Tagged: IL

A rally in Macomb's Chandler Park united public school teachers, professors and other union members. They oppose Governor Pat Quinn's proposal to change their pension plans.

Chanting “Protect Our Pensions” about 400 participants signed petitions and listened to several speakers.

John Miller, president of the University Professionals of Illinois chapter at Western Illinois University, helped organize the local rally.

He says, “We are very concerned about how quickly pension reform seems to be occurring and that we want to ensure that it is not fast-tracked and that we are involved in sitting at the table.”

Bushnell has been gung-ho about recycling. The sheer volume will be reflected in a schedule change later this month.

Currently, Waste Management picks up all the city's recycling at curbside every other week.

Mayor Steve Russell said the company has asked to expand its schedule.

He said, “They said that they would have to make the change because the recycling was going so much better in Bushnell than it had been.”

Russell said it's not just a matter of a greater volume of recyclables. He said a drive down any street shows more people are putting out their recycling containers.

Carthage residents will see a significant increase in water pressure by October. It's the result of a number of upgrades to the water system. They cost about $1 million.

Second-ward Alderman Gary Smith is recommending residents who are concerned about their pipes and water heaters to have them checked.

He said, “It'd give you a little time to save a couple of bucks. Maybe have a plumber come check things out if you're worried.”

The city currently has two water towers. The newer and taller tower is used only for storage. Over the summer, the city will slowly switch its water supply over entirely to the new tower. That will raise pressure from about 40 to 65 pounds per square inch.
 

Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock (R-18) says a provision of the Affordable Care Act prevents Illinois from enacting serious Medicaid reform. That provision prevents states from reducing benefits or tightening requirements to qualify for Medicaid.

The House has passed a measure to repeal that provision.

Schock says, “They (federal government) have Illinois trapped right now in a situation where they can't reduce their budget deficit, reduce their spending.”

Last year, state lawmakers passed and Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a measure to require greater proof of residency and lower the income limit for benefits. The law has not been implemented.

The oak tree planted in Macomb's Chandler Park this year has a plaque at its base. The plaque honors the late Bob Swanson.

Swanson was a nurseryman who grew his beyond his profession into volunteering to  plant trees in Macomb.

He was one of the original members of the city's Tree Board 20 years ago.

Former Mayor Tom Carper appointed him at that time.

He said, “He was not a 'sit-back, let somebody else do it.' But he also didn't necessarily want to be part of the photo-op. He wanted to do the work. He wanted to se the results of his work. The fruits of his labor. That's how he lived his life.”

Six buildings on the southeast corner of Monmouth's town square will receive a $2 million facelift.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa developer Frantz-Hobart will turn the buildings into condominiums and retail space.

City Administrator Eric Hanson calls it “the biggest development project” in the downtown area in decades. He says it advances the city's vision for the downtown area.

He says, “We'd like to, you know, have more people living in our downtown. The mixed-use in the upper floors which will hopefully spur some additional retail opportunities given the foot traffic in our downtown.”

Colchester will have to find $100,000 to pay for the design of a large-scale sewer upgrade. It's hoping to get some help to prevent dipping into its reserves.

The city's new budget does not have enough revenue to pay for the project.

The state turned down the city's application for a grant last year. The grant would have covered the design cost.

Mayor Danny Bice hopes the EPA will change its mind.

Another rejection would leave the city few options.

He said, “We're going to pay for the engineering for this sewer project where we're in EPA violations out of our own pocket.”

The bill for the design would take almost half of the city's $220,500 in reserves.