REO Speedwagon, the band behind “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Taking It On The Run,” and “Time For Me To Fly,” is the state’s best for Illinois’ 200th birthday. 

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

President Donald Trump’s administration is going to send a portion of $12 billion directly to farmers’ pockets as a way to soothe the sting of the tariff battle he’s waging against foreign importers of American farm commodities.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Illinois taxpayers could save more than $3 billion a year from government consolidation and mandate relief, according to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), formed by Executive Order in 2016, is now officially recognized as a state agency.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed HB 5611 today, a bill which passed unanimously in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly this spring, codifying the agency into law. Bipartisan support for the legislation reflects the state’s commitment to improve cybersecurity, enhance employee work processes, and provide better services to Illinois citizens.

“When we first came into office, we discovered that our technology systems had been grossly neglected. Employees at multiple agencies relied on manual, paper processes for much of their work. That was extremely inefficient,” Rauner said. “We created DoIT, put a team of experts in place and developed a comprehensive approach to modernize our technology. Now, I’m proud to say we are among the nation’s leaders when it comes to using smart technology and making sure our citizens’ personal information is secure.”

“Illinois’ digital transformation is being realized as a result of Gov. Rauner’s vision and leadership,” said DoIT Acting Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Kirk Lonbom. “We’re making rapid strides toward improving operational efficiencies and offering state services through the convenience of mobility, while placing the security of data and operations at the foundation of all initiatives.”

Cybersecurity has been a priority for DoIT. Since its inception, the agency has encrypted more than 5.8 billion records, protecting the personal and private information of Illinois citizens. DoIT launched the first statewide security operations center with 24/7 monitoring aimed at identifying risk and proactively responding to cyberthreats.

“The security of state systems, citizen data, and ensuring we have a robust digital infrastructure is a key component of this legislation. I was proud to sponsor this legislation and move Illinois forward as a digital state,” said Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago.

Staff members at DoIT also have focused on streamlining state operations and improving efficiencies across state agencies. Over half of the state’s financials are now managed on a common system to address decades of lack of interoperability and financial management challenges. Infrastructure and network unification efforts in Illinois have already resulted in savings and cost-avoidance of over $20 million.

“Improving government operations, increasing transparency, and saving taxpayer money are all goals being achieved by DoIT. This is important legislation to ensure we provide a modern and efficient government to our citizens,” said Rep. Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego.

“This legislation creates a necessary department that will be able to efficiently handle the magnitude of information gathered by state agencies in the safest and most secure way possible,” said Rep. Christine Winger, R-Wood Dale. “DoIT will transform the antiquated nature of the state’s systems, and help protect Illinois residents and their information efficiently. I am pleased to see this initiative move forward, especially one that will support the infrastructure and future of Illinois.”

“For decades, the state relied on software systems that were decades old and nearly every state department had its own, independently operated IT infrastructure. This system obviously led to inefficiencies and redundancies,” said State Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry. “Unifying the state’s systems will ultimately help state employees deliver services more efficiently and will increase accessibility for residents.”

Through its Smart State initiative, DoIT also is helping local governments use SMART technology (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) on things like street lighting — which cuts down on energy costs and saves taxpayer dollars.

These efforts are being applauded by national experts.

“The State of Illinois’ move towards consolidation, its development of a Smart State strategy, and the exploration of emerging technologies like blockchain all illustrate advancements we applaud for a government technology organization,” said Doug Robinson, executive director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.

For additional information, please see the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology strategy at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/doit/Strategy/EnterpriseStrategies/Pages/default.aspx.

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MEDIA RELEASE

7-14-18 at 3:24 am a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Bobby L.A. Todd age 41 of Benton for improper parking on roadway and driving under the influence of alcohol.

7-15-18 at 12:57 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Moore Road .25 miles north of Prior Road. A 2008 Ford Ranger driven by Daulton J. Stewart age 19 of Benton was east bound on Moore Road and failed to negotiate a curve and struck a utility pole and then a tree. The driver received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. Citations are pending.

7-16-18 at 1:00 pm Deputies arrested Robert J. Carlton age 61 of West Frankfort for unlawful violation of an order of protection. The violation had occurred in rural West Frankfort on July 8th.

7-16-18 at 6:24 pm Deputies responded to a reported fight in progress involving several individuals at the North Marcum Beach area of Rend Lake. The investigation led to the arrests of Derek A. Verschueren age 35 of West Frankfort, Kyle D. Furlow age 28 of Christopher and Hailey L. Winemiller age 25 of Benton. All were charged with battery.

7-18-18 at 9:32 am Deputies responded to Orient in response to a request from Animal Control for assistance with an investigation in which a one year old child had been bitten by a Chihuahua dog. The dog owner was uncooperative in the investigation. The investigation resulted in the recovery of the dog from a residence in Mt. Vernon and the arrest of the dog owner, John R. Choate age 24 of Orient for obstructing a Peace Officer.

7-17-18 and 7-18-18 Deputies recovered two stolen A.T.V. 4-wheelers. The A.T.V.’s had been reported stolen from a residence near Orient and another residence in Buckner. Both thefts are under investigation.

7-18-18 at 4:54 pm Deputies responded to a one vehicle traffic crash on Number 9 Blacktop near Rogers Road. An international 9400 cement truck, driven by Brian K. Welch age 49 of Bonnie, swerved to avoid striking two dogs, ran off the roadway, then over-corrected, losing control, ran off the road, overturned and struck a power utility pole trapping the driver for some time until Southeastern Power responded and was extracted by West Frankfort Firefighters. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort Fire E.M.S.

WARRANT ARRESTS

7-13-18 Thomas W. Kretz age 43 of Mulkeytown. Failure to appear on a bad check charge.

7-13-18 Aaron W. Simmons age 24 of Carbondale. Violation of probation.

7-13-18 Jared M. Curry age 18 of Zeigler. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-13-18 Ryan D. Pickett age 35 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on aggravated D.U.I.

7-16-18 Jason A. Eddy age 40 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for retail theft.

7-17-18 Kendra S. Dent age 32 of Carbondale. Failure to appear for resisting a peace officer.

7-19-18 Joshua G. Crispin age 32 of Sesser. Possession of a controlled substance.

7-19-18 Joseph D. McGrath age 49 of Carterville. Failure to appear for aggravated D.U.I.

7-20-18 Robert D. Willis age 34 of Carbondale. Aggravated criminal sexual assault.

7-20-18 Sheena N. Frost age 33 of Benton. Failure to appear of forgery.

BRANSON, MO — Eight people are dead and an unknown number of others are missing after a tourist boat capsized on Table Rock Lake on Thursday night, the Stone County sheriff said.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

O’FALLON — Vice President Mike Pence defended President Donald Trump against claims that the president is too soft on Russia, telling a St. Louis crowd Thursday that Russian aggression has been met with “American strength and action.”

Here’s a link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.

CARTERVILLE — More than 130 professionals who work with children attended training in the physical ramifications of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress Tuesday morning at John A. Logan College.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A national labor official said a U.S. Supreme Court ruling widely seen as a defeat for public-sector unions has proven to be a rallying cry for members.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.