Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
Speed
limit reduced on Route 59 stretch "Acting West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman said he pushed for the change with the help of state Reps. Randy Ramey and John Millner, both Republicans from Carol Stream. “There have been terrible accidents on 59,” Kwasman said. “We’ve got to lower it down.”"
Hastert
'restless' after gall bladder surgery"Hastert's press secretary, Brad Hahn, confirmed that Hastert had his gall bladder removed Friday, and is still in the hospital recuperating. He is expected to make a full recovery, Hahn said, although no time has been set for his release."
Sen
Durbin“Today prosecutors and public defenders offices are having serious difficulty hiring and retaining good lawyers because students are leaving law school with mortgage-sized student loan debts,”
"It [GAO Report] showed Illinois with about 45 percent of its authorized inventory as of November -- eighth-worst among the 50 states, the District of Columbia and three U-S territories. Senator Dick Durbin says the report confirmed his worst fears. He says the shortfall could handicap the Illinois Guard's ability to respond to everything from natural disasters to terrorist attacks."
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that in 2000 this country was 110,000 short of the number of nurses needed to adequately provide quality health care. By 2005, the shortage had doubled to 219,000 and by 2020, we will be more than 1 million nurses short,” Durbin said. “Our bill will strike at the heart of the problem by giving colleges all across the country the ability to train more nurses.”
“We need to make sure these students, from families serving the U.S. Navy in wartime, have access to quality public education,” said Durbin. “This legislation will ensure that schools serving the Great Lakes Naval Training Center will receive the funding and flexibility they need to distribute federal assistance among the impacted schools.”
Sen.
Obama"The American people have waited and the American people have been patient. We have given chance after chance for a resolution that has not come, and, more importantly, watched with horror and grief the tragic loss of thousands of brave young American soldiers. The time for waiting in Iraq is over. The days of our open-ended commitment must come to a close. And the need to bring this war to an end is here."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois State Police (ISP) and 41 local police agencies are teaming up this coming weekend to mount an all-out blitz against drinking and driving. The effort is paid for by Traffic Safety funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)."
"Funds for the grant come from fees paid for special “America Remembers” vehicle license plates, which pay tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"The faculty and administration of Community High School District 94, in West Chicago, would like to congratulate Matt Claude for being chosen Student of the Month for January."
“The clerk delayed phoning police for four to five minutes,” West Chicago Police Commander Lazaro Perez said. “Our response time was less than a minute.” But by that time the man had fled and couldn’t be found in the immediate area, he said."
"Each band picks a name, chooses a song list and meets weekly for instruction and rehearsals. The program culminates in a live performance at Synergy Entertainment Complex in West Chicago."
Sen
Durbin“We, along with many of our colleagues in Congress, have been working for two years to secure emergency assistance for agricultural producers who have experienced serious losses due to circumstances that are beyond their control.”
"But the reality on main street America is that people are struggling. We're loosing manufacturing jobs, not enforcing our trade agreements, and we are not giving the kind of help to working families across America that they need."
"U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Tuesday hosted a meeting with agriculture leaders from across the state of Illinois to discuss top agriculture priorities in the state. Topics of discussion included the 2007 Farm Bill, lock and dam construction on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and the need for new livestock regulations."
Sen.
Obama"Our troops have preformed brilliantly in Iraq, but no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's civil war," Obama said. "That's why I have introduced a plan to not only stop the escalation of this war, but begin a phased redeployment that can pressure the Iraqis to finally reach a political settlement and reduce the violence."
“There’s not a sense of urgency out of this White House to get this done,” Mr. Obama said. He spoke of his hometown of Chicago’s recovery from the great fire of 1871 as an effort of national will, and suggested it could be done again. Mr. Obama wondered about “whether we’re in danger of actually forgetting New Orleans,” adding, “That’s shameful.”
