A 20-year-old Kinmundy man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty in Marion County Court to a residential burglary charge.  Travis Moeller of West Third is accused of entering the Grace Williams home on South Walnut in Kinmundy in July of this year.  He is being recommended for the impact incarceration program.

A 28-year-old Centralia man has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance.  Joshua Phillips admitted having less than 15 grams of heroin in his possession in November 2007.

A 23-year-old Centralia man has pleaded guilty to theft of services.  Jacob Williamson of Deerwood Park was fined 100-dollars, ordered to serve 14 days in jail and make 15-dollars restitution.  Williamson failed to pay for tax service.

A 23-year-old Centralia man was placed on two years probation after admitting to a domestic battery charge.  Joseph Cottrill of Levee Road was also ordered to pay a 100-dollar fine, make a 100-dollar contribution to PAVE and undergoing mental health evaluation and treatment.  Cottrill is accused of grabbing and pushing Lauren Stein in August.

19-year-old Sharell Baker of Howard Street in Centralia has pleaded guilty to a battery charge.  Baker was ordered to serve two weekends in the Marion County Jail, placed on one year probation, pay a 100-dollars fine, and abstain from drugs and alcohol.

A 17-year-old Sandoval man has pleaded guilty to a battery charge.  Donnie Randolph of South Mulberry was placed on 18 months court supervision, fined 100-dollars, ordered to complete 75 hours of public service work, and obtain a GED or high school diploma.  Restitution will be set at a later date.

19-year-old Keasha Stephenson of Effingham was ordered to pay a 300-dollar fine and serve 14 days in jail for unlawful consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

A 58-year-old Centralia man, Willie Jelks of McKee Street, has been sentenced to 180 days work released from the Marion County jail and fined 250-dollars after pleading guilty to felony driving on a revoked license.

United States Attorney A. Courtney Cox visited Kaskaskia College yesterday to speak about "crime and poverty" within his 38 county district.

East St. Louis was the focus of the presentation. Cox illustrated how economic collapse transformed the 15-square mile area, once known as the "City of Champions."

Cox says the population of East St. Louis topped out at 82-thousand in 1950, but has since dropped to 28-thousand. He also says the primary businesses in the area are nightclubs, and the average individual income is considerably lower than other areas. Cox says the combination of factors has led to a strong drug and gang element, a problem only furthered by the fact the city supplies three officers per shift to handle the massive area. The city has a murder rate of 83.8 per 100-thousand - higher than Baltimore, Detroit and Newark.

Still, Cox says the area is full of good people. "If you just drive by East. St. Louis on the interstate and you don't go to East St. Louis, or sit in restauraunts and homes like I did, you would get the impression everyone there is a criminal and likes it the way it is," he says. "You would be dead wrong." Cox says you can be poor in money, but still be rich in spirit and education. He says 94 percent of 11 graders fail the reading test in East St. Louis, but some still have the spirit and succeed. Cox says it was because of the effort of some important people in their lives. "They've gone to college, they've got good jobs, and I ask them 'how'd you do it?' and the answer is always 'my parents,'" he says. "They had two parents that cared and made sure they did their homework - there is two kinds of poverty: financial poverty and povert of the spirit." Cox also says all that intelligence and spirit fades if they slip into the poverty cycle.

He says it will take a lot of effort to revitalize a place like East St. Louis and the lessons being learned there can be applied state-wide.

Customers on the Odin water and sewer systems will be seeing higher bills.  

The village board ended several months of discussion Thursday night with the decision to raise the rates as recommended by their auditor.   It's the first increase since 2006 and comes as the operation of the water department is beginning to slip into the red. Both Salem and Centralia have increased the cost of the water sold to Odin and until now the increases have not been passed along.  Under the new rate structure, in town residents will pay a minimum 25-dollars-65 cents a month for water, sewer and trash pickup.  That's a 4-dollar-65 cent a month increase. 

