One Case of Legionnaires’ Disease at Chester Mental Health Center

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Illinois Department of Human Services photo

CHESTER – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is reporting that one patient at Chester Mental Health Center has tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease. IDHS received the confirmation of the positive test on Tuesday, February 13th. The patient is being treated and is currently in stable condition.

Out of an abundance of caution, IDHS has informed staff, residents and community stakeholders.

IDHS is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine the potential source of the bacteria. Environmental engineers will be on grounds this week to gather data and begin collecting water samples. IDHS will continue to be vigilant for respiratory illness. Staff are actively monitoring patients to quickly identify any residents with respiratory illness to make sure they receive immediate medical care.

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in the environment. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports there has been a rise in the number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease over the past 15 years, with 6,000 cases reported nationwide in 2015. Approximately 300 cases are reported each year across Illinois. Legionnaires’ disease cannot be transmitted person-to-person.  Common water sources include decorative fountains, hot tubs, shower areas, and cooling towers.

The Chester Mental Health Center is the state’s only maximum security forensic mental health facility. The facility is operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services and located in Chester, Illinois.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Chicago Shooting: Officer shot at Thompson Center

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WTTW Chicago

CHICAGO – A Chicago police spokesman says an officer has been shot while assisting a tactical team at a state government office building downtown.

Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the off-duty officer was shot around 2 p.m. Tuesday at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph. It wasn’t immediately clear if the shooting occurred inside or outside the building. The officer was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

 

Please click on the link for further information on this developing story from WLS-TV.

http://abc7chicago.com/chicago-shooting-officer-shot-at-thompson-center/3078069/

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

SIU receives 115-pound black carp specimen for invasive species study

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Tim Crosby, SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers this weekend received what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis.

The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries, said Gregory Whitledge, associate professor of zoology at SIU.

SIU took possession of the fish Friday, after the fishers contacted the university. SIU manages a program funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that pays commercial fishers for black carp that they catch and turn over to the university for scientific research.

Zoologists hope new specimen will shed light on an invasive species

Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate student Hudman Evans stands with what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis. The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries. (Photo provided)

During the weekend, researchers, including graduate student Hudman Evans, who is writing his master’s thesis in zoology on the invasive black carp issue, removed key organs and tissue samples that will tell the scientists much about the individual and its population. SIU also cooperates with the U.S. Geological Survey and IDNR on the research.

Evans said he became interested in fisheries as a middle school student and became interested in black carp after searching for graduate school opportunities. So far, his research has included capturing specimens and examining their diet in order to determine if they are eating the same prey as native fish species.

“This specimen will contribute diet analysis data to my project and also shed light on how black carp diets change as they get older and grow to bigger sizes,” he said.

 

Black carp initially meant to control parasites

Black carp initially were brought to the United States from their native China as a potential means of controlling parasite-carrying snails that were damaging aquaculture fish in the southern states. At some point, however, some of them escaped – possibly during flooding events – and made their way to the Mississippi River.

The first wild black carp were caught in the river during the early 2000’s. But during the last five years, commercial fishers increasingly have reported catching them in nets along with the game fish they are seeking. It’s a worrying trend Whitledge said, and one that SIU is on the vanguard of investigating.

“We have several projects going with the black carp, as well as Asian carp, another invasive species,” Whitledge said. “We hope this fish will tell us more about how black carp might impact native species, how big the potential population is, their range and how fast they are expanding.”

Fish of unusual size

Typically, only commercial fishing outfits catch the fish, as its location and feeding habits lend it more to those practices than the typical rod-and-reel angler. Whitledge said the enormous specimen is certainly the largest ever brought in for scientific research, and quite possibly the largest ever caught in the United States.

When he heard about the catch, Whitledge said he was excited.

“I wanted to get a look at it because it’s much bigger than anything we’ve seen so far,” he said. “I’m curious to find out all we can.  We knew they were capable of growing this big, but this is one that is large enough that it is still quite an event. “

SIU at the vanguard of invasive species research

SIU is playing a leading role in finding out more about the problems it and the Asian carp might cause. As such, the university has received about 150 specimens caught all up and down the Mississippi River during the last few years.

“We are sitting here in the heart of the range into which these fish are expanding,” Whitledge said, adding that he and others also are working with funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In particular, scientists are concerned about the invasive species impact on native mussels, a favorite food that also are listed as threatened or endangered. As a bottom-feeder, it also likely competes for food with popular game fish, such as catfish.

“So looking at their diets is important,” Whitledge said.

