Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
"A West Chicago woman died after she was struck by a freight train Friday. Brittany F. Orlowski, 22, was hit by a westbound freight train around 3:50 a.m. Friday as she was lying on the southernmost track at Chase Street, Wheaton police said."
Blagojevich
should hop aboard Amtrak - Philip A. Weibler"Let’s try this, Guv: head over to Union Station — that would be in downtown Chicago — and get on Amtrak. There are five trains every day headed for Springfield, leaving at times from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m."
- Mary Valentino June 29, 2007
White
House 'Duplicity' Over Pork Spending Draws GOP Ire"These special interest items are often slipped into bills at the last hour -- when not even C-SPAN is watching," Bush said."
Open
meeting law violation creates serious trust issue"First, do they trust the board to reveal the information that they are obligated by law to share? Second, do they trust the board to avoid granting inflated pay or benefits that would heighten the feeling among taxpayers that elected officials are bent on trying to pry money out of their pockets that isn’t vital to providing students a quality education?"
D94
board, teachers reach tentative agreement"“I think the teachers are going to be pleased with the settlement,” Laimins said. “There’s good and bad in any settlement but you look at it as the total package.” The district had previously been operating under a one-year agreement when teachers agreed to take multiple cuts in pay and benefits to help the district balance the budget."
Convicted
criminals could have tough time getting jobs at schools"A new law signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich that allows private schools to do criminal background checks on prospective employers has given educators one more tool to protect children. The measure is not a requirement, but rather an open door through which private schools can choose to walk. Dean of Faculty at Wheaton Academy Steve Bult praised the movement, but does not know whether Wheaton Academy, in West Chicago, will take advantage of it."
"The three had beers there and drove together to Diamonds Gentlemen's Club in West Chicago, he testified, and while the club does not sell liquor, he and his two friends, plus a third friend, brought and consumed a fifth of vodka."
Sen
Durbin
Every
American Deserves Equal Access to Housing"Additionally, recent investigations of real estate agents uncovered an 87% rate of racial steering and a 20% rate of denial for African-American and Latino perspective homeowners. The FHIP funds fair housing organizations and other non-profit groups to provide vital services to their communities."
“Too many of our brave service men and women are coming home from war with serious injuries that may be overlooked because they don’t bear any visible wounds or scars,”
Durbin
and Illinois Colleagues Take Action to Prevent Spread of Hospital
Infections"According to the results of a major new study, up to 1.2 million hospital patients are infected with drug-resistant infections each year, and MRSA alone results in more than $3 billion a year in additional costs for the Medicare program."
Sen.
Obama"The Asian Carp Barrier will preserve Lake Michigan’s ecosystem and prevent the foreign species from wiping out other fish and plant populations. Illinois farmers stand to lose millions in exports unless we repair the infrastructure that will allow our corn and our soy to reach their port."
"If there were any justice in the world, Mr. Murdoch, who did more than anyone in the news business to mislead this country into an unjustified, disastrous war, would be a discredited outcast. Instead, he's expanding his empire."
Rep.Randy Ramey
"Frustrated because Democrats refuse to review a budget proposal that allows the state to operate within its means, Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream) voted against a 30-day emergency budget that was presented today in front of the General Asse"
Rep
Fortner
"State Representative Mike Fortner (West Chicago) announces that the House has approved a 30 day emergency budget. This short-term budget will keep state services operating at fiscal year 07’ levels. In addition, the House Republicans scored a major victory in ensuring that $77 million for pork projects was not included in the emergency budget."
City
ofWest Chicago
"DuPage County's 15th Annual 'Take Back The Night' event will be held on Saturday, September 29th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Naperville's Central Park, near the Bandshell, at 104 East Benton in Naperville."
-
Catherine Perkis June 28, 2007
- Thomas Sachse June 27, 2007
Sen
Durbin“Today’s announcement reaffirms that ‘Made in China’ is rapidly becoming a warning label for American consumers,”
“Recent news about this and other recalls paint a disturbing picture about the safety of products being sold to the American public,” Durbin said. “Toys tainted with lead paint are the latest example of a system of lax inspection and standards not enforced. We need to do better.”
