Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
Funeral Home
"Rhonda L. Dierschow, age 52, of West Chicago, passed away Friday December 28, 2007. She was born on April 17, 1955 in Geneva, IL and resided in West Chicago most of her life."
- "the DuPage chapter's biggest project -- a full-scale subdivision -- in West Chicago"
- "West Chicago resident Sandy Riess raised questions about possible residual buried thorium contamination"
- "Cary Dittmann, a West Chicago resident, helped organize the Friends of the Fen,"
- "Stephen L. Kuhn, the former West Chicago police chief, left the post in early 2007 under mysterious circumstances"
Sen.
Obama
Statement
of Senator Barack Obama on the Expected Veto of the Department of Defense
Authorization Act"For far too long, our wounded warriors and their families have been forced to fight another battle for the care they need to rebuild their lives. This bill would have made important investments in our national defense, including providing an across-the-board pay raise for all uniformed service personnel."
GovernorBlagojevich
"According to West Chicago Fire Chief Ron Ackerman, “it takes only a
few seconds for a moment of harmless play to turn tragic. We don’t want to see anyone tragically lost when the situation can be avoided” Added Wheaton Chief Greg Berk, “parents need to take the time to explain to their children the dangers of playing on the ice “"
PRESS REPORTERS ABDUCTED BY ALIENSI sure hope the reason we are not seeing Press reporters and articles written by them is their abduction by little green men from outer space. The last specifically West Chicago based article on their website was posted on Dec 17th. I'm sure their staff is smart enough to go to Google Maps and find out how to get here ... and I'd hate to think they are struggling across the stinking deserts of New Mexico following a compass made in China. Perhaps we could suggest a New Year's Resolution... hire a reporter for West Chicago. - Bob
"Kimberlee Clark of West Chicago, left, and Darlene Nawrocki of Riverside works with classmates in the Beginning and Intermediate Lampwork Beading class at the Fine..."
It's
your right: Join the political process
"Republicans
Jim Oberweis, Chris Lauzen and even Michael Dilger -- a dark horse from
Elgin who has yet to speak publicly on his candidacy -- are scheduled to
join Democrats John Laesch, Bill Foster, Jotham Stein and Joe Serra.
The event is at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040
Dunham Road, St. Charles. It is free and open to the public."
"Two brothers were charged Thursday in connection with a recent string of thefts of packages delivered to area homes. Shawn Coleman, 18, and Joseph Coleman, 25, both of West Chicago, were charged with two misdemeanor counts of theft in Cook County and one felony count of theft in DuPage County."
Primary
going for blood?"The GOP race to replace former House Speaker Hastert has become one of name-calling (“career politician” versus “big money, big clout” candidate) and allegations of impropriety in everything from endorsements to campaign hires to football tickets... “Those two just went right at each other, Oberweis in his opening statements, and Lauzen in his,” Laesch said. “I think it’s more of a Republican thing than a Democrat thing.”"
Cheney
Impeachment Cracks Corporate Media - Buzz Flash"On November 7, the House of Representatives voted to send a resolution of impeachment of Vice President Cheney to the Judiciary Committee. As Members of the House Judiciary Committee, we strongly believe these important hearings should begin."
West
Chicago dog survives shooting"A West Chicago pooch has given new meaning to the term Wonder Dog. Hunter, a 5-year-old shepherd-lab mix, returned home from the vet just a day after being shot in the face by a police officer."
The
top stories for DuPage Co. in 2007"Thorium testing in West Chicago
Federal Environmental Protection Agency officials acknowledged early this year that residual thorium contamination may remain buried on as many as 100 West Chicago properties. After doing research, the agency reduced that number to 41 residential sites, some of which had been officially cleared as clean. Some properties may need to be dug up for the third time."
"West
Chicago parks gets a new director
After leading the West Chicago Park District for decades, Executive Director
Dave Thomas and Recreation Director Peggy Krauch retired and handed the
reins over to newcomer Gary Major and Leslie DeMoss, respectively."
"High
school adopts different schedule
Over the pleas and formal protests of teachers, early this year the West
Chicago Community High School District 94 board approved a new eight-period
school day schedule, which adds the new "advisory period." The new class is
supposed to give students time to be mentored by a specific teacher. This
summer, after a lengthy battle, the administration also settled on a new
two-year contract with teachers, the first multi-year contract in two
years."
