Ameren looking for another rate increase

Ameren has officially asked the state to raise rates in 2015.

According to the Citizens Utility Board, Ameren wants to raise electric rates by over $206 million.  That would equate to a $10 to $12 dollar increase in your monthly bill. 

Ameren IP spokesman Stacey Shangraw told “Classic Hits 103-9 WLPO” news Saturday the average residential customer would see a monthly increase between $6.37 to $9.35 starting in January –  if the Illinois Commerce Commission approves the request.

The new revenue would be for a new power grid.

CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen says after a brutal winter, a rate increase is the last thing Ameren customers.

Handful of area schools make state honor roll

Most kids strive to get on the honor roll. Schools don’t mind getting singled out for academic success either.

Nearly 180 schools are on the 2013 Illinois Honor Roll for standardized testing scores. Serena High School, Lincoln Elementary in Princeton and Rutland Grade School in Ottawa all are on the honor roll for schools that have shown substantial improvement.

Serena High has had successful PSAE test results while Rutland and Lincoln Elementary in Princeton continue to have higher than state average scores with ISAT tests.

A trio of Illinois Valley pastors ready to marry gay couples

If you want to take advantage of Illinois allowing gay marriages starting in June, you’ll have to dig around for pastors willing to officiate.

Equality Illinois has put out a list of clergy who will officiate in Illinois. Out of the over 200 pastors on the list, three are in the Illinois Valley. Rev. Kimberly Wood of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ottawa is on the list. In Princeton, Rev. Mary Gay McKinney of the Open Prairie United Church of Christ will marry gay couples. Also on the list is Rev. Chuck Maney with the Spring Valley United Church of Christ.

For a complete list of clergy who will officiate gay marriage click www.equalityillinois.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/LGBT-Supportive-Officiants-List-APRIL2014.pdf

Rainy week ahead for the Illinois Valley

Enjoy the sun and dry weather Saturday because its about to get really wet.

According to the National Weather Service, there’s a good chance of showers starting Sunday through all of next week. While its a slight chance at best, Sunday looks like the best chance of any severe storms since as of right now severe weather next week is expected to stay south of the Illinois Valley.

Temperatures are expected to cool off Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid-50s and lows in the low 40s.