"By testifying under oath that you were not involved in this issue, it appears that you misled me, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the nation,"
Sen.
Obama"The Appropriations Committee expressed support for the initiative and provided $48 million for Lugar-Obama, $36 million for programs to destroy heavy conventional weapons, $10 million for efforts to intercept weapons and materials of mass destruction, and $2 million for rapid response to proliferation detection and interdiction emergencies."
"By failing to pass a bill, we have done nothing to solve the problem of the more than 2,000 immigrants who cross our borders every day and the 12 million undocumented who are already here, nor have we addressed the very real concerns of American citizens who rightly believe we should protect our borders.”
"Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) endorsed congressional pork by asking rhetorically, "Who knows best where to put a bridge or a highway or a red light in their district?"[3] Not mayors or city councils, apparently."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, June 30, 2007 for: Army Specialist Karen N. Clifton, United States Army"
“People shouldn’t be forced to give up their homes because they can’t afford to fix a leaking roof or pay to install lights or windows that will help them save on energy bills."
Merle
Berle- Park District Superintendent of Recreation
- Catholic Daughters of America Garage Sale
- Annexation of approximately 100 acres
- First annual Jubilee Celebration, sponsored by Out of Exile Ministries
- Resignation from the District 33 Board
West
Chicago stabbing suspect arrested"The pair started fist-fighting, then each drew out his belt to snap at the other. At one point, the eventual victim had grabbed both belts and was wielding them like lassos. That’s when Vega-Cruz pulled out a razor knife, police said. He slashed the victim, cutting an artery in the man’s left forearm, police said."
Mel
Hoff set the standard for DuPage County's volunteer preservationists"When it came to the West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve, the Warrenville resident was a one-man marketing, administrating and educating machine."
"There is no way John Homatas and John Chiariello switched seats during a near-head-on collision, an accident reconstruction expert testified Tuesday in Homatas’s reckless homicide trial."
Cost
of Emerald Ash Borer Prevention“It has been just over a year since the first Illinois case of Emerald Ash Borer was found in Kane County. Since then, the infestation has worsened,” said Durbin. “With over 131 million ash trees in Illinois, it’s crucial that we reverse this trend. The legislation that we introduced today will make the funds available for communities to get ahead of this problem.”
“For the third year in a row, the number of countries who are not doing enough to combat human trafficking has increased. If these countries won’t prosecute those who engage in human trafficking, the United States should be empowered to bring justice to those traffickers who are in the United States."
"Durbin also asked Judge Kavanaugh to explain discrepancies between testimony he gave to the Senate Judiciary Committee and recent news accounts of his role in developing rules governing the treatment of detainees."
Sen.
Obama
"The United States must continue to pressure the Mugabe regime to allow Zimbabweans to pursue their hopes for legitimate political change and work with the international community to help all Zimbabweans forge a better future for their nation.”
Veterans’
Affairs Bill Incorporates Obama Proposals to Improve Veterans’ Health Care
and Benefits“I am proud that this package includes my proposals to strengthen hospital quality, expand mental health care coverage for veterans, broaden outreach activities for our Guard members and Reservists, and strengthen VA oversight. Providing the best care for our service members, veterans and their families is one thing about this war we can still get right.”
Obama
Statement on Stalled Ethics Reform in Congress"These cynical partisan maneuverings on ethics reform are exactly what allows the lobbyists and special interests to stand in the way of progress on the issues that matter to the American people. This is why the oil industry continues to hold sway over energy policy and the drug industry has blocked reform that would lower prices for Americans. It is time for Congress to finally pass the strongest possible ethics reforms as soon as possible so that the voices of average Americans are heard in Washington once more."
Rep
Fortner"State Representative Mike Fortner hosted an outstanding fundraiser at the Prairie Landing Golf Course in West Chicago Monday, June 25. The approximate 80 attendees included Patti Bellock, Alan Bolds, Kevin Burns, Randy Hultgren, Brett Kotecki, Chris Lauzen, Jim Oberweis, Dennis Reboletti, Leonard Sanchez, Margo Schreiber, and Dan Wagner. Oberweis brought ice cream and Ramey introduced Fortner."