"A charter bus company involved in a deadly crash last month must immediately shut down because it is an "imminent hazard to public safety," federal officials said Thursday. A Tornado Bus Co. bus carrying 47 people to Dallas from Chicago crashed along Interstate 40 near Forrest City, Ark., on Nov. 25, killing three people aboard, including passengers Raul Lopez, 58, of West Chicago, and Maria Del Carmen Fuentes Vallejo of Plano."
Residents
can have say on sale of railway"Meetings have also been scheduled for Jan. 8 in Mundelein, Jan. 19 in Joliet, Jan. 16 in Gary, Ind., Jan. 17 in West Chicago and Jan. 22 in Chicago.
For more information on the proposed sale, visit www.stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689."
Coming
of age"The town has evolved from mostly blue-collar to a mix of people at all income levels," explains Kwasman, a manufacturer's representative by day. "When I ran for mayor, people told me what they wanted built here, and that included restaurants, spas, health clubs, services such as dry cleaners and Starbucks."
A
big year for the IT guy"The IT guy has long ago shed the nerd image and become the VIP of the office. And in 2007, at least in the Fox Valley, the people who run Information Technology took it one step further and stepped out from behind the door to the server office, becoming a public face themselves."
[I post this to contrast with the recent WC IT flap and impending lawsuit, which a city official says I will receive information on around Jan 3rd. - Bob]
Rep Peter Roskam
"Twelve of the state's 19 members spent a combined $586,000 on mass mailings through Sept. 30. More than half of that, or almost $300,000, was spent by just four representatives: Emanuel, Danny Davis of Chicago and suburban Republicans Mark Kirk and Peter Roskam."
Kansas
GOP Chair Sends Email Boasting of Voter Caging - Crooks and
Liars“To date, the Kansas GOP has identified and caged more voters in the last 11 months than the previous two years!” […]
Slate.com has the best comprehensive write-up on how the Republican Party employs caging techniques to suppress the votes of the poor, the deployed, and college students."
"The West Chicago chapter meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First Congregational Church, 525 N. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago. For details call Donna at (630) 393-6223."
-
"Some
experts say there is a vast need for more proton centers. But others
contend that an arms race mentality has taken hold, as medical centers try
to be first to take advantage of the prestige -- and the profits -- a
proton site could provide." - "Two proton therapy facilities are scheduled to open in DuPage County
in 2010, and each plans to treat up to 1,500 patients a year:
•The Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center, to be built by Northern Illinois University, will be located at DuPage National Technology Park in West Chicago."
Forging
a worthwhile bond"Members of the Sharks, the swim team at West Chicago High School, recently participated in a swim-a-thon to raise money to help students in the war-torn country of Angola. They solicited pledges exceeding $500 to assist villagers in Sakutopi."
"I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people."
Sen
Durbin"The new law supersedes the Genocide Convention Implementation Act, which allowed for the prosecution of only US citizens for participation in genocide abroad. Under the new law, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin, prosecutors can pursue even non-citizens involved in genocide outside the United States. "
Sen.
Obama
"Now, on the eve of first votes, Obama is super hot in pursuit of the Democratic nomination. We talked with the senator from Illinois early on, in October 2006, before the midterm elections, and before Oprah."
GovernorBlagojevich
Illinois
and Kentucky amend Ohio River fishing reciprocal agreement“This new agreement updates those fishing regulations that are uniform to both states and those that vary somewhat between Illinois and Kentucky,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. “We want anglers from both states and visitors to our region to enjoy their time fishing the Illinois-Kentucky boundary waters of the Ohio River, while at the same time help to protect and manage this great fishery properly.”
Merle
Berle- Spirit of the Staff and Students at our Local Schools
- Celebrating New Year's Eve
- Dec. 17 meeting of City Council
Spreading
a little cheer this Christmas"For the residents of West Chicago Terrace, a long-term nursing facility, it's a chance to see friendly faces and open a gift -- perhaps the only one they'll get all year. In what has become an annual tradition, roughly 40 families from the West Chicago school handed out homemade cards and presents to the facility's 120 residents on Monday."
Sen.
