September, 2016 | East Central Reporter

Latest round of John Deere layoffs unfortunate but not surprising, conservative think tank associate says

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

Manufacturing workers in Illinois suffered yet another blow this week when a major machinery manufacturer announced the layoffs of hundreds of workers in Illinois, an associate for a Chicago-based conservative think tank said in a recent article.

Amid talk of strike, rhetoric between AFSCME, state officials heats up

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

While whispers of "strike" continue to be heard among the membership of the state's largest public sector union, the on-and-off negotiations with the governor reveal the power of that union, the president of a nonpartisan public-interest litigation center said.

National $15 minimum wage could exacerbate Illinois job losses

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

With Congress weighing legislation that would bring the minimum wage up to $15 per hour by 2021, Illinois faces job losses as a result of the Pay Workers a Living Wage Act.

Streator man says Mautino probes began with his decision to speak out

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

Despite a federal criminal investigation underway and state lawmakers continually calling on Illinois's embattled Auditor General Frank Mautino to answer questions about prior campaign expenditures, the only person who has filed a complaint said he feels all alone.

Medium fromlakecountydotgovwebsitemultimodalherbertfisher1280x640

Executive's move to Indiana reflects problem for Illinois

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

An executive who has lived in Illinois almost all of his life says he is being driven out by economy and politics.

Illinois' credit rating may be cut further as unpaid bills projected to reach $14 billion

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

Moody's Investors Service warned Illinois this week that its lack of a budget may lead to more credit downgrades.

Rauner urges Illinois voters to demand redistricting reform, term limits

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 9, 2016

Illinois voters, regardless of party affiliation, need to have a stern conversation with their state legislators to revive redistricting after the Illinois Supreme Court decision last week that took free maps off the November ballot, Gov. Bruce Rauner said during a recent interview.

Charleston councilors consider annexing Old State Road property

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 8, 2016

The Charleston City Council met Tuesday to discuss annexing property on Old State Road.

Marshall school board to discuss buildings and grounds upkeep

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 8, 2016

The Marshall Community Unit School District C-2 Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss buildings and grounds upkeep.

Oblong trustees discuss delinquent water bills

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 8, 2016

The village of Oblong Board of Trustees met Wednesday to discuss delinquent water bills.

Mattoon council amends penalties for cannabis possession

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 8, 2016

The Mattoon City Council met Tuesday to amend the municipal code as it pertains to possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.

Medium shutterstock police cruiser closeup angle

Eastern Illinois names Martin as police chief

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 7, 2016

From SWAT team to surveillance work, newly appointed Eastern Illinois University Chief of Police Kent Martin will leverage all his experience as he keeps an eye on campus activity to maintain the public peace.

Illinois State researcher obtains NIH grant to study muscular dystrophy

By East Central Reporter Reports | Sep 7, 2016

Grasping muscular dystrophy’s mysteries is the highest priority for Illinois State University’s Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer, who recently received a $435,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand her quest for understanding of the disease.