The cost for each additional 1,000 gallons of water and sewage will go up one dollar.  The current seven dollar a month rate for trash pickup will not change.  The minimum rates for rural water customers will increase 2-dollars-75 cents a month to 15-dollars-65 cents.  The cost for each additional thousand gallons of water will increase one-dollar.  The rate increases will go into effect with the next billing cycle. 

The Odin Board was told the village's Christmas decorations would be going up soon.  Fairpoint Communications will be assisting the street department with the work.  

The Odin Police Department handled a total of 95 calls during November.  The calls include four domestic problems, two traffic accidents, and 23 calls to assist the public and motorists.  Ten traffic citations were issued during the month.  

The firearm deer hunting season is now underway. 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to stay safe. DNR Deer Project Manager Tom Micetisch says the number one cause of hunting accidents is falling out of tree stands. "Folks fail to follow common-sense tree stand rules like using harnesses," he says.

Besides the harness, Micetisch says hunters should use a haul line to lift their firearm or bow into the stand. Firearm safety is also vital. Hunters should treat all guns as if they are loaded, wear bright orange, and be sure of their target before they shoot.

A 17-year-old runaway from Kids Hope United in Centralia has been arrested for alleged disorderly conduct.  Centralia Police say Alexis Knox-Owens refused to voluntarily return to the children's home when she was located Thursday.  She was arrested after making threats towards the staff if taken back to the home. 

48-year-old Clifton Martin of South 22nd in Mt. Vernon is being held in lieu of 15-hundred dollars bond for failure to appear on a felony theft charge.

20-year-old Emilee Hodge of Elm Street in Centralia posted bond and was released for alleged driving under the influence and possession of alcohol by a minor.

Two others posted bond on outstanding traffic failure to appear in court warrants and were released.  They are 17-year-old Amelia Rivera of South Mulberry in Sandoval and 45-year-old James Dean Milburn of Lamar Street in Salem.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs will host a Helping Our Hometown Heroes event from nine to two Saturday at the Mt. Vernon American Legion at 816 Main Street. 

Veterans, their families, and friends are invited to attend.  Federal, state and local agencies and organizations will come together for the event that is dedicated to assisting military heroes and their families in getting the benefits they deserve.  Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs Director Dan Grant says local veterans and their families can receive one-on-one assistance from professionals who know about available resources. 

He notes it is also a great way to learn about state and federal benefits. 

Kell Firemen say a fire at the Jeff Sons home at 204 Second Street in Kell early Friday morning was confined to the dryer. 

Firemen removed the dryer from the home and extracted smoke.  The fire apparently started in clothing inside the dryer.  Firemen were on the scene for just under an hour beginning at 1:36 Friday morning. 

(Griard, IL) -- A trio of high school seniors is now likely looking at felony charges for what they might have thought was a senior prank.

School officials in Girard say three students have confessed to a vandalism spree that left 32 windows at the local high school in pieces, and canceled school for two days because of fears of a bomb threat. The Macoupin County State's Attorney's office is handling the case, but prosecutors are not saying what charges they may bring, or when the suspects are expected in court. Girard Superintendent Marlene Brady says the teens have admitted what they did, but she says the school district is still asking for criminal charges. The students could also face threat charges. Police found a spray painted threat on a shed at the school that said "Boom 11-17-09." Brady says she doesn't think the students ever wanted to follow through.

Classes at both Girard and nearby Virden high school were canceled earlier this week because of the damage and the threats.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois motorists have been urged to start getting ready for winter driving.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Tollway and Illinois State Police said Thursday that they are making final preparations for snowy and icy roadway conditions. The agencies say they're getting teams and equipment ready for emergency operations. Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig says "winter weather will be here soon enough, so it's important for motorists to get ready now because Illinois weather can become danger in a matter of minutes."

The state transportation department says it spent $82.3 million on snow removal last year and spread 488,300 tons of salt.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - For the third straight month, a survey of rural bankers in the Midwest and Plains suggests the weak economic conditions are strengthening, if slowly.

