•May 18, 2022•
Boater Robert Davis of Bethalto, Illinois, caught four bass Saturday weighing 14 pounds, 4 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Shelbyville. The tournament was the season-opener for the Bass Fishing League Illini Division. Davis earned $4,825 for his victory.
“This tournament was a hot grind,” Davis said. “My original plan did not pan out, so I went with Plan B that I had found the week before – fishing spawning and post-spawn fish, and that paid off.
“I was going back and forth between shallow and deep fish,” Davis added. “I was slow-rolling a spinnerbait near the bottom. Everything I was getting was just subtle bites; they weren’t hitting very hard at all. It was just a reaction bite. I could get them fired up for about 10 minutes and then go two hours without another bite, then get them fired back up for about 10 minutes. It was tedious.” Read More
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OV Baseball Seniors
Photo by Jeni Yantis
OV Baseball Seniors
Okaw Valley High School honored the baseball seniors before the game on May 10. Seniors included Cale Roley, Braeden Nichols, Tyson Montgomery, Kadan Miller and Jakob McQuire.
OV holds Wolfie Awards
Photo by Jeni Yantis
OV holds Wolfie Awards
Okaw Valley held its 1st Wolfie awards on Friday, May 6, 2022. Tyson Montgomery and Bailey Bennett were named Athletes of the Year. OV Graduates Dustin Yoder, Class of 2006, and Amanda McClain, Class of 2015, were inducted into the OV Athletic Hall of Fame.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits?
•May 18, 2022•
By Ileana Saveley
Social Security District
Manager in Decatur, IL
Social Security benefits are a crucial part of millions of Americans’ retirement income. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.
To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following:
· 62 years of age or older.
· Any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. Read More
Key Updates to One Day Rest in Seven Act
•May 18, 2022•
A bill strengthening the One Day Rest in Seven Act has been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.
Senate Bill 3146 is the result of negotiations among the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), the business community, community groups and unions.
“The changes will strengthen the One Day Rest in Seven Act and reflect the ongoing mission of the Illinois Department of Labor to protect the rights, wages and working conditions for people in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. Read More
Bethany water improvements
Photo by Crystal Reed
Bethany water improvements
According to Bethany mayor Jonathan Book, work has started on the water tower portion of the water improvements project for the Village of Bethany. Workers have been busy pressure washing and cleaning the outside of the water tower. There is also surface preparation to be done before painting can take place. There is currently welding and grinding being done inside to do repairs to the interior. Bethany had a water main break late last week as a result of the water project. Due to work being done, pressure changed in the water lines causing the main break. As of deadline the boil order was still in effect. Book said that the village hopes to have interior repairs and painting of the tower completed by July 4.
Key Updates to One Day Rest in Seven Act
•May 18, 2022•
A bill strengthening the One Day Rest in Seven Act has been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.
Senate Bill 3146 is the result of negotiations among the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), the business community, community groups and unions.
“The changes will strengthen the One Day Rest in Seven Act and reflect the ongoing mission of the Illinois Department of Labor to protect the rights, wages and working conditions for people in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. Read More
ICC Staff Issues Beneficial Electrification Workshops Report
•May 18, 2022•
The Staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a Report summarizing the Beneficial Electrification Workshop series held from November 2021-February 2022. Pursuant to requirements of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (“CEJA”) specifically updated provisions to Section 45 of the EV Act, the workshops were held to consider the benefits and barriers of electric vehicle adoption and to solicit input on the design of beneficial electrification programs that Ameren Illinois and ComEd will offer beginning in 2023. The report also includes recommendation for transportation electrification investment or incentives.
“Widespread electric vehicle adoption is key for Illinois to decarbonizing the transportation sector. This report is comprised of input and ideas from a diverse array of stakeholders that will move us closer to the goal of having 1 million EV’s on the road by 2030,” said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski. Read More
Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White named to replace Justice Garman
Republican will become first Black woman on Illinois Supreme Court
•May 18, 2022•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
The Illinois Supreme Court announced last Tuesday that 4th District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White had been appointed to succeed Justice Rita Garman, making her the first Black woman to serve on the state’s high court.
“Being appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court is the honor of a lifetime. I am humbled by the confidence Justice Rita B. Garman and the entire Court have placed in me,” Holder White said in a news release. “My service to the judiciary for the past 21 years has helped prepare me for this historic moment. I look forward to the privilege of resolving matters my fellow citizens bring before the Court.” Read More
Coles County Chorus to Hold Concert June 4
•May 18, 2022•
After a cold winter and chilly spring, the Coles County Chorus (CCC) will present “In the Good Old Summertime” at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Eastern Illinois University. The barbershop music concert will be held in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on the Dvorak Concert Hall stage. General admission tickets are $20 each, $5 for children 12 and under. You can order your tickets online at: Read More