ObamaObama
on 'Face the Nation' - Baltimore Sun"First of all, that was based on polls that we have seen, Bob, over the last several weeks that show me beating ever single Republican and showing that I am the only Democrat that does."
"Senator Obama knows that it's the American middle class that needs the tax breaks. This is why he would cut taxes for all working Americans, cutting the income tax up to $500 per person and $1,000 for each working family. His proposal would result in 150 million Americans receiving a tax cut."
"The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks each time this video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal."
Sent to me by Georgene Werle
Cable
ComChannel 17
Cablecom
Schedule Posted ... including:- Mon 6:00 PM Christmas in West Chicago
- Tues 6:00 PM Christmas and the Spoken Word
- Sun 10:00 AM Music & the Spoken Word
Families
share holiday on tape"West Chicago resident Diana Denton came Friday afternoon to send a message to her nephew, Army Spec. Thomas Stanhope. This will be the second time the Army National Guard soldier will be away from his family for Christmas. "Any time I can be in touch with him is just great," Denton said. "I just wanted to make sure he knew he was not forgotten. We're still here supporting him.""
Durbin
touts new fuel efficiency standards"Carmakers now are required to lower fuel consumption in most cars and light trucks by 40 percent, raising the fuel efficiency standard to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. "That's an average," Durbin said, "so some cars will do much better and some won't quite get there.""
Judge
rules strip club must stay part of fatal crash suit"The families sued Homatas and Diamonds, and argue the club also is liable because its workers let Homatas drive after he drank so much that he vomited in the bathroom, court papers show."
Lauzen
giving back money from contributor "The contributor in question is John Burgess, owner of International Profit Associates, a management-consulting firm in Buffalo Grove. The company has had a string of problems dating back to the 1980s, and federal authorities are currently pursuing a sexual-harassment lawsuit against the company on behalf of more than 100 employees."
Pressure
on Gov. grows as federal probe moves closer"Federal prosecutors quoted Blagojevich himself on Friday as telling a witness that he could reward campaign donors with "contracts, legal work, investment banking." The quote was buried in court papers that brought the probe of state government corruption closer than ever to the governor."
Strip
club still in lawsuit"A gentlemen’s club could have taken precautions that might have changed the outcome of a drunken crash that killed three and landed a man in prison, according to a judge’s ruling."
[The facility is "on the way" to St.Charles. - Bob]
Feds
link governor to probe"Federal prosecutors for the first time brought their corruption investigation to the desk of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, making public Friday the allegations of two convicted insiders who say the governor offered them state business for their political backing."
"Five candidates for the 14th Congressional District seat vacated by former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert met for a “Breakfast with the Candidates” forum at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles to introduce themselves and answer audience questions Friday morning. Sugar Grove Republican and entrepreneur Jim Oberweis was among the two Republicans and three Democrats at the event, sponsored by several local Chambers of Commerce, including Elburn's."
Sen
Durbin
Funding
increase will help US inspections - WJBC News -
BloomingtonIL,"The increase in funding will allow the agency to hire more inspectors and employees, upgrade testing facilities and make technological improvements. "
Sen.
Obama"Striking a populist tone echoing that of rival John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama is out with a new ad that highlights his position on trade enforcement."
[The site has a link to the video. - Bob]
GOP
War Of Words Continues In Race For Hastert's Seat - CBS
News"“He
should not take anyone’s goodwill for granted,” said Lauzen in an
interview with Politico.com. “I believe that both of us need to conduct
ourselves in a way that makes easier for us to support each other.”
The campaign between the two conservative Republicans has turned very
negative, with each trading pointed barbs against each other. Oberweis has
portrayed Lauzen as a career politician while Lauzen has ridiculed
Oberweis’ record of losing his last three statewide elections."Majority
Democrats' Power Checked by GOP - The Associated Press "The Iraq spending bill came to a vote only because Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused to embrace the hardline partisan philosophy of her predecessor. Former Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., allowed major legislation to reach the full House only if it was backed by a "majority of the majority" — meaning, in his case, most Republicans... The "Hastert rule" had marginalized and infuriated Democrats. Pelosi dropped it when she became speaker in January."
"Kathy Reuter, University of Illinois Extension educator, will present Consumer Fraud: Schemes, Scams and Flim Flam during Books for Lunch on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. She will offer tips to help consumers to protect themselves against fraud and identity theft."