[I have not been ignoring the former mayor... it has been almost a month since his last blog entry. - Bob]
GovernorBlagojevich
"We’ll be able to help people who test positive receive proper care earlier than they may have in the past and help reduce the spread of HIV,”
"As for what it’s like being the kid who put a hurting on Bill O’Reilly, Lange says he is getting “a couple hundred Facebook requests a day” and letters from college professors, “just asking me to consider their schools when I apply to college.”"
City
ofWest Chicago
West
Chicago Police Arrest Man in Stabbing Incident"The West Chicago Police Department announced the arrest of 30 year-old Mariano Vega-Cruz for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, in connection with an early morning incident on Sunday, June 24, 2007."
City
Leader Meets Spiritual Leader at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir"The City of West Chicago was recently honored by an invitation that brought Mayor Michael B. Kwasman to the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest stone and marble Hindu temple constructed in the United States and located in Bartlett, Illinois."
W.
Chicago gets serious about tickets "“A number of folks have not paid,” he said. “It was a big enough problem that we have to address it in this fashion.” Goncher successfully proposed that the city begin using the “Denver” boot — a device that is clamped on the wheel of a car, restricting it from being moved. "
"In the second week of his Kane County trial, Homatas, 25, of Wayne, continues to maintain he was a passenger in the Jan. 4, 2006, crash on Route 25 outside South Elgin. John Chiariello, 26, of St. Charles was driving, said Gary Johnson, one of Homatas’ attorneys. Chiariello was found dead in Homatas’ car."
Sen
Durbin"In recent years, and in direct violation of the UN embargo, Russia exported over $34 million in equipment and arms sales to the Sudanese government used to launch attacks on Darfur. Next week, the President has not only an opportunity, but a responsibility, to call on Putin to immediately reverse his nations' actions and end arms sales to Sudan."
"I’d like to know how many American workers these companies hire compared to the number of foreign workers they bring in,” Grassley said. “American workers deserve the best chance at jobs in this country, and this data makes one question if they are too often overlooked.”
Sen.
Obama“Many middle class workers in Illinois and throughout the nation are losing their jobs to workers overseas who lack fair pay and benefits. In today’s global economy, with new risks and new rules, helping American workers compete and protecting their basic rights to healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and safe working conditions must be a priority.”
"Mr. Obama is not expected to open a full-fledged advertising push until the fall, aides said, but the campaign will slowly start highlighting his life before he gained national prominence delivering the keynote speech at the Democratic convention in 2004."
Rep Peter Roskam
“The Senate is clearly divided over the immigration debate, but my congressional district is not. My constituents have made it very clear that amnesty is not an option. Until our borders are secured, any attempts to rectify the immigration issue will simply fall short."
WegoWeb
My daughter Becky turns 18 today... If you see her around town, please wave, smile, or wish her happy birthday.
Presidential
scholars present Bush with letter urging a ban on torture"President Bush was presented with a letter Monday signed by 50 high school seniors in the Presidential Scholars program urging a halt to "violations of the human rights" of terror suspects held by the United States."
The park district really needs volunteers to be scorekeepers and
referees for the popular Railroad Days Mud Volleyball Tournament Saturday
and Sunday, July 14 and 15. Recreation coordinator Anna Rosalez said the 12
persons per hour are required. To offer your assistance or for further
information, call Rosalez at 231-9474.
ElementaryDistrict 33
"The Board of Education of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 announces a vacancy on the Board to fill a 22-month unexpired term of office. Mr. Joe Lach tendered his resignation at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, June 21. "
Cable
ComChannel 17
"Tune in to Channel 17 this week for the programs Mexican Heritage Days and Celebrating Diversity. We're replaying the City Council Meeting from 6/18/07 all week and showing a CableCom Classic program Illinois Reads. There's bound to be something for everyone to watch on Channel 17."
Sen
Durbin"... the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has awarded $756,547 in federal grant funding to the University of Illinois to support the research, extension and outreach activities of the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program (IISG)."
"I think we have reached a point unfortunately where `made in China' is now a warning label in the US," said Democratic Senator Richard Durbin, a top campaigner in the US Congress for tighter food safety laws.
