Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
West
ChicagoHigh School
For Encouraging Civic Engagement in High School Youth
"The article "Illinois Civic Mission Coalition to Recognize Democracy Schools" covers the Coalition's efforts to help Illinois high schools meet their civic mission to help youth become engaged citizens."
ElementaryDistrict 33
STC North High Homecoming edition...
"Prairie Landing welcomed chamber members to a breakfast meeting on 29 Sept 2005 that will provided information on both the Technology Center and the DuPage Airport."
September 29 edition...
students named AP scholars
National Merit Scholarship Program
Jodie Harrison Lifetime Achievement Award
Sen
Durbin“Unfortunately, I have watched on three occasions as this important amendment went into the darkness of a conference committee and disappeared.”
"A compromise was reached last night that would help guarantee that Illinois would receive its fair share of federal grants for the operation of high-risk pools."
"... require the Department of Energy to hold and manage 40 million barrels of unleaded gasoline and 7.5 million barrels of jet fuel to be used in times of shortages that adversely impact the U.S. economy."
Sen.
Obama"According to an ABC News report today, the Greek government offered to provide cruise ships for free to house hurricane evacuees. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) apparently accepted this offer but never implemented it. Instead, FEMA signed a six-month, $236 million agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines - an agreement that is costing the U.S. government approximately $2,550 per guest per week (assuming the current half-occupancy rate). This amount is four times the price of a seven-day western Caribbean cruise including entertainment and fuel costs."
GovernorBlagojevich
"... is providing an approximately $20 million investment package that is leading to the creation and retention of 1,500 jobs."
"Bonjean said Hastert and DeLay -- two longtime allies -- met privately in the Capitol one day after the Texan was charged with a single count of conspiracy by a Texas grand jury investigating alleged violations of state election law."
“I applaud Justice John Roberts on his confirmation by the Senate"
"This temporary arrangement will allow us to continue our work until Tom DeLay can resume his duties as Majority Leader.”
Matt
Fuesting“I’m honored that Senators Petka and Rauschenberger have agreed to sponsor this proposed legislation. This proposal is a significant step towards our ability to monitor convicted sexual offenders in Illinois”
Dear Denny,
Is it time to kick this turkey to the curb and get the monkey off your back?
Sincerely,
Bob
Sen.
Obama"When the federal government would actually save millions of dollars by forgoing the status quo and actually sending evacuees on a luxurious six-month cruise it is time to rethink how we are conducting oversight."
"Patients and physicians are paying the price for a health care system that discourages the kind of communication needed to find and correct the conditions that lead to medical errors,"
GovernorBlagojevich
"Having the right people in positions of leadership is critically important to ensuring Illinois is prepared to respond to emergencies."
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that juvenile recidivism has dropped by 15 percent, the largest decline on record; more than 50 percent of Sheridan parolees have been able to find and retain jobs; and more incarcerated veterans are receiving the necessary skills and support to help them avoid the cycle of returning to prison again and again for the same mistakes."
"The plan, a five-year road map for the State Board of Education, focuses on helping schools meet the needs of their students to prepare them for long-term success after high school."
Sen
JohnMillner
"Many municipalities, with assurance from the state, began building these projects on the faith the state would come through on its end of the deal and now, albeit very late, it is finally happening,”
Rep.Randy Ramey“This bill gives us an opportunity to cut some of our state taxes so that we give some relief to hard working people again,”
West
ChicagoHigh School
Carl Johnson Goes On as Semi-Finalist
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Football Stadium/Bishop (rain)
Board of Education meeting synopsis...
Sen Peter Roskam"Cegelis said that while her district traditionally votes Republican, "I think the country is feeling the need for change.""
Sen
Durbin"The Veterans Administration has a process for negotiating drug prices that is proven and effective and leverages the buying power of millions of veterans. It’s time to replicate that success so seniors in Illinois and the nation can experience real savings on their prescription drugs.”
Sen.
Obama"Just a few weeks into the most expensive rebuilding effort of all-time, we're already hearing reports of overcharges, underperformance, and mismanagement," said Obama and Coburn. "Finding out after the fact that we're spending taxpayer money on no-bid contracts and sweetheart deals for cruise lines is no way to run a recovery effort.
GovernorBlagojevich
“This is the first time in my 12 years with the state that we've coordinated in a concerted, collective way to respond to a disaster, and our employees’ willingness to give was overwhelming,”
Rep.Randy Ramey“Anything we can do to show our support as a state is a positive step to rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding areas in the south that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Check-off Fund gives Illinois residents an option to help those in need.”