Rep
Hastert"Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is recovering from surgery to remove his gall bladder, his office said Tuesday. A short statement from the 65-year-old Republican's office provided no details, and did not specify when the surgery took place, adding only that Hastert had the surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. It did not indicate whether he had been released."
Rep Peter Roskam"And so I rise in proud support today of this notion of singling out veterans and it's an area where so many times in our public life today there is a great deal at strife it seems among us."
West
Chicago Police Dept."Officers from the West Chicago Police Department responded to a reported Armed Robbery on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at approximately 8:48 PM, at the Marathon Gas Station located at 139 W. Washington Street."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"As a follow up to a previous email, the Fox Valley Financial Aid night at Geneva High School is this Thursday, February 1st starting at 7 p.m.
There will be two presentations:"
ST.
MICHAEL'SUNITED CHURCH
OF CHRIST
"In celebration of the UCC's 50th anniversary Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman will be speaking about her work with the Illinois Conference and the Angola Partnership. The goals of the partnership are to establish relationships, share material abundance and learn from the Angolans."
City
ofWest Chicago
"Following is the status for nominating petitions as of 1:30 pm today for the following people:"
Sen
Durbin"The Oregon Democrat's legislation would ban the Defense Department from selling surplus F-14 parts and prohibit buyers who have already acquired surplus Tomcat parts from exporting them. Wyden's bill, the Stop Arming Iran Act, is co-sponsored by the Senate's No. 2 lawmaker, Democratic Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois."
"The U.S. military retired its F-14s last fall. That leaves only Iran _ which bought the fighter jet in the 1970s when it was a U.S. ally _ flying the planes."
Sen.
Obama"One of the things that's dangerous about a presidential campaign when it comes to the facts is the echo chamber, where one news organization reports a story and it's not true, and one outlet picks it up, another picks it up and another," Feist said. "Before long the public assumes that it's true even when it's not."
"The newspaper writes under the heading ‘Sticks, Stones and Mr Obama’ that “misleading aspersions” continue to be cast about the senator’s background, which only makes the perpetrators look bad. Noting that it has become a “fad” among conservatives to refer to the junior senator from Illinois by his full name: Barack Hussein Obama, the Post observes that “this would be merely juvenile if it weren’t so contemptible”."
GovernorBlagojevich
“In fact, in less than a year, communities across our state have dealt with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and record snowfalls. We deployed our state resources to help out these communities, but they also need federal assistance. I’m hoping the federal government takes all of this into account as they review our request.”
WegoWeb"Air America CEO Scott Elberg confirmed the sale. "This is a great thing, for our affiliates, the company, the audience and every employee in our organization." .... When Franken leaves the network in a few weeks, he'll be replaced by Thom Hartmann, who already has a syndicated show on the network's lineup."
Cable
ComChannel 17
Have you ever considered watching on a Tuesday?
- 6:00 PM COD Images
- 6:30 PM COD Career Paths
- 7:00 PM Storytellers
- 8:00 PM Dave in DuPage
- 9:00 PM Scardo's Rock Show
MikeKwasman
"Thank you for visiting my official Website. I am running for Mayor because I have the experience, leadership, and vision to improve our City and make it the best community in DuPage County for us to live and raise our families."
County officials will look at:
• Increasing the gas tax from 2 cents to 4 cents a gallon.
• Making new bridges over the Fox River toll bridges.
• Putting together a new transportation impact fee formula.
This is a listing of obituaries for the soldiers from Illinois who have died in the war on terror.
Sun Times
Obama
continues pushback on smear. Letter of support from religious leaders."Many of you have seen hateful emails, blog postings and reports circulating on the Internet and in the media about Senator Barack Obama and his religious upbringing. These outrageous charges began as reports of his potential candidacy for President emerged and, as has become a shameful custom of modern politics, it has swirled through cyberspace with a vengeance and now has been picked up as fact by Fox News and some partisan commentators.:"
Sen
Durbin"Senator Durbin plans to re-introduce the Homeland Security Education Act. It provides scholarships to students pursuing math and science degrees -- and in exchange, students must teach in a high-need or low-income school."