A report issued Thursday by economist Ernie Goss of Creighton University says the overall index for the Rural Mainstreet economy rose to 38.4 this month, compared with 37.5 in October and 36.5 in September. The new figure is well below the growth-neutral score of 50 but far above the record low of 16.9 set in February.

The index runs 0 to 100. Organizers say a score below 50 suggests the economy will contract in the next few months; above 50 indicates the economy will expand. The survey covers Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

CAIRO, Ill. (AP) - Authorities say two women found dead in a burning house in the far southern Illinois town of Cairo had been fatally shot.

Illinois State Police say 29-year-old Beatrice Barber of Cairo and 27-year-old Eva Hill of Charleston, Mo., died in the fire Monday. Authorities say both women died of gunshot wounds, not from injuries resulting from the fire. The investigation continues by state police, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Cairo police.

There have been no arrests.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate ethics committee on Friday admonished Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., for making "inconsistent, misleading or incomplete" statements about the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the seat once held by Barack Obama. The committee didn't recommend any punishment.

Burris was appointed by disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached and driven from office after he was accused of trying to sell the Senate seat. The committee's "Public Letter of Qualified Admonition" told Burris that while it found no violations of law, "Senators must meet a much higher standard of conduct." The committee wrote Burris that his phone conversation with the former governor's brother was inappropriate. It says Robert Blagojevich called Burris on Nov. 13, 2008, seeking to raise funds for his brother, and Burris appeared to agree to write a check while also bringing up his desire to seek the Senate seat.

Burris is not running for a full term.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois is reporting nine new deaths and 241 new hospitalizations from swine flu.

The Illinois Department of Public Health's weekly update brings the total number of deaths in the state from the virus to 56. More than 1,600 people have been hospitalized since April. Most swine flu deaths have been in Cook County, but there also have been deaths in central and southern Illinois. The state's Health Department has a map online that shows which counties have reported deaths.

The site also has an online tool that shows where vaccine is available in each county. More than 1.6 million doses of swine flu vaccine have been shipped to Illinois. In Chicago, public health officials say more than 75,000 people have been vaccinated. Visit http://www.idph.state.il.us

ROYALTON, Ill. (AP) - An underground southern Illinois coal mine will close by the end of the year.

Knight Hawk Coal says the 50 workers at the Royal Falcon mine near the boundary of Franklin and Jackson counties will be offered transfers to the company's Prairie Eagle site near Cutler, in nearby Perry County. Knight Hawk blames the closure on difficult mining conditions and geological problems at the site.

Work at the Royal Falcon mine began in January 2008.

CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn says the public admonishment of U.S. Sen. Roland Burris by the Senate Ethics Committee "speaks for itself."

Quinn on Friday said he had nothing to add to it. The governor says he intends to work with Burris through the end of his term in 2011, especially to help veterans and their families. Burris isn't running for a full term after being appointed by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The Ethics Committee didn't recommend that Burris be punished, but it admonished him for making "inconsistent, misleading or incomplete" statements about the circumstances surrounding his appointment.

CHICAGO (AP) - A leading Democratic candidate for Illinois governor says his proposal for addressing crime statewide includes better tracking of statistics and coordination between agencies.

Comptroller Dan Hynes is challenging Gov. Pat Quinn in the Feb. 2 primary. Hynes says his proposal modernizes incident reporting on a computer system that would map crime as it happens. He didn't give a cost estimate or details on the technology. Hynes says he'll promote working with groups like CeaseFire, coordination between jurisdictions and expanding drug courts. That's according to a draft of the five-page plan sent to The Associated Press.

Hynes says he's concerned about the rise in youth violence, particularly with high profile Chicago cases like the beating death of a 16-year-old honor student.

TAMMS, Ill. (AP) - The new chief of Illinois' prison system says there's a place for the super maximum-security prison in deep southern Illinois' Alexander County.

But Mike Randle says there's a reform effort under way at the Tamms Correctional Center, where critics say inmates being forced to spend 23 hours in isolation is inhumane. Randle offered reporters a tightly controlled tour of the 11-year-old prison said to house the state's most-dangerous inmates.