Cable
ComChannel 17
CableCom is looking for volunteers. They are currently desperate for volunteers to cover the school events...WCCHS Band, Choir and Orchestra, the Variety Show, sports, and Middle School activities. Click cablecom@core.com to contact CableCom about training and volunteering..
Sen.
Obama"Although initial indications are that Hurricane Rita did not cause significant additional damage to Gulf Coast refineries, many refineries were shut down prior to the hurricane, and it is expected to take one to two weeks before these plants can begin processing again."
"Authenticity is served by thoughtful explanations of why some Democratic senators went one way while others did not, knowing full well that whatever they did, their votes on Roberts wouldn't matter."
GovernorBlagojevich
Illionois
Senators"The VA cannot correct its errors by taking money away from veterans who now depend on that income. Veterans should not now - years later - be punished with a loss of income due to the late discovery by the VA of its own error."
Sen Peter RoskamFriday potpourri...
Sen.
Obama"But, more important, the fact that he has shown himself to be a voice of reason and man of judicious temperament in the past makes him the perfect spokesman and conciliator in what might otherwise be an irreparably divisive debate about race relations, wealth disparities and crisis management in America."
Sen
Durbin“The controversy surrounding Vioxx and other pharmaceuticals has exposed weak oversight, conflict of interest and poor management at FDA.”
GovernorBlagojevich
Rep
Hastert""I will not appoint any Democrats to participate in this sham. Instead, Democrats have proposed an independent commission, based on the rigorous and effective example of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission."
City
of West ChicagoSafe Schools/Healthy Students grant, 100 Book Challenge, Homecoming week, Digital Camera/Polaroid Treasure Hunt
Whole lots of stuff...
Sen.
Obama"The CFO will also specifically look at whether federal funds are going to people most in need, whether federal funds are going to companies that hire local workers, and the extent to which the federal government is using no-bid and 'cost-plus' contracts."
"Today, there are two kinds of car companies: those who make fuel-efficient cars and those that will."
Rep
Hastert"It is a privilege to represent this strong and caring community in the United States Congress – and I thank all those who have given of themselves to assist with this important effort."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Our scenic byway provides the gateway for everyone across the country to enjoy the bird-watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping that Illinois River Country offers."
“Gov. Blagojevich understands that we must keep Illinois coal competitive by investing in this complex and ever-changing global marketplace,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
West
ChicagoHigh School
"The team revised both the student level and expert level assessments, including a written/online (cognitive) assessment, a performance/hand-on (psychomotor) assessment, and evaluation criteria."
Sen
Durbin“I would like to ask the Senator from Mississippi to include agriculture losses incurred due to Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters – including the drought in the Midwest – in the next Katrina supplemental appropriations bill,”
Rep
Hastert“I am pleased that these Members have agreed to serve on the Select Bipartisan Committee investigating the initial relief response to Hurricane Katrina."
"Despite his skin color, he fought for the freedom of African Americans, American Indians and Chinese."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and other officials broke ground today on Union Square Park, the fifth and final element of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) complex."
ElementaryDistrict 33
"The Board of Education reviewed/discussed the following informational items: ..budget "wish list" for the Board's consideration, indicating important items that have been requested to be restored, or new items to be added to the budget ."
Sen.
Obama"... recommends the implementation of a national voter identification requirement - a requirement so incredibly restrictive that you couldn't even prove your identity with a U.S. military photo ID card."
GovernorBlagojevich
"By making women aware of the major threats to their health, and the keys to prevention, we can help them live longer, healthier lives."
City
of West Chicago"A fundraiser for the West Chicago City Museum sponsored by the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum is scheduled from 1-4PM, Sunday, October 23, 2005."
West
Chicago Police Dept."I did a little research on this topic, I thought I saw it on the urban legend web page but here is a web site worth looking into. I hope we all learn something from this and really look and see what our children are doing."
The latest newsletter from the West Chicago Park District includes Sports Shorts, Kids Korner, Totally Teens and FYI
Sen Peter Roskam"Senator Roskam says, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many barge freight rates have substantially increased along with gas prices. The high charges have slowed the shipment of Illinois agriculture products, creating storage issues at grain elevators. Many elevators are already out of storage space and some are charging upwards of 60 cents per bushel to store grain."
Sen.
Obama"Whoever was in charge planning was so detached from the realities of inner city life in a place like New Orleans that they couldn't conceive of the notion that somebody couldn't load up their SUV, put $100 worth of gas in there, put some sparkling water and drive off to a hotel and check in with a credit card,"
Rep
Hastert"Funds have been raided, staff have been transferred into other DHS functions without being replaced, slowdowns because of added layers of bureaucracy for nearly all functions have dramatically increased, and there is the constant threat of reprogramming appropriated funds."
