for action, including not spending child support money collected for other purposes than distributing to families.
Truckers Say They Are Getting Bad Rap
DECATUR, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--DECATUR, Ill. (Mar. 15)-- The scandal involving the illegal sale of commercial drivers licenses is directing unfair criticism onto Illinois truck drivers. That according to a report in the Decatur Herald-Review.
A sample of big-rig drivers passing through the Central Illinois indicated they felt most drivers are honest and well-trained professionals. "A bunch of Illinois drivers are getting a bad rap," said Dave Street, a driver for a small company out of Mankato, Minn. He said he has heard about the scandal but is not too concerned that it will have lasting consequences for his fellow drivers.
The selling of licenses isn't new, said John Peeler, a company driver from Mocksville, N.C. "It's happened everywhere at one time or another," Peeler said. Pat Braden, who grew up in Decatur but now lives in southern Missouri said, "I wonder how long George Ryan will survive."
Alan Keyes And George Bush Visit Illinois
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Presidential candidate Alan Keyes will visit Chicago today. He will speak at the City Club Luncheon in downtown Chicago. Later in the day he will speak at Elmhurst College before a 'Renewing America Rally.' Then, Friday will be in Urbana where he will hold a rally at 6:30 inside the grand ballroom of the Urbana Holiday Inn.
Meanwhile, with the Republican nomination sewn-up George Bush will visit Springfield. He will speak to a GOP rally at noon, and visit the Franklin Middle School later in the day to participate in a leadership forum on education. After the visit to Springfield, he will travel to a $1,000-per-person fund-raiser in Wheaton, and he will speak at the DuPage County Lincoln Day Dinner at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
Next Tuesday is Illinois' primary election. Bush's Illinois campaign manager, Gov. George Ryan is expected to accompany Bush during his entire visit to the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois House Leader Critical of Clinton Administration
by City News USA Reporter Dan Zanoza
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--U.S. House Majority leader, Dennis Hastert, has criticized the Clinton administration for its slow response in dealing with increasing oil prices. Hastert said Clinton and Al Gore have not done enough to put pressure on OPEC to raise production levels. He also noted that America should call on some of its favors from oil producing nations, like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Some Republicans are suggesting Bill Clinton repeal federal taxes on oil which would help reduce gasoline prices. In some parts of Illinois, gas prices have topped the two dollar mark. And, it is estimated that, by summer, the price of a gallon of gasoline may go up an additional twenty cents.
Village Trustee Charges Village President With Intimidation
by City News USA Reporter Dick O'Connor
ROCKTON, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)-- The village president of Rockton, David Dwyer, was charged with intimidation by one of his village trustees, Lester Peterson, Wednesday in Winnebago County.
In one of two complaints filed in the Winnebago County Sheriffs' Department, Peterson accused Dwyer of asking for his resignation from the village board. Both men agreed that Dwyer stated to Peterson that he had information that might warrant investigation and possible criminal charges against him. Dwyer claimed enough evidence to prove a felony and Peterson said, "There's nothing I know of in my background like that." Among other things, Dwyer said, "---I asked him to resign. Lester (Peterson) told me he didn't think it was justified, but I don't think it's illegal to ask him."
In a second complaint, Peterson accused Dwyer of checking a water meter on one of his (Peterson's) rental properties. Dwyer said he was just checking the meter because of bill problems. The Sheriff's Department said they were referring the matter to the States Attorney's office for investigation.
Woodford Co. Police To Vote On Contract
EUREKA, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Woodford County Sheriff's Department employees represented by the Fraternal Order of Police will vote today (THU) on a tentative contract agreement. Eighteen members of the union, including sheriff's deputies, correctional officers, bailiffs and matrons, have been working under the terms of a contract that expired Nov. 30, 1998.
Representatives from the union and County Board would not comment on the exact terms of the three-year contract, which would be retroactive to December 1998. The Peoria Journal Star reports that The definition of overtime was a big issue during the negotiations. The union has reportedly dropped that issue in order to reach an agreement. Other issues include pay raises and insurance premiums.