Sen
JohnMillner
"I have posted a pretty comprehensive list of the new laws that will go into effect on January 1st. on Sen. Millner's Web site www.johnmillner.com. I figured you could pick and choose from the list what you though may be of interest over the next week or so, and pass along the site to readers/viewers/listeners as well so they can take a peek."
Bill
Foster has right approach for 14th"Foster's commitment to fiscal responsibility, coupled with his principled position on immigration that "America must remain a nation of laws," has earned him the scorn of Democratic rival John Laesch, who described him as "Republican light.""
"Early on Oct. 9, 2006, police rushed to a home on the 1000 block of Elizabeth Street in West Chicago where a single mother of four children called 911 for help. An assailant had slashed a screen in the front window, climbed through and crept into the 11-year-old girl's bedroom."
"Angel Hernandez, 20, of 614 S. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago, was charged with drunken driving, improper lane usage and driving without a license, after an accident at 10:54 p.m. Tuesday on the 300 block of State Street, according to a police report. Hernandez, driving north on Crissey Avenue, tried to make a right turn onto State but ended up driving east in the westbound lanes, police said. He then hit a curb, pulled into a driveway on the north side and hit a wood fence repeatedly, coming to stop when he hit a car parked in the driveway, police said. Pieces of the fence damaged another car."
Hispanic
students pay price for extended Christmas vacations"We hear the same excuses in December that we hear during the year," DelReal said. "A relative is sick, or they need to go to a wedding or quinceanera (a girl's 15th birthday party), or this is the only time of year they can see family." "But in the workplace, you can't just leave for 10 days in one month," he said. "That's the reality. And that's what we try to teach these kids."
Funding
'disaster' threatens Fermilab"But November's resignation of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, whose old district includes Fermilab, left the lab temporarily without a representative just as budget negotiations were concluding."
Lawsuit
to continue against West Chicago strip club linked to fatal crash"Diamonds Gentleman Club, which does not serve liquor, shares responsibility for patrons who consume their own liquor there, Judge F. Keith Brown ruled. The club should have concluded that driver John Homatas would probably cause the 2004 accident because he was intoxicated, Brown wrote."
Sen
Durbin
“There is no safe haven for the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese who have faced genocide in Darfur and yet without this law, our country could become a safe haven for their killers,”
Sen.
Obama
Obama,
Senators Urge Special Review Board for Discharged Military Personnel,
Moratorium on Personality Disorder
Discharges“With thousands of American service members suffering every day from the less visible wounds of war, reports that the Pentagon has improperly diagnosed and discharged service members with personality disorders are deeply disturbing,”
GovernorBlagojevich
- BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR: HUMAN GENETIC VARIATION
- BREAKDOWN OF THE YEAR: THE WHITE HOUSE SCIENCE OFFICE
- SPOKESPERSON OF THE YEAR: WHO SPEAKS FOR SCIENCE
- NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR: THE CHAIR OF THE IPCC
- POPULATION: U.S. FERTILITY RATE HITS 35-YEAR HIGH
Hiram
WurfTea
leaves - Kevin Burns IL-14 Moderation Is No Republican Virtue"Who then is left among Illinois Republican voters? I’d guess it’s disproportionately the far right - especially in primary voting where the bias already exists - because even those moderates who haven’t abandoned the party are likely too disgusted or too dispirited to act forcefully on its behalf."
[I hesitated to post this one. Believing what Dems say about Republicans is usually as naive as believing what Faux News says about Democrats. - Bob]
"In fact, Clinton did not refer merely to "what I do when the lights are off," but rather to: "what I do when the lights are off and the cameras are gone," giving examples, neither of which included what Milbank was insinuating."
[Sometimes, the editing of direct quotes is so bad the offender should be fired from the newspaper. - Bob]
West
ChicagoHigh School
"Sadie Roberts of West Chicago, a junior at Community High School District #94, has been awarded the September PeaceBuilder of the Month."
Cable
ComChannel 17
- Thursday 7:00 PM CableCom Christmas Programs
- Friday 6:00 PM City Council (12/17/07)
- Sunday 10:00 AM Music and the Spoken Word
Merle
Berle
- Churches in the community are holding special services for Christmas
- 81 of the 152 families in the Winfield Township Adopt-A-Family program were adopted.
