White County Circuit court Judge T. Scott Webb handed down the court's decision yesterday from last week's challenge to the recently passed gun ban law in Illinois, declaring a TRO to be in effect for the plaintiffs in that case. Former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, current IL state Reps. Adam Niemerg (IL Dist. 102) and Blaine Wilhour (IL Dist. 110) were parties to the suit, along with 68 businesses, all together totaling 1690 plaintiffs. [Read more...]
Illinois Community Colleges Celebrate Critical Workforce Training during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
Nursing student Connor Rice tries out the new virtual reality learning system at SIC.
SIC Celebrates with Open House to Showcase New Virtual Reality Training for Nurses
Harrisburg, Ill. (Feb. 1, 2023) - February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Illinois community colleges across the state are celebrating their valuable role in preparing the workforce for in-demand jobs. CTE programs offered at community colleges provide students with hands-on training and real-world experience in a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. [Read more...]
Domestic Battery; Indiana Man Gives Deputy Fake Names; Man Obeying Law Finds Himself with Another Warrant
Mike L. Wyant, 29, Carmi
Domestic battery dispute
In the early hours of yesterday morning, Deputy Matt Wicker was dispatched to County Road 1275 E. on a report of a domestic dispute. Carmi Police Officer Grider assisted. As they were traveling on CR 800 N. and approaching the residence on 1275 E., they observed a female running eastbound on the road. [Read more...]
2nd Gun Ban Lawsuit in Two Weeks Heard in White County Court
White County Circuit Judge T. Scott Webb
A second lawsuit (2023-MR-1) filed by former AG candidate and Attorney Thomas DeVore was heard in an emergency hearing on Wednesday morning in White County court with the Honorable T. Scott Webb presiding. The lawsuit concerns the recently passed HB 5471 and represented 1,690 plaintiffs that included former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, current state representatives Blaine Wilhour and Adam Niemerg, as well as 68 businesses. Attendance was sparse for the hearing, possibly affected by the predictions for heavy snowfall on Wednesday. The first lawsuit represented 865 plaintiffs and was heard in Effingham County last week. [Read more...]
CWC Board President Addresses Public Regarding District’s School Buildings
The Carmi Board of Education convened on Tuesday night this week because of the legal holiday and school closing on Monday. Before public comment, board president Pete Fulkerson addressed the public with the following statement:
“I would like to take a few minutes and update the public on recent activities specific to our district’s building improvement needs, based upon BLDD architect’s physical needs assessment report of May 2022, combined in part with our internal 2022-23 annual inspection of our existing buildings by current staff members, which is an annual ongoing process. [Read more...]
117th District Rep. Windhorst: Effingham Judge Halts Firearms Ban, Further Legal Action Expected
House Republican Floor Leader and 117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) issued a statement agreeing with an Effingham County judge’s decision on Friday afternoon that temporarily halts the implementation of Illinois’ recently signed firearm ban. [Read more...]
Transportation, Safety and Curriculum Dominate Meeting, Two Coaches Resign
The NCOE board of education held a lengthy discussion on curriculum last night. Principal Carla Carter talked about the two curriculums and their testing schedules. Carter said she prefers the program that tests three times in a school year, which gives the faculty the opportunity to see the students' improvement within that school year. She reported they have seen amazing improvements, as much as 20%, in reading amoung kindergartners using this testing program. The teachers are also seeing greatly improved math skills. [Read more...]
Enfield Employees Get 8% Raise, Village loses ATM
By Clerk Debbie Stone and Kathy Sands, Editor
The Enfield Village Board returned from their closed session on Tuesday night and voted to increase Village employees' salaries by 8% starting with the next pay period. Dog catcher Beverly Thompson will be paid $200.00 per month and the Village will pay three-fourths of Patrolman Mark World's health insurance, as well as move him to 40 hours of work per week.
Sarah Vaught, representing First Bank, was in attendance and reported that the ATM will be permanently closed after Wednesday, February 22, 2023. First Bank will remove the ATM and repair the original brick. According to the deed, the Village would have to wait ten years after the closure of the ATM for another facility to provide one. [Read more...]