Looking at a range of factors to learn more

To determine the specimen’s age, researchers will closely examine the specimen’s otoliths, bony anatomical structures in its ear, which forms tree-like rings at certain intervals as it grows.  The oldest such specimen so far identified was 16 years old, but Whitledge said this specimen’s size indicates it may be older than that one.

“This is the largest individual so far, so one thing we’re trying to understand is how old they get and how that might impact the size of the potential population,” he said.

Scientists also will analyze the chemical composition of this fish’s otoliths using mass spectrometry methods to try to determine where the fish spent most of its time. They also will examine the fish’s reproductive system and its overall health and growth rate, which might tell them how well the species is doing in the Mississippi River.

In China, the fish lives in larger rivers and tributaries, so the Mississippi River would seem an ideal habitat. While they can live in still waters such as ponds or lakes, the species requires flowing water to successfully hatch its eggs.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, State News

Top Madigan political aide fired over sexual harassment allegations

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – A high-ranking member of House Speaker Mike Madigan’s political organization has been fired after an investigation into sexual harassment allegations, Madigan said Monday.

Kevin Quinn, who’s worked with Madigan’s political committees for nearly 20 years and previously worked in the House speaker’s state government office, was let go for engaging in “inappropriate conduct.”

“In November, a courageous woman made me aware that a high-ranking individual within my political operation had previously made unwanted advances and sent her inappropriate text messages,” Madigan said in a prepared statement. “I immediately consulted with my attorney, Heather Wier Vaught, and directed her to conduct a thorough investigation.

Please click on the link for the full story from Illinois News Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/top-madigan-political-aide-fired-over-sexual-harassment-allegations/article_cb1a2da8-100e-11e8-8c8f-27135b866080.html

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

State Seeks Nominations for Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Winners honored at a special ceremony at the Old State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is accepting nominations for the ninth annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. These awards recognize individual volunteers and for-profit businesses and highlight the importance of community service in Illinois.

“Each year, millions of Illinoisans take time out of their busy lives to help their neighbors,” said Scott McFarland, Executive Director of Serve Illinois. “These volunteers are helping keep children safe, keeping our environment pristine, helping people find jobs, and so much more. They improve and save lives each and every day, and with these awards, we recognize the best of Illinois.”

Serve Illinois will present individual awards to one youth (18 years and younger), one adult (19-54-years-old), and one senior (55 years and older) in each of Serve Illinois’ five volunteer network regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central, and Southern). Serve Illinois will present National Service Awards to one AmeriCorps member, one Senior Corps member, and one for-profit business in each of the five service regions.

Nominations are due to Serve Illinois by February 16, 2018. Please visit www.serve.illinois.gov for nomination forms and more information. Serve Illinois will host a ceremony on April 18, 2018 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield to honor recipients.

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40 member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois’ AmeriCorps program. For more information on Serve Illinois, or to find one of more than 2,500 volunteer opportunities in the state, please visit www.serve.illinois.gov.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

SIU Board approves 2 percent tuition hike for Carbondale amid debate over restructuring

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

EDWARDSVILLE — The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a 2 percent tuition increase for the Carbondale campus after a lengthy public-comment period in which faculty members and constituency group heads debated the merits of the proposed SIUC restructuring plan.

The board voted unanimously to raise tuition to an annual rate of $9,637.50 for undergraduates and $11,268 for graduates, based on 15 credit hours per semester, for the 2018-19 school year.

Tuition increases only affect incoming students, as previous classes are locked in at their first-year rates by law.

Please click to read the full story from K. Janis Esch of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/siu-board-approves-percent-tuition-hike-for-carbondale-amid-debate/article_20421c9e-7088-52b2-b456-11df4f88628b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News

Gov. Rauner taps first keg of official Bicentennial craft beer: 1818

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Made in Illinois, the Prairie State Farmhouse Ale debuts in Chicago

CHICAGO  — Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced the availability of the official Bicentennial Craft Beer and tapped the first keg at Binny’s Beverage Depot Tasting Room in Lincoln Park.

Hand of Fate Brewing Co. of Petersburg created the special birthday brew — 1818 Prairie State … Farmhouse Ale — which is being distributed statewide by Breakthru Beverage Illinois.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our state’s Bicentennial than with a craft beer that is made in Illinois by a local business with local ingredients,” Rauner said. “Cheers to 200 years, Illinois!”

On hand for the announcement was Breakthru Beverage Co-Chairman Rocky Wirtz.

“On behalf of the 1,000 Illinois employees of Breakthru Beverage, we are proud to partner with the Bicentennial Commission and to be able to make 1818 available across the entire state,” Wirtz said.