- Hawthorne Lane is now open for two-way traffic
- A new restaurant, La Noche
Sen.Randy Hultren
Hultgren
Congratulates Local Illinois State Scholars"State Senator Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton) would like to recognize the more than 600 local high school seniors who were recently named 2008 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistant Commission (ISAC)."
Man
gets 20 years for West Chicago home invasion"De La Salle, 30, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, residential burglary and criminal trespass. DuPage Circuit Judge Michael Burke found the West Chicago man guilty of the 12-felony count indictment in late October. De La Salle faced 30 to 60 years in prison."
"During the incident, the girl awoke as De La Salle held her down and tried to place tape over her mouth. When she screamed, he fled, said Assistant State's Atty. Helen Kapas."
""Going paperless is a great advantage, but the biggest problems we'll face are making sure our hardware supports the software, plus getting the printers, which are one of the most expensive parts," Goergen said. DuPage County this year approved the use of computerized ticketing. Wheaton and West Chicago also are using the system."
Sen
Durbin“We are pleased that this independent council of renowned experts carefully assessed the science and strengths of this Illinois location and favorably affirmed the commitment of state and local resources that were assembled in response to clear federal expectations announced 4 years ago,”
Sen.
Obama"This provision requires the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for ensuring that all nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material at vulnerable sites around the world are secure by 2012 from the threats that terrorists have shown they can pose."
GovernorBlagojevich
“We are doing everything we can in Illinois to help make sure that when our service members come home, they have access to quality jobs and receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned. These tax credits can certainly help our veterans transition more easily into civilian life,”
Pension
Fund Shortages Create Hard Choices - NY Times"Almost half of the states have been underfunding their retirement plans for public workers and may have to choose in the years ahead between their pension obligations and other public programs, according to a comprehensive study to be released to the public on Wednesday."
MayorMike
Kwasman
Christmas
message"Last but not least, fellow West Chicagoans, I wish you friendship from your neighbors, Love from your family, And a prayer for peace, God bless us all Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year."
Peace
signs"The contest theme was Peace Around the World. Winner Jobana Paramo of Pioneer School will receive a $100 savings bond and represent the West Chicago Lions Club at the district level of the international contest."
Dist.
94 discusses superintendent search"One of the biggest responsibilities this board has is to find somebody who is going to lead this school," Reyes said. "We have an opportunity to make sure we do it right."
Quit
wailing, start seeing rail partnerships"Which is why we can only hope it is surprise that keeps area leaders from rushing to Canadian Northern, which obviously has plenty of cash, with plans and proposals for above- or below-grade crossings at the busiest or most dangerous intersections of locomotives and cars. Growth outstripped the modernity of rail crossings in the metro area decades ago and this could be just the chance to fix some of them. At the very least, leaders could attempt to cut deals to stop late-night whistles or promote safer crossings."
"Fall graduates: The candidates for fall 2007 graduation include:... West Chicago: Anthony C. Beltrame, Nicholas Christensen, Dan P. Gloss and Nicholas Thomas Mourning"
Land
of Lincoln's pride"Participating local suburban firms include ... Jel-Sert of West Chicago;..."
Homes
sales down, prices up in DuPage County"“2007 is down, but it’s still the fifth best year in the history of real estate,” she said. “It’s strictly normalizing back to what it was before the huge jumps in the last few years.”"
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Secures Major Funding Increase for CPSC "Currently, the CPSC is responsible for overseeing the safety of more than 15,000 consumer goods with fewer than 425 full-time staff, just one full-time toy tester and antiquated testing facilities. The increase in funding will allow the agency to hire additional inspectors and other employees, upgrade testing facilities and make critical IT improvements."
Sen.
Obama
Passage
of Bill to Require Federal Contractors to Pay Taxes"U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) today praised Congress’ passage of their proposal to withhold federal contracts from companies and grantees that have not paid their federal taxes."
Obama
Statement on President Signing Energy Bill into Law“Our nation’s energy crisis requires bold solutions, and we have taken an important step towards reducing both our dependence on foreign oil and the harmful emission of greenhouse gases. Mirroring a bipartisan proposal I have introduced the past two years, the Energy Bill ends a 20-year stalemate over CAFE standards and raises the fuel economy of cars and trucks to an average of 35 mpg by 2020."