He says inmates now can earn a transfer out of Tamms with good behavior. He says 48 prisoners have been deemed eligible for that, and 10 already have been shipped out. Inmates also will get stepped-up mental health evaluations, can take the GED and get increased incentives for good behavior, like telephone or out-of-cell privileges.

Accussed Murderer Neil Barrall

Marion County State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach says now that the defense has dropped an appeal the murder case against Neil Barrall can move forward.  And Wilzbach says state law will require the possibility of the death penalty to be dropped if Barrall is found guilty of the October 2007 murder of Michele Cavaletto. 

The only question is if Wilzbach will voluntarily withdraw the certification or have Judge Michael Kiley rule in favor of the defense on their pending motion to bar the death penalty.   The case has been on hold awaiting a decision by the Appellate Court on Judge Kiley's decision to find Barrall fit to stand trial with special assistance.  The defense had argued Barrall was currently unfit to stand trial.  Wilzbach says the finding of Asperberger's Disease and the need for special help prohibits the imposition of the death penalty under state law.  

A conference call between the Judge and attorney's was held Thursday morning to discuss the status of the case.  No decisions were made, pending another conference call that is set for December third.  Wilzbach says at that time the Judge hopes to have a report from the specialist assigned to work with Barrall to determine if Barrall is ready to proceed to trial. 

Wilzbach says he will make a decision on how he plans to proceed with the death penalty issue after discussion with members of the victim's family.  The murder charges allege Barrall first struck Caveletto with his vehicle while she was jogging on the Schwartz Road in rural Walnut Hill, then sexually assaulted, repeatedly kicked her in the head, and stabbed her multiple times with a knife in the chest and neck.  Barrall remains in the Marion County Jail in lieu of five-million dollars bond. 

Budget talks continued yesterday at the Centralia City Hall with the City Council discussing a number of other funds for the next fiscal year.

The 12.7 million dollars of "other funding" consists of 46 funds, including the Airport, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding, Economic Development loans, Swimming Pool, Park Donations, and Health insurance among others. The airport allocation will increase 200 percent in 2010. Driving that number is a 600-thousand dollar planned hangar project, with Illinois footing the bulk of the bill through a 570-thousand dollar grant.

For ARRA Funds, the bulk of a two-million dollar grant will be spent on road improvements including the Wabash and East 17th street project. Economic Development loans will be reduced 75 percent to 150-thousand dollars for business expansion or startup. Opportunity funds will also drop 80-thousand dollars. City Manager Grant Kleinhenz says he is in favor of not opening the fairview park pool next year, since it isn't profitable for the city. "We spend up to 140-thousand dollars out there and only bring in about 30-thousand in revenue," he says. "That's a net 90-thousand dollar loss." He says nobody wants to see the pool close, but there comes a point when it's not feasible.

Park Donations were also cut 77 percent from last year to three-thousand dollars. Elmwood Cemetery saw its allocation increase five-thousand dollars from the year before. Health insurance costs jumped 25 percent from 2009, with the council showing concern over the increase. Kleinhenz says union agreements and risks are driving up the cost. The next work session to discuss Water and Sewer funds will be held next week on Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30.

State Sen. John O. Jones was awarded the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s “Champion of Free Enterprise” award on Nov. 19.

State Senator John O. Jones was the featured speaker of Wednesday Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting.

Jones spoke to those in attendance about the state of Illinois government. "I've got some shocking news," he said sarcastically. "The state of Illinois is broke." The Senator says some state clients haven't been paid in four, five, or even six months, causing businesses to shut down, services to be cut or even some legislators to be evicted from their buildings.

Illinois budget deficit has not reached a proported 13 billion dollars, but Jones says there is a way out. "We have a 60 billion dollar budget in Illinois," he says. "We have created programs over the last many years that we should have never created to begin with because it's not the government's role." The Senator says grants would should be a target for cuts, not funding for developmentally disabled, and government agencies can cut back without cutting services to people.

Jones says legislators like Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan are compounding the problem. He also adds that recent "ethics" legislation accomplished nothing except increase their power. He also says the upcoming election will likely stall any efforts to dig out Illinois until after votes are cast.