Sen.
Obama“Today's summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is encouraging. I support the efforts of Prime Minister Olmert, President Mubarak, and King Abdullah to strengthen President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad – two Palestinian leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to non-violence and achieving peace with Israel. These leaders seek peace and deserve the support of the international community.”
"Throughout this administration, Vice President Cheney has consistently sought to operate in secrecy and thwart rules designed to ensure the public's right to know how their business is being done. I believe strongly that democracy works best when it does its work in the daylight"
Rep Peter Roskam“In the past 6 months, we have seen some of the shine come off the housing market across the nation. Subprime lending has shaken the foundation under many homeowners, threatening foreclosure for too many. Those currently under duress need help in the near term,..."
"Many webcasters are planning to shut off access to their streams entirely,
while other webcasters plan to replace their music streams with long periods of
silence (or static or ocean sounds or similar) interspersed with occasional brief
public service announcements on the subject."
Rep.Randy Ramey
Ramey
Vehicle Abandon Bill Sent to Governor"Those who violate the law by abandoning their vehicle along Illinois roadways may be prohibited from renewing their license as a result of a new law that has been sent to the Governor, said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream)."
View
Habitat plan with an open mind"We hope this plan gets a different reception than the one Habitat received in 1995. Its proposal to build a housing subdivision within the city of West Chicago was rejected. Questions about density were raised. But there’s also no question that an ugly misperception doomed the project."
Sen
Durbin
Cleaning
Up Congress & Campaigns - Yahoo! News"As the post-Watergate presidential financing system collapses and Congressional elections grow more expensive by the millions every cycle, Senators Dick Durbin and Arlen Specter believe it's time to fundamentally change the way campaigns are financed and run. Earlier this year they introduced the first bipartisan bill to publicly finance federal races, modeled after successful "clean election" laws at the state and local levels."
Congress
may revive bankruptcy protection - Daily Sundial -
Northridge,CA,"Illinois Senator Richard Durbin proposed legislation that would reverse a 2005 decision that prevented students from declaring bankruptcy except under rare circumstances. The 2005 decision followed legislation signed by President Clinton in 1998 that prevented students from filing for bankruptcy on federal loans."
Sen.
Obama
"Senator Barack Obama won a straw poll conducted at the 2007 Take Back America conference in Washington, DC. The poll was carried out by the political strategy firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and sponsored by the online news site The Politico. Obama received 29% of the 720 votes."
Obama
says some conservative religious leaders have 'hijacked' faith
- Canoe.ca - Canada"Somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and faith started being used to drive us apart," the Democratic presidential candidate said in a 30-minute speech before the national meeting of the United Church of Christ. "Faith got hijacked, partly because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, all too eager to exploit what divides us," the Illinois senator said. "
Rep Peter Roskam
"By making sure we shine a spotlight on all earmarks, we can weed out the wasteful requests, and perhaps prevent them from being offered in the first place." We couldn't agree more. That's why you'll find the complete list of earmark requests from five Illinois congressmen -- Obama, Democratic Rep. Rahm Emanuel and GOP Reps. Peter Roskam, Judy Biggert and Mark Kirk -- on the Tribune's Web site. We look forward to posting the rest of them."
"But to act as if the earmark process is insignificant is really patronizing. It's patting people on the head and saying, off with you, be lively, you get to write your letter to the chairman, and the chairman will make a declaration on whether it's a good idea or a bad idea."
New
look for West Branch "I thought it was a crazy idea, eviscerating the river from one end to the other,” district Director of Natural Resources John Oldenburg said. Now, however, he’s convinced the project will leave the waterway healthier and more diverse than before.
Bill
may go into effect unsigned “It would be nice to get the governor’s signature, and we would all get to stand around and applaud,” said state Sen. John J. Millner of Carol Stream, who sponsored the senate’s version of the proposal. “But in either case the results are the same: The city of West Chicago will get money back. And it won’t have to be double taxed.”
Caught
on camera"This weekend, West Chicago City Museum unveils more than two dozen of Weibler’s iconic railroad photographs in a new exhibit, “Documenting the Rails,” that will run through Sept. 15."