GovernorBlagojevich
"The State of Illinois and the FutureGen Alliance have upheld our commitments to support FutureGen by dedicating tens of millions of dollars to guarantee its success,” wrote Governor Blagojevich. “The FutureGen project is too important, nationally and internationally, to be put in jeopardy."
Christmas
countdown"If a confectionery construction project is just a little more than you'd like to take on between shopping trips, no worries. You can still check out what other folks have done in the sweet-yet-spicy medium -- no work required. A gingerbread replica of Kline Creek Farm will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays until Dec. 31 at the farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago."
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Applauds Decision To Locate FutureGen Project In Illinois
“The FutureGen Alliance has made a wise choice in selecting Mattoon, Illinois as the site for this project. Downstate Illinois has the coal, the geology and the commitment needed to make this project a success,” said Durbin. “The success today is a tribute to the community, the state and all those who worked so hard to secure the FutureGen project for Illinois.”
“Having community development funding available to Alton and Granite City assures that community revitalization projects – new streets, recreation facilities and neighborhood centers – will be able to move forward,”
“The United States government has acknowledged that genocide is taking place in Darfur but as important as that declaration is, it is not enough,” said Durbin. “We now need to use financial tools where words have failed.”
Sen.
Obama
FCC
Ruling to Expand Media Consolidation"Last week, Obama joined Senator John Kerry (D-MA) to call on FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin to postpone the vote to modify existing ownership rules. He also joined a bipartisan coalition of senators vowing to nullify the FCC's vote through legislative prerogatives if the Commission moved forward with the vote."
GovernorBlagojevich
Governor
Blagojevich celebrates decision to locate FutureGen in Mattoon“FutureGen’s ‘near zero-emission’ coal-gasification technology holds great promise to revolutionize our nation’s coal industry and ensure that coal continues to be an integral part of our energy future while reducing the greenhouse gases that cause climate change."
Watch
the Toxic Toys JingleThe United Steel Workers are passing around links to this viral video in which children warn of the lead in toys imported from China... to the tune of "Jingle Bells." Although the message is serious, the kids are precious... I couldn't help grinning. - Bob
West
ChicagoHigh School
Booster
Club to provide Free Pizza and Soft Drinks to WEGO students attending
Varsity B-Ball Game"Come to the Varsity Boys’ Basketball Game on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:30 p.m. in Bishop Gym! Beginning at 6:30 p.m. the Wildcat Booster Club will provide free pizza and soft drinks to WEGO Students who attend the Varsity game that evening! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the game and receive a raffle ticket for prizes to be pulled at halftime! Toys will be donated to the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
http://www.d94.org/enews/HolidaySpiritDec07.pdf "
Battle
brewing over EJ&E railroad plans"The purchase could have a wide-ranging impact across the suburbs, from increasing freight trains in some towns and reducing them in others, to potentially threatening the long-awaited STAR line rail system."
- EJ&E debate may prove interesting - Joliet Herald News, IL
- More train traffic in Will? - Joliet Herald News, IL
- Rail sale may mean 400% traffic increase in Will County - Kankakee Daily Journal, IL
- Bells and whistles - Sun Publications
[Any person in West Chicago living near the EJ&E should look up rail routes for rad waste to Yucca Mountain. - Bob]
Could
indictment sink gambling plan?"-- State Rep. Mike Fortner, a West Chicago Republican
"I'm disgusted with it. I'm really disgusted that people choose people like that to be part of our … system.""
Hastert
wants to help Chicago Olympic bid"The Olympics have never been in the Midwest, never been in the heartland of this country before," Hastert said in an interview broadcast Sunday on WBBM Radio. "If I can be of help and of service, I really want to be able to do that."
Food
banks struggle to keep up with demand"The food bank reports a 735,290 pound decrease in donations this year compared to December 2006. Federal Commodities are down by 31 percent and donated food is down 17 percent from last year. That means 565,607 meals will not reach hungry people this holiday season, said Samantha Haggerty, spokesperson for the Northern Illinois Food Bank."
Park
District moves forward with aquatic center overhaul“The facility that was built was a wonderful facility and still is a wonderful facility,” Parks Director Gary Major said. “It’s (the project) a realization that the pool is 12 years old and we would like to add some new features that appeal to different age groups.”