After more than a year of unresolved disputes, the sides agreed to binding arbitration. Meetings with the arbitrator had been scheduled in February and March and later canceled as the two sides continued to make progress in negotiations. The County Board will scheduled a special meeting to approve the contract if the union ratifies it today. (THU)
Former Illinois Representative Runs In 15th Judicial Sub-circuit
by City News USA Reporter Dan Zanoza
HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Two of the fifteen Cook County judicial sub-circuits need to fill vacated positions this year. One of the most hotly contested races is in the 15th district, which covers much of southwestern Cook County. Former State Representative John Doody and two other Republican candidates will face off in the March 21st primary. Two Democrats will vie for the nomination as well.
The five candidates are seeking to fill the judgeship vacated by Robert Krop, who passed away in 1999. Each judicial term lasts six years, with the position subject to a "yes" or "no" vote for retention every six years thereafter. Doody is the favorite to win the Republican nomination for the judicial seat. The former Homewood Mayor and Viet Nam veteran has nearly twenty years of elected service in the southwestern suburbs and has been a lawyer in private practice since 1979.
Fears of Corruption Cloud Park District Referendum
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--On March 21st, Downers Grove residents will vote on a $15 million advisory referendum for a recreation center and out-door aquatic facility. This referendum was placed on the ballot after the group Citizens Alliance on Park Spending led a petition drive.
On November 4, 1999, the Downers Grove Park District Board awarded architect and project manager contracts totaling over $1.1 million to Williams Associates Architects, Ltd./Williams Development, Ltd. The Park District did not do the standard request for proposals. This was awarded to Williams without any competition. In contrast, the Park District recently received 20 proposals for a $1 million interpretive center in Lyman Woods.
City New sources have confirmed that Williams Associates of Wheaton is the major contributor to the pro-park district referendum group CARE Citizens Advocating Recreation for Everyone. Also, last week, a secretary from Williams was reported at a local print shop with $1,000 to buy more pro-referendum signs.
Straw Candidate In 37th District?
(NOTE: corrected spelling... BETKA not BEKTKA)
HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--On Monday, March 13th, City News USA revealed its findings concerning an investigation of Democratic dirty tricks for the 36th district of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Today City News USA has learned that Republicans are alleging foul play in the fight for the 37th district of the House as well.Republican leaders claim Charles Hughes is another straw candidate slated by the Democrats to run in a Republican primary. GOP leadership is backing Maureen Burns Betka.
Earlier this week, City News USA reported on Terrence McGlynn, who Republicans also believe is a Democratic plant in the 36th district Republican primary race. Earlier this year, in the 64th district, another alleged straw candidate dropped out of that race, some say after the effort was exposed to be a sham.
Some Republican insiders claim the use of straw candidacies in republican primaries is a calculated attempt by state Democratic leadership to disrupt the GOP. Betka has the endorsements of Republican Party leadership and a number of local newspapers.
Sale Of Tv Stations Canceled
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Sinclair Broadcast Group today announced that it has entered into a termination agreement with Sunrise Television Corporation, thereby ending its plans to sell the assets of WICS-TV/WICD-TV in the Champaign-Springfield, Illinois television market and KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to STC for $81 million in cash.
In a previous release, Sinclair announced that STC had agreed to acquire these stations from Sinclair who had purchased them from Guy Gannett Communications on July 1, 1999 for $81 million in cash. The sale to STC was conditioned on the receipt of governmental approvals necessary for STC to acquire these stations from Sinclair by March 16, 2000. These governmental approvals have not been obtained.
Sinclair will continue operating the stations and has no intention of re-marketing the stations for sale.
Civil War Program In Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--James Davis, professor of history and geography at Illinois College in Jacksonville, will be the featured speaker at a meeting of the Springfield Civil War Roundtable at 7 p.m. tonight (THU) in the Pearson Medical Museum at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge St.
Davis will deliver a program on his new book, "Frontier Illinois." He has written two other books, "Frontier America" and "Dreams to Dust" and plans to take a sabbatical next year to finish two books about the American Civil War. The event is free and open to the public.