Family and Consumer Science Department students (left to right) Cyndi Reed, Britney Altom, Rebecca Hope, Kendra Foutch, and Tanya McGibany bring desserts to the school board meeting in celebration of School Board Member Appreciation Day.

Salem High School students are continuing to take advantage of the dual credit program in big numbers. 

Superintendent Brad Detering says SCHS has the third highest percentage of students taking classes that also earn them college credit among all the high school districts in the Kaskaskia College District. "In the last school year, students earned almost 27-hundred hours of college credit," he says. "That translates to saving 198-thousand dollars at the Kaskaskia College rate."

A total of 52-percent of Salem High upper classmen are taking dual credit classes.  Detering notes some students are now graduating with ten to 20 hours of college credit already under their belt. 

Salem High School has a new assistant principal.  Current English Teacher Kelly Conklin will take her new position at the start of the second semester.  The board hired James Hollsapple as new head girls softball coach.  The resignations of Brad Detering as Assistant Football Coach and Ed Mann as Junior Varsity Baseball Coach were also accepted. 

The board passed a tentative tax levy with a 4.99 percent increase.  Detering noted there was no reason to levy higher and have to undergo a truth in taxation hearing because the consumer price index of 0.1 would not allow them to receive any more property tax money anyway.  Detering warned next year would be different when a large increase in the levy would be sought so new tax assessment going on the books from Salem's westside tax increment district can be captured.  However, he said the end result 

So far Salem High School has avoided the flu bug.  Principal John Boles reported attendance was at nearly 93-percent for October.  He reported more than 150 students were vaccinated against the H1N1 flu by the health department. 230 report cards were handed out during open house, with 280 parents in attendance.  The administration agreed to work to try and add activities to get more parents out in future years.  

The board will seek a per capita state library grant of 617-dollars.  Members were told circulation of library materials has increased 31-percent in the past year.  The board was informed Carol Ann Rusher had been named teacher of the month for October.  A thank you letter was received from the Shriner's Hospital thanking them for a $2,511 donation from the proceeds of this year's Shrine Football game against Centralia. 

Salem High School board members were honored with desserts made by the Family and Consumer Science Department students as part of School Board member day held on Sunday.  

Firemen battle a oil tank fire during training drill. Photo by Steve Murphy, SFPD.

Flames shot high above the Omar Squibb Training Center of the Salem Fire Protection District Wednesday night. 

The oil tank fires had been set to train about 70 firefighters from throughout the region on how to handle a fire involving an oil well.  Salem Fire Chief Roger Mann says the fires provide some special challenges. "Oil is different," he says. "Hydrocarbons are a lot stronger and it gets a lot hotter a lot quicker," he says. "With all the oilfields around we're somewhat used to it, but we're getting younger firefighters and we need to get them up to speed."

In addition to the actual fires, the firemen in attendance received an hour long classroom presentation.  The training is paid for by the Illinois Petroleum Resource Council.  
 

Firemen watch flames as they burn around oil tank in Wednesday night drill. Photo by Steve Murphy, SFPD.

A woman who fractured her hip when falling on an exercise platform at Curves for Women in Salem has been awarded 90-thousand dollars in damages by a Marion County Court Jury. 

Anna Henley claimed the business negligently monitored placement of the platform.   The jury found Henley 25-percent negligent in the accident and reduced the original damage award of 120-thousand dollars.  The damages included 71-thousand dollars for medical care, 20-thousand for loss of normal life, 15-thousand for pain and suffering and 14-thousand dollars as a result of expenses resulting from the injury. 

Curves and its owner Diana Foltz denied negligence and denied Henley sustained damage to the extent claimed.  The accident occurred in July of 2007.

Illinois State Police say a Salem man was seriously injured and two passengers in his vehicle injured during a three vehicle wreck on Route 50 near Huey yesterday morning.