"The Dec. 6 announcement to open the Northern Illinois Proton Therapy Facility, planned for 13 acres in DuPage National Technology Park, in 2010 and not 2011 as originally planned, means the facility could open at about the same time or even before a nearly identical facility at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield."
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Secures Impact Aid Funding for Schools Serving Naval Station Great Lakes
"Nearly $9 million in Impact Aid funding will now be available to North Chicago, Highland Park, Highwood, Glenview and Glenbrook schools,” Durbin said. “This will help to assure that the children of Navy families and the affected school districts continue to have access to the best educational opportunities.”
Sen.
Obama"After a Senate hearing made clear that new federal regulations allowing electronic prescribing for controlled substances are badly-needed and long-overdue, 18 senators joined U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in calling on Attorney General Michael Mukasey to review the issue and urged the Drug Enforcement Administration to issue new rules promptly."
on
the FISA Bill“Senator Obama unequivocally opposes giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies and has cosponsored Senator Dodd's efforts to remove that provision from the FISA bill. Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect."
"This legislation goes a long way towards providing our wounded warriors with the treatment and facilities they and their families need to heal and rebuild their lives,"
Rep
Hastert
Hastert
endorses Oberweis to be his successor, in spite of past ...
- Examiner.com"Hastert, in an interview with Chicago's WLS-TV after Thursday's announcement, explained how he had again changed his view of Oberweis, despite the ad. "Different campaign, different time, different tone," Hastert said."
On Wed, Dec 12th, the Cicago Tribune had an article about the West Chicago City computers ... Town says ex-official secretly installed spy software . Is there somebody other than me that thinks, "$86,000 + $24,000 + $1,2000" adds up to real money? How many rewrites of the city web site in last five years, at what cost? How much for the PR person (plus secretary) to run it? It's four days later... is it time for a definitive and descriptive statement with an official WC city press release? - Bob
Could
indictment sink gambling plan?"With Gov. Rod Blagojevich's gambling point man now accused of placing millions of dollars in illegal bets and breaking the law to cover it up, state lawmakers face the question of whether they're willing to entrust Blagojevich with a massive gambling expansion plan."
Oberwies
has no comment on lawsuit from collision"In the lawsuit, Villalobos contends that Oberweis was making an illegal left turn, did not signal, was speeding and was driving without his glasses at the time of the accident. She said in the lawsuit she was knocked unconscious and sustained neck and back injuries requiring physical therapy."
[It will be difficult for Oberweis supporters to believe he made a left turn, much less an illegal left turn. - Bob]
Hastert-wannabes
exchange barbs"I'm confident that even though I'm a Democrat and maybe many of you here are Republican, what we need is an innovative economy and the only one answer to the question, 'Which candidate … can bring strong economic growth for our future in the 14th Congressional District?'"
Five
candidates for Congress sound off on economic woes"Foster got in on the action as well, taking a shot at Oberweis in his opening statement. Foster jabbed Oberweis for supporting sustained troop levels in Iraq, saying that Oberweis and President George W. Bush are "totally wrong on this, and I could not disagree with you more.""
Mayors
tell candidates to make Great Lakes priority"The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Board of Directors will send questionnaires to the presidential candidates to get their thoughts on the waterways after the primaries, Racine Mayor Gary Becker said Friday as the group met in his city. It also will work with candidates on both sides to help them understand what's at stake."
Burns
calls off campaign“We knew it was an uphill battle when we jumped into the race back in August, and the incline has gotten more steep,” Burns, a Republican, said Thursday. “In light of the powerful reputation [Hastert] has and his support of Mr. Oberweis, this has made it more difficult.”
It
was simply Denny, coming home"He's had a lot of names, from Coach to Congressman to Speaker, but for most of the people gathered at the Q Center in St. Charles that night, he was simply Denny, coming home."
Sen
Durbin
DEMOCRATIC
RADIO RESPONSE BY SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL) - Federal News Service"Republicans have decided it's in their party's interest to prevent Congress from facing the real challenges of our day. They think the less a Democratic-led Congress achieves, the better it's going to be for Republicans in next year's elections, but those elections are 11 months away and America needs help now. ..."