Sen.
Obama"Obama said the previous plans that have guaranteed to bring down the health care costs and coverage for all have failed. He said the history has seen promises on several health care initiatives collapsing "under the weight of Washington politics," leaving the people to struggle with exploding health care costs."
"In an interview with a Chicago television station, Mr Obama denounced what he called a "climate of smear", intended to scupper his run for the White House in 2008. "When I was six, I attended an Indonesian public school where a bunch of the kids were Muslim, because the country is 90% Muslim," he said. "The notion that somehow, at the age of six or seven, I was being trained for something other than math, science and reading, is ludicrous." "
Rep
Hastert"The digital TV education bill, chiefly sponsored by Republicans Joe Barton, Fred Upton, and former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, also calls for federal regulators to establish a public outreach program, devise energy standards for set-top converter boxes, and make progress reports to Congress on its consumer education efforts."
Rep Peter Roskam"The reception for the new members at the White House and the dinner with the then- Speaker of the House, that was definitely the 'wow' stuff," said Roskam. "We also had presentations on computers, software and staff. It was a lot of information that was all really helpful."
City
ofWest Chicago
West
Chicago's 'Coffee With the Mayor' a Success "The atmosphere was comfortable as residents dropped in at City Hall throughout the morning last Saturday for a cup of coffee and conversation with Acting Mayor Michael Kwasman, other elected officials and members of the West Chicago Fire District."
"February's featured artist will be West Chicagoan Mike Bodnar, a retired development engineer and inventor. A native of the Ukraine, Bodnar is a completely self-taught folk artist, who has been painting for 16 years."
"Last year 40 crafters enjoyed the generous turnout of people who flocked downtown to participate in the many activities the festival provided; including a 5K Run/Walk, a 2K Family Fun Run, and a wildly popular plant sale."
WC
Public Library- Books for Lunch on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. will feature Luanne Bombard ...
- The Chocolate! program is back by popular demand ...
PEACE
POTLUCK"The West Suburban Faith Based Peace Coalition programs are committed to building peace and community through feeding our souls, our faith, and our hunger for peacemaking. You are invited to join us in a conversation about peace, bring a dish to share and enjoy the evening."
“I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be mentored by Bob Stone,” Walters said. “To be taught by him for the last 10 years was an amazing experience. He’s been like my football father.”
"Families had accused inspectors of heavy-handed tactics such as entering the homes of Spanish-speaking residents without an interpreter and conducting predawn inspections without warrants. Other municipalities, including West Chicago and Addison, reached agreements in recent years over similar complaints."
Sen.
Obama"We have come so far in the debate on health care in this country, but now we must finally answer the call first issued by Truman, advanced by Johnson, and fought for by so many leaders and Americans throughout the last century. The time has come for universal health care in America."
GovernorBlagojevich
"But on his way back to the house his luck took a turn for the worse. A Honda Civic crossed the center line on Route 47 just north of Green Street and struck the West Chicago man’s Oldsmobile head- on, police said. Finley, 44, and the driver of the Civic, Daniel R. Porter, 31, of Blackberry Township, died instantly."
"A cooperative lease agreement between West Chicago Elementary School District 33 and Winfield Elementary School District 34 will help expand the preschool program for District 33 residents."
District
33 discusses dual language program Feb. 8"West Chicago Elementary School District 33 offers students entering kindergarten the chance to be literate in reading, writing and speaking in both English and Spanish by the end of sixth grade. Parents are invited to a dual language informational meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Gary School, 130 E. Forest Ave. in West Chicago."
Rep.
Ramey offers state scholarships"State Rep. Randy Ramey, R-55th District, of Carol Stream, has appointed an independent committee to award the scholarships based on work experience, academics, financial need, extra curricular activities and community service."