United Airlines Completes Fleet
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--United Airlines announced that it has won the airline industry's "race for space" with today's completion of Economy Plus in its domestic fleet of nearly 450 aircraft (excluding United Shuttle), reconfigured to provide up to five extra inches of space compared to the standard 31 inches. Economy Plus is available in the first six to 11 rows (depending on the type of aircraft) of Economy.
United says their answer to the space debate was not based on a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead driven by extensive research on the different needs and desires of varying customers. As the largest air carrier in the world and the largest majority employee-owned company, United offers 2,370 flights each day on a network that spans the globe.
Corporate Airlines To Assume Quincy To St. Louis Flights
by City News USA Reporter Larry Paul
QUINCY, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Corporate Airlines, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., will take over Quincy-to-St. Louis flights in May, according to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Trans States Airlines sent a joint letter to the U.S. DOTs chief of essential air service late last week, saying there will be no interruption of service. The letter was co-signed by Charles Howell of Corporate Airlines Inc. and Robert Wigmore of the Trans States Board of Directors.
The Herald Whig reports that in addition to the 'GEM City'... Corporate Airlines is asking for permission to provide service to Cape Girardeau and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Marion, Ill., and Burlington, Iowa.
Central Illinois Bank Declares Dividends
JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Andrew F. Applebee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jacksonville Savings Bank today announced that the Bank has declared a cash dividend of three-quarters of a cent per share on the Bank's common stock for the fiscal quarter which will end March 31, 2000.
Jacksonville Savings Bank is an Illinois-chartered savings bank headquartered in Jacksonville, Illinois, whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank reported net income of $323,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 1999. At December 31, 1999, Jacksonville Savings Bank had total assets of $169.2 million, total deposits of $139.2 million, and total stockholders' equity of $19.2 million.
Decatur Teen Sentenced
DECATUR, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--A Decatur teenager is going to prison for the shooting death of a Decatur man last September. A Macon County judge sentenced 18-year old Leondus Carter to 26 years behind bars for the murder of 21 year old Robert Martin. Carter admitted to shooting Martin last September 5th at Wood and Illinois Streets. WAND TV reports that under the law.. Carter will serve the entire 26 year sentence.
Services Pending For Noted Peorian
PEORIA, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Funeral Services are pending for a noted Peoria citizen. Lewis J. Burger, 87, died early Tuesday morning. He is credited for a vital role in the construction of the Peoria Civic Center.
The winner of the 1998 Tom Connor award for community service, Burger, 87, was known as caring, giving, and hard-working. He worked tirelessly for several organizations including Parc, the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Urban League, the United Way, Youth Farm, Lakeview Museum and the American Cancer Society.
Irish Catholic Dilemna
by City News USA Reporter Griff Potter
MOLINE, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Irish Catholics are facing a dilemna this weekend. Tomorrow (FRI) is St. Patrick's day and the traditional meal is corned beef and cabbage. But, it is also lent and meat is a forbidden food.
At Pat Mc Guire's Tavern in the Quad Cities, everyone is a little bit Irish. They expect to serve up 3,000 pounds of corned beef and cabbage this weekend. Patron Kay Carruthers says that she plans to celebrate her Irish background with corned beef tonight. However, the Peoria Diocese has issued a special dispensation to Catholics which will allow the faithful to eat corned beef on Friday, and make a sacrifice on another day.
The "Show Me State" says NO SHOW to Teenage Sting Teams
By City News USA Reporter Dick O'Connor
40 seconds
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, March 15, 2000--Convenience store clerks in the "Show Me" state are fed up with having to say, "Show me your I.Ds."
That's' because there is an active federal "sting team" of 6,000 teenagers, age 14 to 17, who are paid $3.50 per store visit to try to slip past the checkout counter unchecked. But the Missouri House of Representatives has said enough. Their House Budget Committee sent a bill to the full House that would prohibit using underage teenagers.
This puts Missouri at odds with Congress since last week the House Budget Committee approved spending 1.2 million dollars for the program. The Department of Health and Human Services in Washington has demanded that Missouri expand its 'sting' program in order to receive 9.6 million dollars targeted for substance abuse treatment programs.