Chicago's
Other Senator: Now With More Plumpynuts - Chicagoist"You'd be hard-pressed to find a worthier cause. But..."plumpynut" is a hilarious word. And getting an e-mail from Durbin urging us to have a "Have a Plumpynut Christmas. A Plumpynut Kwanzaa. A Plumpynut Hannukah. And a great Plumpynut New Year" was just the sort of giggle-inducing email we were looking for on a Friday afternoon that refuses to move along any faster."
Sen.
ObamaObama
"Undecided" on S. 1959 - The Indypendent - New York,NY"Senator Barack Obama is “undecided” on the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 1959), according to a statement released from his Washington, D.C. office. “Senator Obama has not taken a position on S. 1959. Should the bill be considered by the Homeland Security Committee, he will carefully evaluate it, as he does with all pieces of legislation,” an Obama spokesperson wrote to The Indypendent in a Dec. 13 email."
John
Edwards Scares GOP the Most - OpEdNews"Republicans see Democratic candidate John Edwards as the greatest threat in the 2008 presidential election according to Republican strategist, John Feehery, who was a top aide to former Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert. "
Hastert
wants Oberweis in his job"We have a lot of commonalties," former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert said as he passed the political torch to congressional hopeful Jim Oberweis in their shared hometown of Aurora Thursday, endorsing the dairy magnate for his 14th Congressional District seat."
Hastert's
endorsement leads Geneva mayor to withdraw"But without the backing of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Kevin Burns felt he couldn't convince voters he's the best man to follow Hastert's footsteps representing the 14th Congressional District. And so Burns has shelved his dreams of heading to Washington and instead will remain mayor of Geneva."
Briefs:
Buckle up in West Chicago"West Chicago police will begin a new seat belt enforcement crackdown Monday. The special focus will continue through Jan. 1. The effort is designed to make roadways safer by enforcing seat belt violations and educating the public on seat belt safety and awareness."
Hastert
to seek precinct post"Shortly after submitting his resignation last month after serving 21 years as the 14th District's congressman, the former speaker of the U.S. House signed up to run for a third term in the office of Republican precinct committeeman for Little Rock Precinct No. 8."
“You would think a Democratic president serving with a Republican speaker would have a difficult time working together,” Clinton said. “For us, that wasn’t true. During my presidency, we were able to cross party lines repeatedly to get things accomplished for the American people.”
Hopefuls
combat confusion"Laesch, a former Navy intelligence analyst who faced Hastert in 2006, said voters seemed to enjoy the concept of voting twice. “A lot of people get a chuckle out of it when you’re explaining it to them: ‘This may be your only opportunity unless you move to Chicago,’ ” Laesch said."
Oberweis
gets Hastert nod, one less foe in congressional bid"Republican Jim Oberweis received two pieces of good news in his congressional bid today: an enthusiastic endorsement from retired House Speaker Dennis Hastert and word that a primary opponent was withdrawing from the race."
DuPage
wants say on rail merger"The report states EJ&E traffic now amounts to 4.4 freight trains per day from West Chicago northbound and 10.7 freight trains per day from West Chicago southbound. If acquired by CN, those numbers would increase to 24.4 trains per day northbound and 34.5 southbound."
"Freight train traffic on a rail line that cuts through Chicago's outlying suburbs for nearly 200 miles could more than triple because of a proposed acquisition by the Canadian National Railway Corp., but a coalition of town officials has managed to slow the deal."
Public
Official A: 'Shots landing all around him'"But, regardless of that denial and Fitzgerald’s admonishment, this much is clear: The indictments of Hurtgen, Christopher G. Kelly and Abdelhamid “Al” Chaib leave Blagojevich facing a world of political, financial and potentially criminal trouble."
IllinoisSenate
Republicans
Senate
GOP foresaw problems with indicted advisor"Under ethics legislation adopted almost exactly four years ago, Senate Republicans successfully pushed for new reporting requirements for “special government agents” – non-elected advisors who are not accountable to the taxpayers, but have tremendous influence within the administration."
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Sen
DurbinSen.
Obama
the
Farm Bill“By passing the Farm Bill today, the Senate has taken an important step towards renewing our nation's commitment to our farming communities and a clean energy future. This legislation invests in conservation, nutrition, specialty crops, and rural development. It puts resources into renewable energy and recognizes those family farmers who are working to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. And it includes a packer ban, which is so important for