"Things could get even worse for Fermilab, said spokesman Kurt Reisselmann. Fermilab employees are considering a month-long, unpaid furlough this summer, "probably in July." "So what we are all looking at is a long unpaid vacation," Reisselmann said. "But at this time we are still considering it a contingency plan." "
Sen
Durbin“Judges should always feel secure in their courtrooms and safe at home. We owe it to them, and to their families, to do everything we can to protect them.”
“From its founding and its historic Bill of Rights, America has always been committed to human rights,” Durbin said. “The Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee will give members of the Senate an opportunity to work together to maintain America’s leadership in protecting fundamental human rights.”
Sen.
Obama"All of the claims about Senator Obama raised in the Insight Magazine piece were thoroughly debunked by CNN, which, instead of relying on unnamed sources, sent a reporter to Obama’s former school in Jakarta to check the facts."
Rep Peter Roskam“While I support investment in renewable energy sources and decreasing our dependence on oil, it is unwise to do so at the expense of our national security, the American worker and the American taxpayer."
“Whether as one of the more than 60,000 professionals working in finance or as a consumer, every resident of the Sixth District is impacted by the ebb and flow of the financial services industry.”
“I believe it will make the post-graduation transition a little easier for some of our graduates. The next step for this Congress should be some reforms that will increase the accessibility and affordability of education to all current and prospective students.”
GovernorBlagojevich
“Every second counts when someone is seriously injured. Quick thinking by Good Samaritans can prevent some injuries from becoming more serious or even save lives,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “I’m happy to sign a law that encourages even more trained Good Samaritans to come forward by relieving concerns that they could face lawsuits if they help those who need it.”
"The segment in question–”Battle for Haifa Street”–is a piece of first-rate journalism but one that only appears on the CBS News website–and has never been broadcast. It is a gritty, realistic look at life on the very mean streets of Baghdad, and includes interviews with civilians who complain that the US military presence is only making their lives worse and the situation more deadly."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"... THE FOLLOWING TEXTBOOKS PROPOSED FOR ADOPTION FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AND PUBLIC COMMENT IN THE DISTRICT 94 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ..."
"The district plans to go from a seven- to an eight-period schedule that will allow for an additional class where students will work with an adviser. The change would also entail six lunch periods, up from five."
Sen
Durbin“At the urging of my staff, I’m going to be involved in blogging tonight. I’ve blogged once before, but it was in the privacy of my home. This will be in full few of the United States Senate and Capitol.”
Sen.
Obama"But the last election proved that politics-by-slogan and poll-tested sound bites aren't going to cut it with the American people anymore, and that's why the real test of leadership is not what the President said to Congress tonight, but how he works with Congress to find real solutions to the problems we face."
"All of the claims about Senator Obama’s faith and education raised in the Insight Magazine story and repeated on Fox News are false. Senator Obama was raised in a secular household in Indonesia by his stepfather and mother. Obama’s stepfather worked for a U.S. oil company, and sent his stepson to two years of Catholic school, as well as two years of public school. As Obama described it, “Without the money to go to the international school that most expatriate children attended, I went to local Indonesian schools and ran the streets with the children of farmers, servants, tailors, and clerks.”"
“This is not a time for partisanship. While members of Congress may disagree on specific policy questions, we have a responsibility to find common ground and come together to meet these objectives for our nation.”
"DeLay issued his words of warning hours after former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) publicly endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination. “I’m a little surprised that Hastert endorsed this early,” DeLay said in an interview. “It’s not usually what Denny does — he’s usually very methodical and thinks things through, although he may have already in the last few months.”"
"In the old Congress, with J. Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois) as speaker of the House, the "majority of the majority" ruled. Policies were hashed out inside the GOP caucus, which was dominated by conservatives; Hastert's team then pressured the entire caucus to back them. The result was a steady tack to the right - and eventually, electoral disaster, especially for GOP moderates. Pelosi has promised a more open and bipartisan process and has said she will not drag her caucus to the left, but global warming could be a telling test."
