Keep away from Quinn

It’s the political equivalent of keep away. Lawmakers still haven’t sent Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn two pieces of controversial legislation six weeks after passing them. One is to massively expand gambling and the other to finance an energy “smart grid.” But the Democrat can’t sign them or veto them. He can’t do anything but wait. Senate President John Cullerton is using a legislative sleight of hand to keep the bills in his chamber so that Quinn won’t veto them. The parliamentary maneuver is called a motion to reconsider a vote, known as Senate Rule 7-15. It isn’t a new one. But it’s more typically used when lawmakers want to vote again on legislation, not to keep an already-passed bill out of the governor’s hands.

talking tourism Monday

An area congressman and state senator want to talk local tourism. Republican’s Adam Kinzinger and Sue Rezin will host a roundtable talk Monday afternoon at Lock 16 in La Salle starting at 2:30. The politicians plan to talk about the impact tourism has on the Illinois Valley economy and also discuss how they can assist in removing any barriers to tourism. People involved with and interested in local tourism are encouraged to show up.

heatwave this week

Excessive heat warnings are in effect in Bureau and Putnam counties until Wednesday evening.  A heat advisory is in effect until early evening today in LaSalle County.  The combination of temperature and humidity the next few days will make the outside air feel as warm as 110 degrees.  The National Weather Service such the uncomfortable combo of heat and humidity may be around all week.

Bureau County 4-H fair here

The Bureau County 4-H fair starts Monday night with clothing judging and public presentations on Tuesday at the fairgrounds in west Princeton. Judging starts in earnest Thursday in fifteen project areas including crops, photography, computers, electricity, foods, wind energy, animal sciences and performing arts. Fifteen more areas including tractors, welding and small engines will be up for ribbons Friday along with livestock shows. Saturday will be primarily animal judging with an awards ceremony at 5pm. Horse and gaming classes on Sunday.