Hand of Fate Brewing was chosen to brew the official beer after winning the Bicentennial craft beer contest at the Illinois State Fair in August.

“This is a dream come true for my family and employees,” said Hand of Fate owner Mike Allison. “We started a small business a year and a half ago, and thanks to the governor and the Bicentennial team we have a chance to grow a very successful business.”

The beer features staple Illinois crops including corn, wheat and oats. The crystal hops are grown by Hallowed Hops of Lewistown, and fermented with a hybrid saison yeast developed by Omega Yeast Labs of Chicago.

“The members of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild are incredibly excited for Hand of Fate and the success of 1818. We have seen a 350 percent increase in the number of craft breweries in our state over the last five years and that number will continue to grow in 2018,” said Danielle D’Alessandro, executive director of the guild.

Restaurants and bars featuring craft beer will offer 1818 throughout Illinois. In early March, 1818 will be available in cans at retail locations.

ABOUT HAND OF FATE

Hand of Fate Brewing Co. is a small brewery that opened on the historic Petersburg Square in May 2016. The company brews a variety of high quality beers that appeal to all spectrums of craft beer drinkers. With the statewide release of 1818, Hand of Fate looks to expand with more offerings throughout Illinois.

ABOUT BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE

Cicero-based Breakthru Beverage Group is a leading North American beverage wholesaler driving innovation in the marketplace with a nimble and insightful approach to business. The company represents a portfolio of premier wine, spirit and beer brands in the United States and Canada. Family ownership is active in the business and committed to being stewards of heritage and champions of innovation. For more information, visit www.BreakthruBev.com.

ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.illinois200.com.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Illinois moves closer to raising smoking age to 21

February 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

NY Daily News image

SPRINGFIELD — Raging debate over increasing the legal smoking age in Illinois from 18 to 21 years old likely will continue after two legislative committees advanced bills on Tuesday.

House Bill 4297 and Senate Bill 2332 were given immense scrutiny by public health groups and advocates for retailers as both bills were reviewed and debated by Illinois House and Senate health committees. Both bills made it through their respective committees and could be added to either chamber’s docket for further debate soon.

The measures would increase the purchasing age for tobacco products to 21 but decriminalize possession of them by those younger than 21. Sponsors argue underage tobacco use is a public health issue, not a crime.

Please click on the link for the full story from Maximilian Kwiatkowski of the Peoria Journal-Star.

http://www.pjstar.com/news/20180206/illinois-moves-closer-to-raising-smoking-age-to-21

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Illinois gun rights group has other gun free zones in sights to be shot down

February 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – More gun free zones are in the sights of gun rights activists after the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously shot down one around public parks.

Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson praised the 7-0 ruling against the 1,000 foot barrier around public parks in state law. He agreed with the court that it was too burdensome for law-abiding citizens to navigate where they could or could not carry a firearm for protection, especially in Chicago, where there are 600 parks.

The ruling written by Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier said “the most troubling aspect [of the 1,000 feet ban] is the lack of any notification where the 1,000-foot restriction zone starts and where it would end,” the ruling said. “Innocent behavior could swiftly be transformed into culpable conduct if an individual unknowingly crosses into a firearm restriction zone.”

Please click on the link for the full story from Greg Bishop of Illinois News Radio Network

https://www.ilnews.org/news/justice/illinois-gun-rights-group-has-other-gun-free-zones-in/article_5d543abc-0838-11e8-b861-f3f9fe1391a5.html

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

State ethics agency to look into hiring of chancellor’s family members at SIUC

February 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE — An ethics inquiry into the hiring of Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno’s daughter and son-in-law has been passed from the university’s internal ethics office to the state inspector general, according to the SIU president.

On Thursday, SIU President Randy Dunn opened up two inquiries into hires related to the chancellor. One investigation involves the hiring of Melissa and Jeffrey Germain, Montemagno’s daughter and son-in-law, as part of negotiations of the chancellor’s employment. The other involves Montemagno’s reported recommendation of former colleagues to multiple campus positions.

“Our system Office of Internal Audit, Compliance and Ethics, in reviewing its standards and talking with the state agency, has made a determination that they just need to go ahead and give that inquiry on the family members directly to the Office of Inspector General,” System President Randy Dunn said during an interview with The Southern on Friday in the Stone Center.

Please click on the full story from K. Janis Esch of the Southern Illinoisan.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/state-ethics-agency-to-look-into-hiring-of-chancellor-s/article_f5dd5075-cb3b-5873-81cd-418ba66a234d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, State News
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