"Over the weekend, he will attend formal sessions of the fourth annual session of G8 Speakers where they will discuss support for emerging parliamentary democracies and the need to balance security with public access."
Cable
ComChannel 17
Each Sunday evening, the West Chicago Public Access schedule is posted. The link is always in the right side column down near the bottom, near the weather and traffic.
West
Chicago Police Dept."When you think you have the clue figured out, snap a picture of the treasure, save it and continue on to the next one. There are plenty of prizes and pizza for all!"
Sen
Durbin“Hispanics have the potential to significantly impact society through their hard work, commitment to faith and closely-knit families.”
Sen.
Obama"I am encouraged by the National Transportation Safety Board's fast response, as well as our city's emergency personnel and look forward to a prompt and thorough investigation into this horrible tragedy."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Two separate news organizations, ABC-Channel 7 and WBEZ radio (Chicago’s NPR affiliate) are reporting that their sources have identified Governor Rod Blagojevich as “Public Official A” and top Blagojevich fundraisers Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly as the “two associates.”"
West
Chicago Police Dept"This is just a summary. It does not include minor traffic arrests, lock-outs, barking dogs, loud music, motorist assists, or the many other minor service calls"
"It is estimated that for every 10,000 acorns produced, only one will become a mature oak tree.
Join us to consider how you can help improve this outcome. Property managers, municipal planners, landscape architects/designers, and homeowners, can all benefit from these presentations, gaining specific knowledge and techniques to put into immediate use."
ElementaryDistrict 33
Minutes of regular Board meeting on 01 Sept 2005 including a proposal to start teaching Spanish as a second language after school.
"During the 2005-2006 school year, District 33 will receive $1.5 million in grant funds. If programs are successful, the grant is renewable for up to $2 million per year for the following two years."
“It will make them feel good to see their company support the community and have a positive impact on young people’s lives.”
Friday potpourri..."Remember that you can find a synopsis of everything that District 303 students and staff are doing for hurricane survivors on the front page of our website (www.d303.org)"
Rep.Randy Ramey“Helping employers to expand their benefits packages was a key component of the job renewal package we introduced this year, and it will be a continuing goal of our Retirement Security Task Force."
Sen
Durbin“There is no reason a state like Illinois that has 1.8 million people lacking access to health insurance should suffer a funding cut of 60 percent while a state like South Dakota with 90,000 uninsured people sees its funding more than double. The money should follow the people in need, not be determined by politics.”
Sen.
Obama"This extra funding will ensure that meth taskforces across Illinois have the manpower and infrastructure they need to keep this drug off our streets and out of our schools,"
Rep
Hastert“But he was reinvigorated with a passion that I know he will display as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee."
GovernorBlagojevich
“We have committed additional funding and resources to deal with this ongoing problem and we will take other aggressive steps to reduce HIV among blacks.”
VFW
Auxiliary" I thought you might like to know about the generosity being shown to these Hurricane Katrina victims who have lost everything."
Board of Education meeting synopsis, National Merit Scholar semifinalists, and more...
Sen
Durbin“It is important to see first-hand what is being done to help and to understand what aspects of the federal response still need to be improved,”
"It is time for Congress to take action – it has been more than a decade since lawmakers have made any effort to lower the cost of health care.”
“Illinois families have opened their wallets to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but they should not have their pockets picked by a group of greedy oil producers."
Sen.
Obama"If FEMA's track record during the rescue effort and in years before is any indication of how they will perform during the rebuilding that lies ahead, this should concern every taxpayer and every citizen interested in helping the millions of Americans who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina."
Rep
Hastert“Today’s ruling by a federal judge who sits in the 9th Circuit is yet another assault on American principles."
"And in the last week, we have been alarmed to learn that the whereabouts of many sex offenders living in the Gulf States are unknown as a result of Hurricane Katrina."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the state’s Hurricane Katrina Victim Assistance Hotline (800-843-6154) is offering a broader range of services and will be more available each day to the thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims who made their own way to Illinois,"
"The Manhattan Institute’s November 2002 study found that, while Illinois’ graduation rate of 77 percent was higher than the national average of 69 percent, the state’s African-American and Latino students had only a 57 percent graduation rate."
“The Child Lures program teaches kids how to recognize potential dangers and make smart decisions, which will help them stay safe.”
Sen
Durbin"You can search every sentence of the Constitution and never find the word "privacy." Yet the Supreme Court has said the concept of privacy was inseparable from our other individual rights and liberties. It is the foundation of many of our other rights."