GovernorBlagojevich
“Our goal is to make sure small and minority contractors have a fair shot at winning contracts. This new program gives smaller companies that are breaking into the business an opportunity to succeed by working with larger contractors that have succeeded in the business and are willing to share their knowledge,”
West
ChicagoHigh School
"This event is significant because it allows our school, and community, to recognize the dedication and skill of the speech team as well as allowing many prospective high school and middle school students the ability to see if they would like to join next year."
City
ofWest Chicago
"Following successful recruitment efforts which yielded more than 80 interested candidates for the City of West Chicago's Special Census, the U.S. Census Bureau will move ahead with plans to count residents in the Prestonfield and Prince Crossing Farms subdivisions, the new senior apartments on Route 64 and Gateway Centre in the downtown. The Special Census is planned to begin around February 1, 2007."
"Being the last of a few aldermen to suggest the idea of working with other communities, Schultz got stuck with the job. The committee appointed him to contact other officials in Wheaton, West Chicago, and North Aurora, among other cities, to talk about working together to protect their interests."
Sen
Durbin“Instead of a plan to make health care more affordable, the President proposed a new health care tax on workers. His plan could actually reduce or eliminate health coverage for millions of Americans. A year after the President said America is ‘addicted to oil,’ we're still parked in the same spot with the engine running.
GovernorBlagojevich
"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to return the flags at State occupied buildings to full-staff at sunset on January 25, 2007."
"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, January 25, 2007 for: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia, United States Navy"
West
ChicagoHigh School
"Along with teachers Mrs. Kozlowski and Ms. Kozie, high school Child Development students and student assistants will participate acting as cooperative teachers. Your child will be learning in a safe and fun environment."
"The West Chicago Park District has Youth Football and Cheerleading registration going on now. All participants ages 5 to 14 are eligible to play. No experience is necessary. Registration hours are Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the park district office, 157 W Washington. On Saturday 3rd and 10th at the Park District Office, you can meet the coaches and ask specific questions about the program. For more information, please contact the West Chicago Park District at (630) 231-9474."
The West Chicago Park District has Youth Baseball and Softball registration going on now at the district office, 157 West Washington St. All participants ages 5 to 14 can find a league to participate in. Registration hours are Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Birth certificates are required if they are not on file at the district. Early bird registration deadline is March 1st. Opening Day is April 21st at Reed Keppler Park. For more information, please contact the West Chicago Park District at (630) 231-9474.
- Chili Fest
- Daddy Daughter Date Night Sock Hop
- February Flurry
- Mud Volleyball
Rep
Fortner
Newly elected State Representative Mike Fortner will be hosting a fund raiser in the Mallard Room of the Mill Race Inn on Thursday, January 25th.
Sen
JohnMillner
“There has been a growing call from people all over the district to address this issue in an open and fair way,” Millner said. “I know there has been a lot of debate about this for a very long time, so I feel it is appropriate to move this legislation forward so we can put the question to the voters.”
"Her vehicle drove into the path of a Pontiac Bonneville driven by Timothy G. James of West Chicago. James was going south on Route 59 through the intersection with a green light when the cars hit head-on, police said."
Sen
Durbin"U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, was in attendance, along with representatives of trade associations, state agencies, environmental and energy advocacy groups and agriculture economists to discuss agriculture issues concerning the new farm bill. "We are facing several things that are going to really decide our future. The first is the budget," Durbin said. "We have a serious budget problem.""
Rep
Hastert"I truly hope Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not emulate the tactics of former Speakers Dennis Hastert and Newt Gingrich once the 100 Hours platform is passed and will set a better example of bipartisan collaboration than was ever demonstrated by her two predecessors."
