Deadbeat Illinois – social agencies

Nearly nine out of 10 human service organizations say they’ve suffered from a combination of spending cuts and delayed payments by the state of Illinois over the past year. Almost half said they reduced services or laid off staff because of state budget cuts. While waiting for the state to pay its bills, four out of 10 groups borrowed money. Other steps included layoffs, furlough days and skipping payroll. The findings obtained by The Associated Press come from an unscientific survey. Illinois Partners for Human Services sent questions to hundreds of non-profit service organizations last month. The 238 responses provide a rough picture of how groups that care for the sick and needy are faring amid government budget
turmoil.

Streator man backed over

If you are intoxicated, hand the keys to someone or don’t drive. It’s advice 46-year old Sherry Jordon of Streator probably wishes she had taken. Two witnesses told Streator police they saw Jordon back over 62-year old Charles Hjerpe of Streator at Mr. J’s in Streator about 5:30pm Saturday. Sherry Jordon was arrested for DUI, driving with a revoked license, improper backing and illegal transportation of alcohol. Jordon posted bond. Hjerpe was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital.

NIU plays at Princeton

Three levels of school gathering to make music at Princeton High School Friday evening. Jazz bands from Logan Junior High, Princeton High School and the NIU Jazz Ensemble will perform starting at 7pm Friday. Tickets are $8 in advance and ten at the door. Five dollars for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale at Citizens and Central Banks and through the High School ticket hotline, ext. 375.

Tea Party meeting

The Bureau –LaSalle Tea Party will meet at 6:30 Tuesday in the Oglesby Elks. Art Havenhill of Seneca and Chris Arndt of Princeton are coordinators for the group.

Occupy Chicago update

Demonstrators of the Occupy Chicago movement are staying at a downtown park in defiance of police orders to clear out. Police arrested 100 people after warning demonstrators that Grant Park and Congress Plaza were closed after 11 o’clock last night. The arrests come a week after some 175 Occupy movement protesters were detained at the park.

 

Fall River crash

No injuries in a Fall Rivers township accident Saturday evening but it meant several tickets for driver and passenger. 18-year old Samantha Murley of Ottawa was driving the car that crashed a mile south of Marseilles about 6pm Saturday. She went to the county jail for charges of DUI, illegal transporation of alcohol, DUI over.08, no insurance and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Her passenger, 20-year old Travis Thomas of Marseilles illegal transportation of alcohol, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal consumption of alcohol. He was given a notice to appear.

Swine facility open house

It drew the attention of the media, its neighbors and the county board. Now, the owners of two – 2400 head grow to finish swine buildings are ready for an open house Tuesday in Waltham township. John and Kate Hagenbuch have planned an open house, ribbon cutting and tours between 4:30 and 8pm. Pork industry reps will speak and the Farm Bureau will have free pork sandwiches and beverage. The farm is on East tenth road one quarter mile south of Route 52.

Sisler accidental death

The Sisler family of Ohio have lost one of their own. The News Tribune reported Saturday 41-year old Billy Sisler. of Sisler’s Ice Cream, died Friday in a construction related accident at the business in Ohio. The Tribune reported a temporary wall collapsed sometime after 9am requiring the Sheriff investigators at the scene. No further details were available on the accident. Billy Sisler had just returned Tuesday from a honeymoon with his wife, Nicole. Sisler is also survived by a son and daughter from a previous marriage.