Will County Board Updates: Tom Weigel

Special use permits and intergovernmental agreements were approved by the Will County Board.

Legislation to Ban Teen Tanning in Illinois Heads to Gov. Quinn

The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would prohibit all teens 17 and younger from using UV tanning beds.

By Amanda Luevano Legislation to ban minors from indoor tanning beds was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday after being approved by the Illinois Senate. House Bill 188, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), would ban Illinois minors age 17 and younger from UV tanning beds. Currently, minors ages 14 to 17 are allowed to tan if they provide a parent's signature. Spray-on tanning is exempt from the legislation, as is phototherapy, which applies to situations where a physician supervises tanning when it is necessary to treat a medical condition. Radogno said in a press release that she sponsored the bill to protect Illinois minors from the serious health risks involved with indoor tanning beds. “Not only do children …

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Medical Marijuana Bill Passed by Illinois Senate; Quinn Last Hurdle

Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.

By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …

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Trustees Sworn In; Village Board Approves Recapture for Silver Cross

The Village Board approved a recapture agreement to pay back Silver Cross Hospital for funding the total cost of south approach intersection improvements at the Route 6 entrance.

Trustees David Smith, Annette Bowden and Ray Tuminello were sworn in for another four-year term at the regular meeting of the New Lenox Village Board Monday. The three incumbents faced no challengers in the April 2013 election. Mayor Tim Baldermann thanked them for their years of commitment to the village and their willingness to continue toward that end.  "We have six dedicated individuals that serve up here. They do a tremendous job. There's a wealth of experience up here. They do a wonderful job."   In other business, the board approved three recapture agreements to benefit Silver Cross Hospital, 1900 Silver Cross Boulevard. Because the hospital, after the economy tanked, was stuck paying the total cost of the south approach …

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Frankfort Police Board Wants Frightened Victim to Testify against Cop

Frankfort's Fire and Police Commission wants the alleged victim of Frankfort cop Donald Walsh to testify before a disciplinary hearing, reports the Sun-Times Media.

While the courts are pursuing the criminal case against Frankfort Police Officer Donald Walsh for alleged aggravated domestic battery and burglary charges, the official disciplinary action by the Frankfort Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is seeking testimony from the victim. That may be a violation of the victim's rights. Walsh, who is accused of beating his former girlfriend in July 2012, is facing a hearing of the Fire and Police Board. Village Attorney David Silverman is seeking testimony from the victim, who fears she could be at risk if she agrees to testify. The Will County prosecutor in the case, Dave Neal, told Will County Judge Bobbi Petrungaro "he believes the village’s desire to subpoena the woman violates her rights …

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Karma

10:00 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thank you Ed.   more ›

Illinois Politicians, Administrators Talk State Pension Issues (Live Blog)

Illinois state officials, non-profit administrators and union representatives will offer perspectives during the Illinois Pension Forum starting 4:30 p.m. Monday at Century Junior High in Orland Park. Join us for our live blog and weigh in.

Editor's Note: The live blog had to be cancelled due to a lack of any usable Internet connection at the location. I took copious notes, however, and I'll still be posting a recap. I'll add the link here once it is done. Thanks and sorry. A forum on Illinois pension issues will be held 4:30 p.m. Monday at Century Junior High, 10801 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The following people are scheduled to speak: Join us for our live blog and offer your own thoughts on the points discussed. Orland Park Patch’s live blog through Cover It Live will provide minute-by-minute updates from the meeting on this page starting at 4:30 p.m. Look in the Cover It Live window above, and you’ll see an area where you can join in and offer your comments and …

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Ben Feldheim

7:15 pm on Monday, May 13, 2013

I did however take a lot of notes throughout and I'll still be putting a recap together. I'll post the link here when it's done. Sorry again for all who were looking for it.   more ›

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, 11th District, Directs Flood Victims Toward Relief

Residents affected by flooding in April can apply for federal relief.

Congressman Bill Foster praised President Obama’s signing of the federal disaster declaration for Illinois.  The declaration covers those affected by April flooding in 11 Illinois counties including all five counties in the 11th District -- Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will.  Following the announcement, Congressman Bill Foster offered help to any 11th District resident, business or community having difficulty applying for federal assistance. “I am very pleased that President Obama promptly signed the federal disaster declaration, making federal funds available for all those who have been impacted by the recent flooding,” said Foster.  “As families, businesses and local governments compile their full damage assessments and apply for …

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Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Illinois? Bill Passes Senate Committee

A bill that has already passed the Illinois House could pave the way for limited prescriptions of pot.

By Steven Jack Illinois lawmakers may be poised to enact one of the toughest medical marijuana laws in the nation after a Senate Committee moved a bill Wednesday allowing those with a limited list of illness to obtain a prescription for the drug. The bill has passed the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn has said he is open to the proposal,reported the Chicago Tribune. The Senate Committee voted 10-5 even after law enforcement officials objected on the grounds that the bill does not include provisions for driving under the influence of marijuana, the Trib reported. The law would allow patients to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Sixty pot dispensaries would be set up throughout the state. The bill is sponsored by former State…

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Butch

3:34 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2013

Anthony are u fried already on some kinda Kool Aid? I said I was born there in a hospital In Ever PK-LIL Company, are u a outta towner or a tribal competitor? Nah can't be! he's on ?? I know elderly folks that this treatment has helped for glaucoma and related optic disorders.   more ›