April, 2024 Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Village of Dolton's legal team seeks withdrawal from FOIA lawsuit

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 27, 2024

The Del Galdo Law Group, LLC, representing the Village of Dolton, has filed a motion to withdraw from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The motion cites Supreme Court Rule 1.16(a)(6), which allows withdrawal if representation results in an unreasonable financial burden or becomes unreasonably difficult due to the client.

Effingham County County Education: 4,483 white students were enrolled in schools in 2021-22 school year

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 27, 2024

In Effingham County County schools, 4,483 white students were enrolled in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Where could drivers find the cheapest gas in cities within Clark County in week ending Apr. 20?

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The only price of premium gas in cities throughout Clark County was found at a single gas station in the week ending Apr. 20, according to GasBuddy.com.

Where could drivers find the cheapest gas in cities within Edgar County in week ending Apr. 20?

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Edgar County was found at a single gas station in the week ending Apr. 20, according to GasBuddy.com.

Rep. Wilhour’s Senior Fair Big Success in Salem

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour hosted a successful Senior Fair in Salem, which aimed to provide senior citizens with valuable information about state programs, community resources, and services offered by healthcare organizations and non-profits. The event, attended by nearly 100 residents from Marion County, featured close to 40 vendors and state agencies showcasing services available to seniors."I have been approached by people for quite a while about when are you going to have your senior fair event again," expressed Rep. Wilhour. He further highlighted the challenges posed...

School administrators earns 113.7% more on average than teachers in Palestine Community Unit School District 3 in 2021-22 school year

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The average school administrator’s salary in Palestine Community Unit School District 3 was $93,848 during the 2021-22 school year, while teaching salaries averaged $43,918, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Rep. Wilhour Sets Traveling Office Hours for May in the 110th District

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

State Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) has announced the upcoming traveling office hours for constituents in the 110th District. The sessions are scheduled for May and will provide an opportunity for individuals to engage with the legislative staff.The traveling office hours will kick off on Wednesday, May 1, with sessions in Vandalia and Mulberry Grove. Rep. Wilhour's staff will be available at Evans Public Library in Vandalia from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a session at Mulberry Grove Village Hall from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.In anticipation of the...

Shelby County Farm Committee approves draft ordinance on farmland status

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The Shelby County Farm Committee convened to deliberate on various issues related to the county farm. The meeting agenda was revised prior to the session. The committee voted unanimously to approve a draft ordinance that would declare the county farmland as no longer necessary, appropriate, or required as originally acquired. This ordinance will now be presented to the full county board for consideration.

Illinois debates taxation legality on portable sheds

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The legality of taxing portable sheds in Illinois has become a contentious issue. According to Article IX section 5 of the Illinois State Constitution, taxation of personal property is abolished. However, a recent publication from Township Officials of Illinois has suggested that local assessors might have grounds to tax portable sheds based on a ruling from a Property Tax Appeal Board case, rather than state law.

$46,682 in Countywide Sales Tax collected in January for Richland County

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

In January, Richland County saw an increase in Countywide Sales Tax collection compared to the previous month.

Rep. Niemerg: $150,000 ‘Safety & Security Grants’ Available for Non-Profits in Illinois

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

Rep. Adam Niemerg has revealed that Federal Safety and Security Grants are now accessible to Non-Profit Organizations in Illinois. The grants, amounting to $150,000, are being made available through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) to eligible 501c (3) organizations considered at high risk of potential terrorist attacks.IEMA-OHS, functioning as the State Administrative Agency, will distribute these competitive grants to approved applicants in collaboration with the Grants Program Directorate/FEMA. Non-profit organizations...

Watchdog training event scheduled for April 13 in Glen Ellyn

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The Edgar County Watchdogs, in collaboration with Jeannie Ives from Breakthrough-Ideas, Diane Benjamin of BLNNEWS, Amanda Piker, a No Gotion activist, and Brittney Norwood, a Dolton whistleblower, are set to host an event focused on watchdog training and local government accountability. The gathering will take place at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024.

CTU Embraces Handouts to Non-Citizens

By East Central Reporter Reports | Apr 26, 2024

The Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU) is toxic and their notion of giving $2k (taxpayer money) to each asylum-seeking student is insane. Rather than promoting lessons on how to build strong work ethic, Democrats always use their “handout card” to brush issues under the rug. This sentiment was expressed by an unknown source who criticized the CTU's proposal for providing financial support to non-citizens.Additionally, the same source questioned the true purpose behind the proposal, stating, "I’m not sure why anyone would think this idea holds any true purpose other than buying...