Authorities say a minivan driven by 46 year-old Dean Harper of Salem was westbound on 50 near county road 2400 East and tried to pass a semi-truck driven by 31 year-old Derrick Sistrunk of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Harper's van struck an eastbound semi-truck driven by 42 year-old Terry Bohn of Lebanon. Police say Bohn had pulled his truck off to the shoulder to avoid an accident, but Harper's van struck the rear axels of Bohn's trailer and deflected into Sistrunk's semi.

The passengers in Harper's vehicle, 30 year-old Carolyn Mattingly of Odin and Donnie Harper also of Odin, received minor injuries and were taken to St. Mary's Hospital. Dean Harper was also taken to St. Mary's for treatment of serious injuries.

Neither of the semi-truck drivers were injured in the accident which occurred at around 11:11 yesterday morning. Police say all parties were wearing their seatbelts. Harper was ticketed for improper overtaking.

A 16-year-old Salem High School student faces disciplinary action at the school as well as criminal charges after allegedly being found in possession of 2.5 to ten grams of cannabis. 

SCHS Principal John Boles says the student was searched on Tuesday after they received a tip he was in possession of the drug.  When the cannabis was found, Salem Police were called.  He was later released to the custody of a parent pending court action.  Boles says the student will also face further action by the school board. 

Two people remain in the Marion County Jail following Wednesday and early Thursday morning arrests.  41-year-old David Wilfong of Mercer Lane in Centralia is being held for a probation violation.  21-year-old Chelsea Joyce of East 5th in Ina remains in custody after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies for alleged driving under the influence. 

27-year-old Eric Powell of East 6th in Centralia was released after posting bond on a Wayne County misdemeanor warrant.  

A 23-year-old Sandoval woman was injured in a two car crash early Wednesday night in the 600 block of U.S. 50 in Sandoval. 

Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say Charley Beer of Florida Street was taken to St. Mary's/Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia for treatment.  He was a passenger in a car driven by 28-year-old Jesse Beer of the same address.   Reports indicate Beer's car was hit in the rear by a car driven by 62-year-old Mary Hughes of State Route 15 in Ashley.  Both drivers escaped injury. 

Hughes was ticketed for speeding and Jesse Beer for not wearing a seatbelt. 

The Marion County Health Department is promoting the Great American Smokeout today!

Department Health Educator Tara DeWitt says the goal of the smokeout is simple. "It's a chance to challenge people to stop using tobacco and to raise awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good." MCHD has visited eleven grade schools this year and six high school classes. DeWitt says some schools are dooing door decorating contests, assemblies, t-shirt contests, and other educational activities. "We challenge students to sign a pledge wall and say they will 'get the smoke out,' either for that day or stay smoke free," she says. "When we say 'smoke free' we're actually talking about tobacco accross the board."

She also says the bulk of smokers want to quit, but it's no easy task. Tabacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death in the U.S., killing some 438-thousand people prematurely including 38-thousand from second-hand smoke. Dewitt says there are five keys to quitting. "One is to get ready and set a quit date, two is get support and encouragement, three is learn new skills and behaviors, four is to get medication and ask your doctor and five is to prepare for a relapse," she says. "Just because you relapse doesn't mean you fail."

Dewitt encourages all smokers to kick the habit for their health and for the health of those around them. She also says smoking costs you more than your health. Cigarette prices have risen sharply over the years and the recession is causing some to rethink their habit.

The Selmaville Grade School Board has set its tentative tax levy at 4.9-percent over this year's levy. 

Superintendent Robin Brooks says the increase will allow the district to capture nearly 800-thousand dollars of new construction within the Selmaville Grade School District.   The levy will come before the board for final approval in December.  Brooks reminded the board the district will be evaluating the effect of the close out of the West Side Tax Increment Finance District on the District's 2010 levy. 

The Selmaville Grade School Christmas program has been set for December 8th at 7 pm.

Congressman John Shimkus has joined five other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in introducing legislation to prohibit any federal funds from being used to transfer detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay to the Thomson Correcitonal Center in northwestern Illinois. 