Governor Says Child Support Flaws Preceded Patla
By City News USA Capitol Correspondent Doug Dobmeyer
(40 seconds)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, MARCH 15, 2000 (CN)--Governor George Ryan expressed his support for Public Aid director, Ann Patla, despite two negative audits concerning the child support distribution unit released yesterday.
Dennis Culloton, Deputy Press Secretary, told City News USA, "Ann Patla inherited the problem." Patla became Public Aid director in January 1999. However, the contract that has resulted in the negative audits was approved after she started in February 1999.
The Governor announced the child support unit will now be supervised on an interim basis by the private management firm Deloitte and Touche, who will not be bidders for the contract. Culloton also said that Ryan had no initiative to recoup the $10 million in emergency funds advanced to families waiting on child support checks.
CHICAGO SCENE
Mother And Son Die In Fire
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--A mother and her two year-old son are dead after they were trapped in a fire. Fire Fighters say the third floor apartment at 8-thousand South Marshfield was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived 4:30 yesterday (Wednesday) morning. The severeflames hampered and slowed rescue efforts and by the time they could access the apartment it wastoo late.
Violet Peters and her son Jamal were found huddle together in a bedroom. Neighbors say they were awoke to the sounds of popping glass from the Petersapartment. Investigators say the fire was probably started by clothing and paper igniting on the stove.
Police Honored By Chicago City Council
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Three Chicago Police officers were honored yesterday (WED) for their efforts to save a child from a fire. Ten days ago, the officers caught a 11-month old boy when he was thrown from a burning apartment window. The Chicago Housing Authority apartment was on the third floor and the officers had to be precise and firm with their catch.
Officers Kenneth Moore, Roger Nigro and Rick Sanduval were honored as heroes by the city council. Mayor Daley congratulated the officers for a job well done while the council stoodin applause.
Man Finds Body In A Refrigerator
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--State police and medical examiners are trying to find the identity of a body found in a refrigerator. A man mowing the grass found the refrigerator yesterday (WED) along highway I-57 near 147th street.
The man told police that he untied a rope holding the fridge door shut and discovered the body. The refrigerator was found in an embankment along the highway on the South bound side. No word yet on how it got there or who the person is found inside.
Amtrak Chicago Train Terails In Kansas
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--A train that left Chicago derailed yesterday (WED) on its way to Los Angeles. Twenty-nine people were injured. And many investigators cant shake the eery feeling that the accident occurred on an anniversary date of another derailment. A year ago, another Amtrak train derail after it crashed in Down state Burbonnais, Illinois.
Yesterdays accident caused six passenger cars to turn over onto their sides. Investigators still dont know why the train derailed.
Three Time Participant Wins Spelling Bee
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--Lewis Liu (Lou) finally got it right. You might say three times is a charm. Liu won the Chicago annual spelling bee yesterday(Wednesday) and left 21 other finalist in the dust.
The competition was fierce. Hundreds of public school students across the city participated in earlier bees held at school. But just 21 made it to the finals. It got even more cut throat from there. Within a short time just six kids were left as finalists. But Liu out-spelled them all, winning the event. He will go on to the statewide championship.
Large Mammals Moving Temporarily
By City News Writer Tiffani Helberg
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, March 16, 2000 (CN)--If you see a truck with a giraffe sticking out of the top, dont worry youre not hallucinating. The Lincoln Park Zoo will soon be moving its large mammals so that it can renovate their home.
The move is only temporary and some of the animals will go to Brookfield zoo. The renovation will cost Lincoln Park Zoo 19 million dollars.
So if youre wondering where all the rhinos, hippos, elephants and giraffes went--they moved!
