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Hearing on redistricting in Illinois is May 30

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 3:44pm

Hearing on redistricting in Illinois is May 30

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a public hearing next week to discuss legislative redistricting in Illinois.

The hearing is May 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.

Ryan Blitstein, president of “CHANGE Illinois!,” will outline a proposed constitutional amendment and hear ideas and suggestions from the public about the group’s proposal to create a citizens commission to do redistricting. Under current law, state lawmakers draw their own district lines.

Recently, the group launched a drive to finalize the text of an amendment before starting a petition drive asking voters to put it on the November 2014 ballot. Blitstein is touring the state explaining the plan and collecting reactions and suggestions.

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National Safe Boating week runs through May 24

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 9:00am

National Safe Boating week runs through May 24

(KFVS) - Illinois Conservation Police are gearing up to help ensure the public’s safety on Illinois waterways throughout the year as part of the observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24.

As in year’s past, CPOs are asking boaters to ‘Wear It!’ while boating this season.

The ‘Wear It!’ message is a simple, straightforward and easy message to understand. Everyone on board a boat should wear a life jacket from the time they get on until the time they get off the vessel. It could literally save their life.

“Fastening a flotation device takes just seconds, but that action can save the rest of your life. Life jackets aboard a boat are only effective if they are worn,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez.

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Fire fighters battle house fire in Du Quoin

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Sunday, May 19th, 2013, 12:27pm

DU QUOIN, IL (KFVS)- Firefighters were called to a fire at a house on 153 North Old Rt. 14 in DuQuoin at 11:15 am. Sunday.

When they arrived they saw smoke coming from the back of the house.

At this time DuQuoin Fire Chief Bob Shaw says the damage is contained to one room of the house and the contents in that room.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Nobody was home at the time the fire ignited.

Fire fighters from Christopher, Dowell and Du Quoin were called to the home.

An investigation continues, but fire fighters don't believe it is suspicious.

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Quinn encourages entries for Illinois hometown awards

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, May 17th, 2013, 4:40pm

Quinn encourages entries for Illinois hometown awards

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn marked National Volunteer Week on Saturday by encouraging communities to submit entries for the 31st Annual Governor's Hometown Awards.

According to the governor's office, it's a program that recognizes volunteer efforts to improve Illinois communities.

The application deadline is July 15, and communities of any size may submit nominations.

"Local volunteers and organizations are improving communities across Illinois and enhancing the quality of life for everyday people," Governor Quinn said. "The Hometown Awards recognize people who are helping us build a better Illinois for current and future generations."

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DCFS: Constantly supervise children near water to prevent drowning

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, 11:12am

DCFS: Constantly supervise children near water to prevent drowning

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - As summer approaches, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers to constantly supervise children when they are near water.

According to DCFS, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages one through four in the U.S. It claimed the lives of 21-Illinois children last year.

“It doesn't matter who you are or how many safety precautions were set in place beforehand. When a child is unsupervised, these tragedies happen in moments,” said Richard H. Calica, Director of DCFS. “Stepping away to answer the phone, turning your back for a second or becoming distracted by other kids is a gamble with a child’s life.”

DCFS officials say Inadequate supervision, which includes childhood drowning, was the third-leading cause of all child deaths indicated by DCFS last year.

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New teaching technique, brings grades together

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 5:42pm

TAMAROA, IL (KFVS)- Three grade level, one class.

That's the idea behind the multi-aged classroom being integrated into one Perry County, Illinois school.

Starting next year, Tamaroa Grade School will place first-second and third grade students into a single classroom.

It's a move the school decided to make because of recent budget cuts totaling $70,000.

And it works like this-there will be a single classroom with 30 or more students and two teachers.

Superintendent Bob Trover says testing will be done so that students are grouped with other students by ability-not age.

Students will be taught science-social studies and language together.

Math and reading will be taught according to age.

School board president-Jennifer Alvis says this technique is beneficial for students, both who need the extra help and who excel in the classroom.

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Ill. tax revenues to exceed forecast by more than $1 billion

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 9:07am

ILLINOIS, KFVS- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced Tuesday that fiscal year 2013 income tax revenues will exceed the Illinois Department of Revenue's forecast.

According to a press release from Quinn's office, revenues will exceed the forecast by about $1.3 billion.

Reportedly this is a one-time revenue stream, that comes from businesses and people selling assets or getting early dividends, bonuses or other income anticipation.

It also comes from people getting higher federal tax rates for 2013.

The governor's office says the higher level of revenues is a one-time occurrence because it was in response to a federal policy change that will not occur next year.

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