Shimkus says he is more concerned about bringing the terrorists onto American soil than about prison safety.  He questions if radical Islamic elements will migrate to the area surrounding the terrorist prison and what problems that will bring to the host community.  Shimkus feels the terrorists should be held in military prisons and tried as enemy combatants.  Congressman Tim Johnson fears if a mistrial or other technicality derails the prosecution of a terrorist they would be released in Illinois.  He calls it a very real possibility and one he's not willing to risk.  Republican Senate candidate and current Congressman Mark Kirk has attacked the idea fiercely, warning of terrorists and making Illinois "ground zero" for terrorist activities.

Democrats accuse him of using irresponsible scare tactics lifted from the Bush-Cheney administration.

CHICAGO (AP) - A new obesity report has some sobering estimates for Illinois and the rest of the nation. 

If current trends continue, about 43 percent of adults in Illinois and nationwide will be obese by 2018. That's up from about 31 percent last year. Oklahoma is projected to have the highest rate - 56 percent; and Colorado the lowest - 30 percent, within nine years. Obesity-related health-care spending per adult will quadruple in Illinois, to about $1,500. Overall, the United States is expected to spend $344 billion on obesity-related health costs in 2018 if current rates persist.

The estimates are in a report this week from United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention.

CHICAGO (AP) - A task force examining the safety of Illinois nursing homes is ready to discuss concrete changes. A meeting Thursday in Chicago will bring the task force together to discuss ways to prevent assaults, rapes and murders in nursing homes.

Michael Gelder is Gov. Pat Quinn's senior health adviser and is leading the group. Gelder has said he sees three broad areas for solutions. Those are: more housing options for adults with mental illness, higher standards of nursing home care and improved screening of potential residents.

Illinois nursing homes increasingly have housed younger adults with serious mental illnesses or violent criminal histories. The task force plans to make recommendations to the governor by the end of January.

CHICAGO (AP) - Dozens of American flags line the outside of a Chicago funeral home where mourners have gathered to pay respects to a 21-year-old soldier who was killed at Fort Hood. 

Pvt. Francheska Velez was among the 13 people killed when a fellow soldier allegedly opened fire at the Texas Army base earlier this month. Hundreds gathered to remember Velez on Thursday at Montclair Lucania Funeral Home. Many wore T-shirts with her photo. Some read "We will miss you." Velez was a Chicago native who had recently returned from deployment in Iraq because she was pregnant. She'll be buried at Mount Olive Cemetery.

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois' unemployment rate has hit its highest level since August 1983.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 11 percent in October. That's up from 10.5 percent in September, and it compares to a rate of 6.8 percent in October of 2008. Illinois is still losing jobs - but at a slower rate. State officials say non-farm employment recorded 3,200 fewer jobs in October. It was the 21st consecutive monthly loss. 

Employment Security Director Maureen O'Donnell says the slowing pace of job losses is a reason for optimism, but she says that's little comfort to people looking for work.

It's the time of the year for shopping and hearing the familiar sound of the Salvation Army bell ringers.

Salvation Army officials say Kettle Campaign efforts in the area netted nearly 36-hundred dollars in the past week. Sharon Hall with the organization says the donation is a little behind figures from last year, but hopes that as wintry weather begins to pick up in November, people will begin to think with the holiday spirit.

Hall says the Salvation Army is still looking for bell ringers and the organization is willing to accommodate those who may be prevented from being outside in the cold temperatures. She says there are both indoor and outdoor bell ringing opportunities.

The coat giveaway at the Salvation Army also continues throughout winter and so far the organization has given away 440 coats. Those wishing to donate coats can bring them to the new location - 216 South Commercial in Central City.
Meanwhile, applications for the Christmas Toy Giveaway and Food Baskets are now being accepted. The applications must be turned in by December 4th.

The Salvation Army encourages all residents to get involved this holiday season with charitable efforts.

The Iuka Schhol board of Education met yesterday to discuss the anual tax levy increase for the district.