CNSports!
by City News USA Sports Director Mark Vasko
(Peoria,Il)--The quarterfinal matchups in Boys Class "Double-A" state basketball action are set for Peoria on Friday. Game one at Carver Arena features New Trier versus East St. Louis' 27-2 team. The Trevians enter at 26-4 for the contest at 12:15 pm. Game two has Gordon Tech, at 25-6, taking on West Aurora's 29-1 Blackhawks team. The evening session starts at 6:45 with Rock Island, at 23-6, tangling with the 25-5 Peoria Richwoods team. Game four then pits Chicago's Westinghouse, at 29-1, against Bloom's 19-13 squad. The state semifinals start Saturday morning at 11:15 and the title game takes place later that night at 8:15. Also in Illinois State Finals action, the Hockey championship takes place on Sunday. New Trier, at 55-3-1, will try for their third-staight title as they take on Naperville Central. The Redhawks enter Sunday's game at the United Center with a record of 38-10-6.
(Peoria,Il)--Bradley University's baseball team will try to end a four-game losing streak, as they open Missouri Valley Conference play on Friday at Evansville. The Braves are now 4-6 after dropping all four games of a California road trip. Slow starts have hampered Bradley so far this year. In their six losses, they have been outscored 32-12 in the first three innings. Bright spots to this point, though, have been mostly on the offensive side. Senior second-baseman Jesse Smith, of Moline High School, is hitting .316 with a team-leading four homers and 10 RBI's. Junior catcher Corey Jager, from Rock Island, is hitting .323 and has thrown out 5-of-12 would-be base-stealers. The most impressive pitcher so far is Steve Ellis. The junior righty from Principia High School has thrown ten innings and has 12 strikeouts, while allowing opponents just a .171 batting average. After this weekend's four-game series with Evansville, the Braves will host Illinois on Wednesday the 22nd.
(Naperville,Il)--North Central College of Naperville finally gets their baseball season underway this weekend with a week-long trip to California. The Cardinals are hoping to rebound from last year's 18-21 record. That was the first sub-.500 mark for the Cards since 1980. One thing that could spur the team is their new one-million dollar stadium that will debut this spring. There are a few key returnees for coach Ed Mathey. Ist-team All-CCIW selection, Mark Ayers, will anchor the outfield. The senior tranfer from Illinois-Chicago hit .375 for North Central last season. Junior shortstop Phil Kamin is another returning all-conference player. The former Oak Lawn-Richards star hit .414 in conference play in '99. Their are some questions on the pitching staff, but newcomers Larry Maurer and Brian Shell should help. Both are lefthanders, with Maurer having the most experience. He is a junior transfer from South Suburban Community College. Shell, a freshman from Morris High School, should see action as well. North Central opens on Friday against U-Mass-Dartmouth.
CNWeather*
STORM PREPAREDNESS WEEK IS IN PROGRESS. IN ILLINOIS, THE TORNADO SEASON USUALLY RUNS FROM MID MARCH THROUGH JUNE. THIS IS THE TIME THAT MOST TORNADOS DEVELOP. BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THEY CAN OCCUR ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR. AN AVERAGE YEAR WILL SEE 27 TORNADOS IN ILLINOIS. SINCE COMPLETE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1950, THE MOST ACTIVE YEAR WAS 1974 WITH 107 TORNADOS. IN 1952 AND '53 ONLY FOUR TORNADOS OCCURRED IN THE ENTIRE STATE.
NOW THE FORECAST, FOR TODAY...PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY. CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS CENTRAL. RAIN LIKELY SOUTH. HIGHS 30S NORTH AND 40S SOUTH.
THURSDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY NORTH AND CENTRAL. MOSTLY CLOUDY FAR SOUTH. LOWS 15 TO 25 NORTH AND CENTRAL TO THE MID 30S FAR SOUTH.
FRIDAY...PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS MID 30S TO MID 40S.
FRIDAY NIGHT...FAIR. LOWS 20 TO 30.
SATURDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 40S NORTH AND 50S SOUTH.
SUNDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY. CHANCE OF SHOWERS NORTHWEST. LOWS MID 20S TO MID 30S. HIGHS 50S NORTH AND CENTRAL AND 60S SOUTH.
MONDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS MID 30S TO LOWER 40S. HIGHS MID
50S TO LOWER 60S NORTH AND IN THE 60S SOUTH.
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