Illionois
Senators“This grant to Decatur will help the airport serve its customers and carriers effectively.”
Sen.
Obama"I think a good place to start would be for both Democrats and Republicans to say ... we are willing to experiment and invest on anything that works,"
GovernorBlagojevich
"The State Board approved an emergency rule that offers individuals from the area affected by the hurricane a temporary permit for substitute teaching in Illinois schools, provided that they indicate that they have completed a bachelor’s degree."
Rep
Hastert“It’s becoming obvious that when we bought the Louisiana Purchase the French were selling us a bill of goods.”
"Tomasso never gave to the DCCC while Emanuel has been chairman, and he never contributed to Emanuel’s personal campaign funds....“Hastert is exploring options to return the Levine money,” a top GOP aide said."
City
of West Chicago"Costumed interpreters will reveal the life stories of selected former residents buried in Oakwood. "
Sen Peter Roskam"Senate Republicans also would like to see all four legislative leaders meet before the Veto Session to come up with a plan of action to address the high cost of motor fuel as well as to come to an agreement on what should be done with the increased sales tax receipts from gasoline sales."
Sen
Durbin"In appointing a new FEMA Director, the President must find a real professional to take the reins of America’s lead disaster relief agency.”
Sen.
Obama"The government did not adequately prepare to evacuate those who could not afford a car, did not adequately prepare to evacuate the elderly, and did not adequately prepare to evacuate those who were too sick to leave their beds."
"It was apparent on the first day that blacks were disproportionately impacted, and I felt it was important to help frame how we think about that issue,"
ElementaryDistrict 33
The agenda for the meeting is now posted at the District 33 web site.
Board meeting, policy manual, hurricane info part 4, and more...
AldermanDzierzanowski
and
Alderman
Abruzzo
"Thanks again for everyone’s generosity. If you still want to drop items off, the address is 2952 Davenport Drive."
Rep
Hastert"Even donations that seem insignificant can mean a world of difference to the families who have lost so much.”
GovernorBlagojevich
"Investing in a research center will build on our strengths and use new technologies to help maximize the return on our road-building dollars and make our roads even safer,”
Sen MillnerRep Ramey
- to help collect donations
- volunteer drivers
West
ChicagoHigh School
"I was impressed with the awards considering the students on staff were mostly new to the editorial positions they assumed from seasoned editors and reporters who graduated,"
"Homecoming week is fast approaching at Community High School in West Chicago. A full schedule of events will held from Monday, September 26 through Saturday, October 1. This year’s theme is “Disney Movies.” The motto is “The Next 100 Years.”
Schedule of Events
September 23 – October 1, 2005
"Local Vision" Photography Exhibit
West
Chicago Police Dept."The goal is to prepare for and respond to emergencies by bringing together local leaders, citizen volunteers and the network of first responder organizations."
City
of West ChicagoHomecoming events, Airport website, Car Wash, Wildcat Chronicle, Spooky Trail, Columbus Day lock in
City
of West Chicago"Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a 21 hour training program that prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of an emergency."
Sen
Durbin“In some parts of Illinois, this has been the driest season in 105 years. As of this month, 67 percent of Illinois corn was in poor or very poor condition.”
“Today, our number one priority must be to provide immediate relief to our fellow Americans in crisis. But we still have a responsibility to understand why the initial response to this disaster was so inadequate."
“Damage to the Port of New Orleans will bring about increases in transportation and fuel costs for producers nationwide and it is not clear that other transportation options can fill the gap,”
Sen.
Obama"Senator Obama's bill, the National Emergency Family Locator System Act, would instruct the Department of Homeland Security to create a centralized system that families can use to locate their loved ones in the time of an emergency, and that displaced individuals can use to let their families know their location and that they are safe."
Rep
Hastert“Americans deserve answers. We must do all we can to learn from this tragedy, improve the system and protect all of our citizens.”
"We want to ensure that this money intended for relief is not misspent, so we have included $15 million for audits that will safeguard spending and watch for misuse."
GovernorBlagojevich
Rep
Hastert"“We sort of saw that the Speaker did an event and he continued with his fundraising,” Mackowiak said, referring to a fundraising event House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) held in Indiana Friday morning."
West
ChicagoHigh School
ElementaryDistrict 33
"The above review of action taken by the Board of Education at their regular meeting is provided in an attempt to keep you informed."
"More information about what our students and staff are doing to help raise money to benefit the Hurricane Katrina evacuees and survivors:"
SenatorDick Durbin
“It is clear that Mr. Brown was not prepared to lead the federal rescue and recovery effort necessary to cope with this disaster. As a result of his inexperience and mismanagement, thousands of Americans have suffered."
