Okawville News

She worked in account operations for Western Union in St. Charles, Mo., for 37 years.

“If we get tunnel vision and only focus on the environmental side, then we will shut ourselves out of the economic benefits and bite the hand that feeds us.”

Environmentalists are satisfied that a sixth of the $60,000 won in an appeal concerning water quality near the Prairie State Energy Campus will be used to monitor water downstream from the plant. via WaterWorld

This appears to be separate from the big quake that hit the area last month. This earthquake's epicenter is about 140 miles from the center of the original quake and aftershocks. via KMOV-TV Saint Louis

The Original Springs Hotel in Okawville, Illinois has a long history and some believe that long history left behind some interesting ghosts. via Associated Content

Trailnet will hold a Bicycle Fun Club ride on Sunday, with registration from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at St. via STLtoday

“That's consistent with the ecology of the animal”

Somewhere in the timber along the Kaskaskia River bottoms north of Okawville, a cougar roams. Russel Shubert is certain of it.

'There's no doubt in my mind,' Shubert said. 'I know there's one for sure. It's like this: Where there's one, there's probably more.'

Wayne Borrenpohl, of Venedy, also believes there's a cougar in the backcountry of Washington County. He and his wife, Janis, both saw the big cat at different times in the past three years.

'Absolutely I believe there's one out there,' Wayne Borrenpohl said. 'The conservation guys can say what they want. They don't see as much wildlife as I do around here. I know what I saw.' Read more

“We should all take in interest in supporting adoptive parents”

The Senate Revenue Committee approved legislation on Wednesday sponsored by State Senator Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, that moves to provide state tax relief for individuals interested in adoption. via Belleville News

“Shrimp, any way you fix it, and the chicken bacon ranch sandwich from Subway.”

'Idol' thumbs down doesn't disourage singer Jess Boeschen likes singing in front of crowds, but his favorite gig so far has been singing for a select trio, 'American Idol' judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Jess' parents joined him in Omaha last October to cheer him on.

The Okawville native was among 40 performers to sing for the celebrity judges to try to get to the Hollywood round of auditions

'Randy said, 'You're in the happiest place in Omaha. We talked for a few minutes before I sang 'How Sweet It Is'.' Read more

“There's just a lot of hills they'll have to climb before they get there.”

Talk of a big-money tax swap is making another comeback at the state Capitol. With the Illinois budget growing shakier, supporters of an income tax increase are pushing lawmakers to take a new look at the old ... via Courier-News

SPRINGFIELD - A controversial proposal to increase income taxes and lower property taxes was approved by a Senate committee Wednesday with a little boost from Senate President Emil Jones , who signed on as ... via Chicago Tribune

“I'm troubled that we are paying for government by raiding various funds or increasing borrowing. My biggest concern is that the state pays its bills before it implements new programs.”

By Rickeena J. Richards

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Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's budget proposals were met with some skepticism by metro-east legislators:

Rep. Tom Holbrook, D-Belleville

'There's a lot of revenue being raised in his proposed budget, and I think we need to take a look at it and see if that's in the best interest for the citizens of Illinois.... Most of all, we want to be fiscally responsible and pay our bills on time, and hopefully, that can be done without putting needed projects and needed services for the people in my district at risk. I can tell you my No. 1 priority is to pay our bills on time. Read more

“There's a much better opportunity here, I think”

Police interim chief Mark Jenkins stands with newly sworn-in police officers Ryan Feder and Brett Compton along with Charleston Mayor John Inyart on Friday morning after signing the swearing-in oath. via The Daily Eastern News

“We ride with another office and they continually train us”

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer rstroud@jg-tc.com UPDATED 5:30 PM CHARLESTON -- Brett Compton and Ryan Feder are the newest officers to join the Charleston Police Department, but they already have experience in law ... via Journal-Gazette

No reports of injuries in our area from the severe wind that blew through yesterday; but lots of reports of damage and hail up to the size of a nickel. via Magic 95.1

“It's pretty miserable outside”

Unusual weather that had Illinoisans thinking spring abruptly transformed to a nasty winter storm Tuesday as powerful hail and snow blasted the state, downing trees and causing perilous driving conditions. via Kane Co. Chronicle

“It's an annual thing to come up here”

There is about a week left of holiday break before the young'uns head back to class, and some parents have plans to beat down the 'I'm boreds' before they start.

Five-year-old Wynne Radcliffe, of O'Fallon, danced and played away the excess energy Thursday afternoon at The Little Gym in Fairview Heights. Her mother, Kristin Radcliffe, and brother, Kaeden, 2, watched as she bounced around the room and wiggled to music during a special holiday break camp session.

'She loves it so much she can't believe it,' Kristin Radcliffe said. Read more

Officials with the company planning to build a Branson-like resort in Perry County confirmed the project is still in the works. via Southern Illinoisan

“The entire school was searched, with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff's K-9 and a bomb detecting K-9 from the Alton Police Department”

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com NASHVILLE - Teachers and students at Nashville Community High School experienced some tense moments Wednesday after the school was evacuated due to a threat received. via Mt. Vernon Register-News

Benefits 3 p.m. Saturday, TJ's, 601 N. Hanover St., Okawville. Raffle for a wagon of booze, silent auction from 3 to 10 p.m., food available. via Belleville.com