Mautino differs with Governor on wages and gay marriage

Governor Pat Quinn and local State Representative Frank Mautino share a political party but not necessarily the same opinions.  Quinn outlined a number of issues during the State of the State speech Wednesday, including increasing the state’s minimum wage to $10 an hour.

It’s currently at $8.25 and that’s fine for Mautino who says that this isn’t a good time for an increase.  He says non-profits would be especially affected by a wage increase.

Quinn argues that someone working fulltime shouldn’t be living in poverty.

Mautino also differs with Quinn when it comes to legalizing gay marriage.  Mautino says based on his religious beliefs, the way he was raised and from calls from people in his district, he’ll vote no if legislation comes up in the house.

McNabb Man Injured In Fireworks Mishap

Fireworks in February?  A man from McNabb is in Peoria after a fireworks explosion.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office got a call just before 7 last night that a firework exploded outside Magnolia.  Brandon Phillips and another man were apparently trying to remove a tree stump using a firework when it exploded.

Phillips was rushed to the Lacon Airport where he was picked up by Life Flight and flown to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He’s in fair condition.

The other man involved wasn’t injured.

Corn Belt Engery restores service

Blame a squirrel for the power outage that affected nearly 1,000 Corn Belt Energy customers Thursday morning.  The company says the animal brought down the Newark substation, leading to outages throughout La Salle County and even Granville. Service was restored around 12pm Thursday.

Latest On Streator Shooting

The shooting being investigated in Streator was self-inflicted.

Streator Police say they were called out to the home of Jeannine Russow Tuesday night with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Paramedics say they took life-saving measures to save Russow’s life.  She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital before being flown to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  Russow is in critical condition.

The shooting is an ongoing investigation.

Ottawa Lottery Winner Steps Forward

A Lucky Day Lotto winner in Ottawa has come forward.

Kathy Schlingman bought a dollar “Quick Pick” late last month and matched all five numbers to win $133, 333.  She bought it at the southside Ottawa Shell station so the station gets $1,333 for selling the ticket.

Schlingman says she spends winters in Florida but came back to Ottawa last month because her son had a bad case of the flu.  And during her stay, she bought the winning ticket.

Schlingman plans to share the winnings with her family and friends.

Schock Involved In Ethics Investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House Ethics Committee says it will continue an investigation into U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock over allegations the Illinois Republican sought donations of more than $5,000 per donor to a super political action committee.

The ethics case focuses on an allegation Schock asked Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to contribute $25,000 from his leadership PAC to a super PAC backing Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Kinzinger was running in a House primary against Rep. Don Manzullo. Kinzinger won the March 2012 primary.

Schock spokesman Steve Dutton says Schock hasn’t done anything wrong and says the case is “without merit.” The committee says the investigation isn’t an indication a violation occurred.

Governor Pushes Gay Marriage During Speech

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Gov. Pat Quinn says it’s time for Illinois to allow gay marriage.

The Chicago Democrat framed the issue as a measure against discrimination during his annual State of the State address yesterday. He praised senators who moved a bill out of committee earlier this week and says it’s time to pass the bill so Illinois can achieve “full equality.”

If Illinois approves gay marriage, it would become the 10th state in the nation to do so. Advocates say momentum in other states and President Barack Obama’s support fuel their efforts in Illinois.

Some religious groups have opposed the idea.

Demolition Of Peru City Pool Continues

Demolition continues at the former Peru swimming pool.  John Pohar and Sons tore down the pool house earlier this week and are working on the actual swimming pool today.

Peru Alderman Bob Ankiewicz says the rubble is being taken to landfills as some of it contains lead paint.

The site will be back -filled and project completed in under a couple of weeks.  He hopes they could use the site for a new swimming pool.