"Simmons, who was driving home from her job at the Elgin riverboat casino, was eight months pregnant. Homatas and Chiariello were en route from a West Chicago strip club to the Elgin riverboat casino the night of the crash. Attorneys for Homatas contend Chiariello was driving."
Sun
Growing
field of study" It doesn't take much to sell someone on the career opportunities available at Ball Horticulture in West Chicago. The immaculately landscaped, 7.5-acre garden boasts more than 3,000 varieties of plants, most of which were developed on the 102-year-old company's grounds."
"Longtime West Chicago resident Leta Dean says a neighbor told her “Family Video”, a national video store chain that opened for business on Route 59 near their West Chicago neighborhood, had a back room that rents porn. She says has stopped going there along with many of her neighbors."
"Employees at McDonald's Restaurant were surprised Friday morning when a guy riding a tractor pulled up to the drive-through lane seeking an order of food. "They said it was the first tractor they served at the new restaurant," said Jim Clement, of Saxon, Wis."
Sen
JohnMillner
"Legislation providing tax relief for residents of West Chicago, banning a dangerous hallucinogen and combating the emerald ash borer are among the measures sponsored by State Senator John J. Millner (R- Carol Stream) awaiting the Governor’s final consideration. "
SenHultgren
Hultgren:
Governor showing lack of respect to taxpayers"tate Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton) says he is disappointed by Gov. Blagojevich’s lack of respect to Illinois taxpayers as the governor continues to accumulate massive traveling expenses due to his daily trips from Chicago to Springfield."
Teacher
contract settlement in sight“We think this is a contract both sides can be happy with,” school board President Tony Reyes said. “This is something the negotiation committee feels it can take to the teachers,” union President Barbara Laimins said. “Hopefully, this means the start of peaceful times.”
""I'm not going to start burning books in the middle of the street," he said. Still, Kwasman said the company has drawn his ire by rebuffing attempts to discuss the matter. Now the mayor is considering a city law that would mandate locked doors or closed-circuit television surveillance that is actively monitored."
[This article was also picked up by Illionois Review. - Bob]
Habitat
seeks OK for biggest DuPage project ever"The proposed subdivision would sit on three unincorporated acres near Sherman and Pomeroy streets near West Chicago’s southwest side. Habitat officials are asking West Chicago to annex the site. In the past, several developers have expressed interest in the land but passed because of the amount of infrastructure needed, Community Development Director Joanne Kalchbrenner said."
"The witness, Michael Walker, of St. Charles, took the stand at the trial of John Homatas, 25, charged in Kane County with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI in the collision on Illinois Highway 25 near South Elgin on Jan. 4, 2006."
Sen
Durbin"For the Vice President to believe that he has no responsibility to meet this requirement of the law is a dereliction of duty and responsibility to the people of the United States. And for him to attempt to a abolish the agency that was putting pressure on him to follow the law shows that he's gone entirely too far."
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) repeatedly cites tobacco imagery in motion pictures as one reason why teen smoking rates have stopped their historic decline.”
Sen.
Obama
Obama
Applauds Modest First Step on Fuel Economy Standards, Says Bolder Action
Needed to Solve Climate Crisis
"Even if we increase fuel efficiency standards to 35 mpg by 2020 – as this
bill requires – we cannot allow standards to flatline for another two
decades after that. And we must engage in a comprehensive effort to reduce
emissions from all transportation fuels, by passing a national low-carbon
fuel standard and investing in efficiency.”
“While we still must do a lot more to make health care affordable and to expand health coverage to every American, federal investment in these programs is a critical down payment toward improving health care for Illinois residents.”
"By vetoing funding for stem cell research once again, the President is deferring the hopes of millions of Americans who do not have the time to keep waiting for the cure that may save or extend their lives."
Rep Peter Roskam"With small businesses of less than 500 employees accounting for 99% of all employers and creating 65% of all new jobs, it is crucial that Congress work to support their continued growth."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to support 51 projects throughout Illinois that will enhance habitat for wildlife, including the restoration and protection of threatened and endangered species. Funding for the projects comes from Illinois citizens through donations to the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources."