Sen.
Obama"Senator Barack Obama is currently in Houston visiting with survivors of Hurricane Katrina and announcing the creation of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund to assist in the long-term hurricane relief efforts."
Rep
Hastert“This is another opportunity for 14th District residents to make a difference, and provide much needed items to families who have lost so much.”
GovernorBlagojevich
Sen Millner
Rep Ramey
Sen Roskam"Two Senate Republican Senators say the ethics reforms proposed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last month are limited and do not begin to address the many contract abuses ..."
D. 303 hurricane relief, part 2...
Rep
Hastert"Hours after the University of Minnesota released its findings, House Speaker Dennis Hastert said that given the high price tag, rebuilding the Bush presidency “doesn’t make sense to me.”"
"The Turkish-US Business Council (TUBC), the counterpart in Turkey of the American Turkish Council, reported on its web site that it hosted the Speaker of the House in Turkey in 2002 (he also visited Turkey in 1997 and 2004);"
Sen.
Obama"Clinton said he and Bush decided to head this new fund not because there was a fear the federal government has not been doing its part to help victims, but to fill in the gaps in government assistance and "help people who would otherwise be overlooked.""
"In addition to the support of the House Republican leadership, Jenisch said he expects to have the backing of DuPage County GOP Chairman and State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Downers Grove) as well as DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom."
Sen.
Obama"Justice Rehnquist served our nation admirably and with distinction for more than three decades as a staunch defender of an independent judiciary. He was admired by many, and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Rep
Hastert“My thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of New Orleans who have been so severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thousands have seen their lives uprooted due to this unprecedented natural disaster. I will not rest until everyone that has been affected by this disaster has been given proper assistance"
SenatorDick Durbin
FOR U.S. 67 BRIDGE IN BEARDSTOWN
"Durbin plans to use the information to generate support among his colleagues in the Senate for legislation he, Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) have introduced to establish an Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. The legislation calls for up to $10 million over 10 years to make federal grants available for preservation, education and economic development activities across the Heritage Area."
Rep
Hastert"A still mostly rural county in Illinois, which has its own flood problems, by the way, gets a $120 million porkbarrel bridge to nowhere, but Louisiana can't even get the bare minimum to finish its levees or to save its coastal wetlands that also absorb storm surges with the potential to kill people."
Channel 4 in New Orleans
ElementaryDistrict 33
At their meeting last night, the District 33 School Board approved their minutes from their 18 Aug 2005 meeting and posted them at their website.
"On Saturday, October 1, Dancin' Through the Decades, an all alumni homecoming dance will be held at 7:00 pm at Synergy, 243 W. Roosevelt Road, West Chicago."
Rep.Randy Ramey“Consumers in Chicago and the suburbs are spending as much as $3 a gallon, and sometimes more. As lawmakers, we need to address this concern.”
Sen Peter Roskam"The Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team, consisting of ten doctors and specialists trained to handle medical disasters, will also travel to Louisiana to assist in rescue efforts."
Rep
Hastert"Lawmakers have to ask themselves if it’s worth sinking possibly billions of federal dollars into rebuilding New Orleans, a low-lying city which would remain a vulnerable hurricane target even after clean up, House Speaker Dennis Hastert said Wednesday."
Hastert was against the emergency funding before he was for it
"It is difficult to get a real assessment on the amount of damage done,
which makes a special session unlikely. In addition, emergency relief
services such as FEMA have billions of dollars at hand to help with the
initial relief."
"Friends, as we have done with other disasters, our students and staff are stepping up to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina."
SenatorDick Durbin
“More importantly, the Department of Defense overstepped their authority by removing the jets and realigning the National Guard base without the permission of the Governor – the commander-in-chief of the Illinois National Guard.”
Illionois
Senators"In its current form, this is not a report that advances our national interest. We urge you to return it to the Commission to correct these and other fundamental errors.”
Sen.
Obama"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families. I pledge that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the necessary federal resources are available to rescue and evacuate the survivors and to rebuild the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast."
Rep
Hastert"“It is important that when we rebuild this historic city that we consider the safety of the citizens first. I am not advocating that the city be abandoned or relocated. My comments about rebuilding the city were intended to reflect my sincere concern with how the city is rebuilt to ensure the future protection of its citizens and not to suggest that this great and historic city should not be rebuilt."
"We also agreed to pass the emergency supplemental by unanimous consent so we can move quickly, and time will not be spent waiting to reconvene our members."
GovernorBlagojevich
“It will take months and maybe years for their communities in the Gulf States to rebuild. And until they do, if they need us, we will provide a quality education for them in Illinois.”
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