School Superintendent Matt Renault says the board will not be holding a truth and taxation hearing this year and plans increase the levy a mere 4 percent. The bulk of area schools will be levying the maximum 4.9 percent allowable without a hearing. Renault says the district tries to avoid increases and work with what is at hand.

He says the reason for the increase is to capture funding from some 286-thousand dollars in new area construction. Renault also mentioned the school actually decreased its levy last year. The Board also accepted the resignation of boys track and cross country coach Rick Vincent and set the date for the Christmas Program on December 8th at 7 p.m.

Congressman John Shimkus has introduced legislation designed to ensure continued domestic production of biodiesel.

Shimkus says house resolution 4070 contains a tax credit for domestic producers of the fuel. The credit is a one dollar production tax credit. He also says small producers would be eligible for an additional ten cent tax credit per gallon. The current tax credit will end December 31st and may lead to potential production lapses and possible unemployment from lost work hours.

The new legislation will provide the tax credit for five years, and Shimkus says bioldiesel is a major alternative fuel and requires continued support of domestic production.

The Centralia City Council held a work session yesterday to discuss 2010 budgetary planning.

The council covered a number of priorities for the coming year, including community image, strategic planning, infrastructure maintenance, efficiency efforts, continued support of key partners and keeping citizens informed.The City of Centralia is proposing a balanced budget for 2010, with anticipated revenues matching expenditures of around 10.1 million dollars - roughly a 2 percent increase from the year before.

City Manager Grant Kleinhenz says the city will be grappling with nearly 300-thousand dollars fewer income tax dollars from the state and a 24 percent increase to health insurance costs totaling over 235-thousand dollars. The general fund levy will increase four percent. Kleinhenz says to balance the budget, the city will be watching its spending. He says requests for new equipment have been put on hold and the city has reduced it's contingency balance to under 17-thousand dollars causing some concern. "I know we're on a razor's edge," he says. "If something goes wrong, it could be bad."

Meanwhile, the city plans to close the pool in 2010 for repairs and may look for a deal with through Centralia Recreation Complex. The city has also laid off one Assistant Code Enforcement Officer and elected not to replace a retiring yards worker, saving an estimated 80-thousand dollars. Kleinhenz says next year will be difficult in many aspects, but the city is prepared and has planned for the worst. He adds many cities believe the economy has already reached its lowest point and budgetary planning will become easier in future years as the recovery continues.

A 33-year-old Salem man has been placed on one year probation after pleading guilty to an aggravated assault charge. Erik Taylor of Hotze Road was also ordered to complete 60 hours of public service work and pay a 100-dollar fine.  Taylor was accused of holding a knife to Erica Thomason's throat in an aggressive manner.  The incident occurred in May.

A 40-year-old Odin man has pleaded guilty to felony deceptive practice.  Kenneth Hess of Red Stripe Road was placed on two years probation, ordered to make 617-dollars restitution, and complete 150 hours of public service work.

A 34-year-old Central City man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of battery.  Nolan Smith of West Green is accused of choking Courtney Smith around the neck with his hands.  The charge was reduced from domestic battery.
 

Deer hunters will soon head into the fields this week. The state's deer hunting firearm season begins Friday.

The hunting season is split up into two portions, with the first November 20th through the 22nd and the second running December 3rd through the 6th. Tim Schwiezer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources predicts this year will be a good year for deer. "With the number of hunters we're expecting we'll probably see a large number of deer taken," he says. In 2008, some 106-thousand deer were taken in the seven day season and more than 360-thousand hunting permits have been issued this year. Schweizer says Illinois needs hunters to ensure a healthy population of deer. "You need to control the population on a manual basis," he says. "If we don't have hunters we have a lot more problems in terms of damage to crops, property and a higher potential for deer-vehicle accidents."

He also says safety should be at the forefront of hunters minds with so many out in the field. Tree stand users should utilize harnesses and of course follow proper procedure when handling a weapon.

Legal hunting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Hunters who take a deer are required to report their harvest by 10 p.m. the day of. They can do so online at the DNR website or by calling 1-866-IL-CHECK or 1-866-452-4325.