West
Chicago Press eMails purloined"In documents recovered from a dumpster at GateHouse Media, 1101 W. 31st. St., Suite 100, Downers Grove, reporters for the West Chicago Press reveal the existence of a large, dismal impassable swamp that prevents them from even getting near West Chicago. 'Many men have entered but none have returned' stated a cringing, pale and cowering assignment editor in the corporate offices."
[Actually, this is just smarmy, mean spirited satire inspired by disappointment. - Bob]
Merle
Berle- Documenting the Rails
- Movie in the Park
- Life Line Screenings
- David Haley has accepted a position with the Central United Methodist Church of Skokie
- Operation Support Our Troops
- Shawn is off the medication for the induced coma
City
ofWest Chicago
City
of West Chicago to Host Heartland Blood Center's Blood Drive"... the City of West Chicago will be hosting a city-wide blood drive for Heartland Blood Centers on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at City Hall's Council Chambers, 475 Main Street."
Sen
DurbinSen.
Obama
Hagel,
Obama, Brown Introduce Bill to Improve VA Services for Blind Veterans“I am proud to cosponsor this initiative that will strengthen the VA’s ability to provide specialty vision care and rehabilitation to our blinded veterans while encouraging more of our students to enter this honorable line of work,”
"The use of a personality discharge can result in a loss of disability benefits and medical care from the VA, and can even lead to service members having to repay thousands of dollars in re-enlistment bonuses."
Feingold,
Obama Push for Strongest Ethics and Lobbying Reform Bill Possible“Last November, the American people sent a message to Washington to clean up its act, so it’s important that Congress take tough action on lobbying and ethics reform,”
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 for: Army PVT. First Class Jacob Tracy, United States Army"
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, June 25, 2007 for: Army Captain Joshua (Josh) Eric Steele, United States Army"
City
ofWest Chicago
Surveillance
on Bicycle Breaks Case in West Chicago- "Adrian Huerta, 20 year-old resident of the 500 block of Continental Dr. in Warrenville.. He was charged with one count of Burglary.
- Valentin Perez, 18 year-old resident of the 400 block of east Brown St. in West Chicago. He was charged with one count of Criminal Trespass to Vehicle."
"A new exhibit opens on June 22, 2007 at the West Chicago City Museum showcasing the talents of local photographer, Philip A. Weibler. Over two dozen of his railroad photographs can be viewed in the exhibit which runs through September 15, 2007."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"Community High School District #94’s Wildcat Chronicle received the Golden Eagle Trophy for the Best In Class 2007 School Newspaper. This honor was awarded by the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association."
WegoWebPublic
Hearing on Habitat ContinuedDue to a failure to achieve a quorum, Tuesday night's meeting of the Planning Commission and public hearing was continued to 7PM on Tuesday July 17th. Members of the neighborhood and Habitat for Humanity members met informally for a couple hours discussing the proposed 11 house development and its effects.
"The 4-year-old son of Cyndi and Tony Erspamer of Pine Lake was bitten by a large musky Friday at the lake. Turns out he's just fine, but he would like someone to get "that darn fish out of my lake!""
Quiet
determination"Low-key perseverance was the hallmark of his success, longtime acquaintances of the retired West Chicago orthopedic surgeon say. Mains “wasn’t out there pounding his chest,” said Brook McDonald, president of The Conservation Foundation. “Doug has a lot of class. Rather than scream and yell, he’d have a cup of coffee with the mayor.” After months of consistent lobbying, the DuPage County Forest Preserve District finally bought Danada in 1980.
"Matthew Goetz wasn't surprised when he saw a photo capturing a mysterious light at the Cobblestone Road Saloon. After all, Goetz, owner of the 148-year-old tavern in West Chicago, claims to have witnessed shadowy figures there a dozen times."
Sen
Durbin"At a Senate Rules hearing today, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) called on Congress to take meaningful action to restore public confidence in the Congressional elections process and pass The Fair Elections Now Act. Sen. Durbin’s bill would create a voluntary system that gives Senate candidates the option to stop dialing for dollars and attending fundraisers, without asking taxpayers to completely underwrite the process."
"The day commemorates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of their emancipation."
Sen.
ObamaHigher
Education Bill“This comprehensive legislation will not only make college more affordable, it will provide our prospective teachers with the preparation, skills and support they need to serve children in high-needs school districts and invest a new generation of leaders by funding predominately black institutions. America’s teachers and schools deserve our long term commitment so that they can provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and restore America’s competitiveness.”
"Today, individual workers in Illinois and throughout the country often don’t have the power to challenge employers who are cutting wages at the same time as they are dropping their healthcare and retirement benefits.”
"By vetoing funding for stem cell research once again, the President is deferring the hopes of millions of Americans who do not have the time to keep waiting for the cure that may save or extend their lives."
Rep
Hastert"In fact, even with conservative calculations, studies find that if each household replaced just three 60 watt lamps with Light Emitting Diode (LED) Solid State Lighting (SSL) bulbs it would result in an 80% reduction in power. This would save our country $2.3 billion dollars and have an annual reduction of 33 million tons of carbon dioxide."
"Army Spec. Alex Jimenez, who has been missing since his unit was attacked by insurgents in Iraq on May 12, had petitioned for a green card for his wife, Yaderlin, whom he married in 2004, Boston's WBZ-TV reported Tuesday. Their attorney, Matthew Kolken, said Yaderlin illegally entered the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2001. Her husband's request for a green card and legal residence status for her alerted authorities to her situation, Kolken said."
Stop
on red or you’ll be fined"Under the new system, cameras will take digital pictures of cars that cross into intersections after stoplights have turned red in that direction. Those car owners will be sent tickets that won’t appear on their records but will carry a $100 fine. If tickets aren’t paid in 14 days, an additional $100 late fee will be charged."
Sen
Durbin“Motorola’s decision to close the Urbana-Champaign Design Center will have a significant impact on this downstate community,” said Durbin. “We must do everything possible so that these employees have all the help they need to find new jobs.”
Sen.
ObamaCoal-to-Liquid
Fuel Proposals""Achieving energy independence and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions are two of the greatest challenges America faces. With the right technological innovations, coal has the potential to be a cleaner burning, domestic alternative to imported oil. However we are not there yet."
"She will spend this day, as she has eleven of her last seventeen birthdays, under house arrest -- the continuing target of a repressive military junta that rules Burma with an iron fist and has mismanaged the country both economically and politically.”
"This is a positive step forward, but this is bigger than one contract or negotiation and it is time for other companies to follow suit. I pledged my support for the workers when I met with the negotiating committee two weeks ago and I'll be there with them on the picket line until every worker has a fair contract."
Obama* for the Heart, Edwards for the Head?
"But his appeal was not his policy shopping list. He was promoting himself
foremost as an agent of change who can bring about "a new kind of politics."
He offered the crowd "a simple truth, a truth I learned all those years ago
as an organizer in Chicago...that in the face of impossible odds, people who
love their country can change it.""
Rep Peter RoskamHELP
AND HOPE FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP"Congress could damage the housing market further by forcing lenders to abandon certain types of loans that consumers may need to refinance themselves in a weak housing market. Tighter regulation will cut off loans to the very people we want to help into homeownership."
[Is it fair to say that he wants to protect predatory lenders? - Bob]
GovernorBlagojevich
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the grandstand lineup for the 85th annual DuQuoin State Fair. The lineup will feature rock super-star Alice Cooper along with current country music standouts Gary Allan and Joe Nichols. In addition, Chicago-based rock group Chevelle, and the 26th annual Colgate Country Showdown featuring Lorrie Morgan, will be major attractions, along with a gospel music show and the big band sounds of Jerry Ford and his Orchestra."
Merle
Berle
Plans
for Rail Road Days"The 34th annual West Chicago Railroad Days is right on track, bringing forth fun and entertainment for all ages starting Thursday, July 12, and ending Sunday, July 15, at Reed-Keppler Park. Events include the carnival, demonstrations, entertainment, fine arts display, fireworks and parade, plus a great selection of foods to appeal to all appetites."