Cable
ComChannel 17
The week starts Monday with:
- 6:00 PM Storytellers
- 6:30 PM Derek & Rob X-Perience
- 7:00 PM City Council (1/15/07)
- 8:00 PM Where Do the Children Play
- 8:15 PM Heritage Days Parade '06 (raw footage)
"The months-long housing slump is now threatening the big bets of mayors and real estate planners who are banking on citylike housing and businesses to rejuvenate their decaying downtowns. Eyeing the early success of suburbs like Arlington Heights, more than a dozen suburbs have put bets on the table — including Palatine, Mount Prospect, Elgin, West Chicago, St. Charles, Lake Zurich and Mundelein."
Sen.
Obama"On December 13, Jason Zengerle, editor of The Plank, the weblog of The New Republic, predicted that Republicans would "launch a savage and despicable whispering campaign against the guy (Barack Hussein Obama, etc.) and then blame it all on Hillary.""
Rep
Hastert"The report also harshly criticized former speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., saying the evidence showed he was told of the problem months before he acknowledged learning of Foley's questionable e-mails to a former Louisiana page. It rejected Hastert's contention that he couldn't recall separate warnings from two House Republican leaders."
"''Increasing taxes on our nation's energy industry means one thing -- more reliance on foreign oil and gasoline,'' said Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.)."
"During his time as head of the U.S. Coalition Provisional Authority, Bremer was stalked by the United States' top fraud-buster in Iraq, Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. The two were like the cartoon Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote: Bowen -- Mr. Coyote -- would come after Bremer with ever more devastating reports of fraud, mismanagement, abuse and utter chaos within Bremer's operations; yet Bremer had a road-runner-like ability to escape every time."
ElementaryDistrict 33
"District 33 offers a unique opportunity for students entering Kindergarten. Now in its 6th year, the Dual Language Program offers students the chance to be literate in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and Spanish by the end of 6th grade. This program is housed at Gary School."
"The West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education adopted a resolution at its December 14, 2006 meeting. This resolution was initiated by the Board of Education in response to the lengthy delay in receiving results from the 2006 State Assessments."
"Trustees that were seated at the Foundation's re-organizational meeting held on Wednesday, January 17 are; Scott Fank, Sharon Finlon, Dan Fors, Ed Fuentes, Greg Kauth, Mary Beth Taylor, and Karina Villa."
"The Silent Auction is a fundraiser to provide Wegner School students with supplemental programs, supplies, and activities. The entire school is participating in providing items for the Silent Auction by creating classroom themed baskets."
Former
alderman joins race for W. Chicago mayor"“I thought I’d get my fingers back in the pie again,” said Woodward, 63. “I hate to see a race where there’s no opposition.”
Kwasman agreed a contested race is “the American way.” “I’m looking forward to debating him,” Kwasman said."
Sen
Durbin“Today is a new day in the Senate: No more secret earmarks; no more gifts and trips paid for by special interests; no more ‘pay-to-play’ schemes like the notorious K Street project; and no more leaving government service and cashing in immediately on your contacts and experience as a lobbyist."
Sen.
Obama"This historic reform is an enormous step toward restoring the people's faith in government," Obama said. "It will ban the practice of lobbyists currying favor with politicians by giving them free meals and gifts, or by providing subsidized flights on corporate jets, and will require greater disclosure of the huge campaign contributions they collect from their friends and clients. I am very proud to have helped lead this fight with Senator Feingold, and am proud of what the Senate, under Senator Reid's leadership, has accomplished."
GovernorBlagojevich
“Firefighters depend on trucks and equipment to respond to their communities in emergencies,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “This program has already helped more than 60 departments get new fire trucks, and now we’re making more money available to help even more fire departments buy the equipment they need.”
"Previously, new U.S. attorneys needed Senate confirmation within 120 days or federal district courts would name replacements. But as part of a conference committee reconciling House and Senate versions of the revised Patriot Act, Mr. Specter slipped in a clause eliminating that rule."
Heritage
Days changes hands"West Chicago aldermen this week unanimously approved a contract for up to $110,000 with the local chamber of commerce to manage Heritage Days, formerly known as Railroad Days."
Officials reconsider group home zoning ordinances"Childserv targeted West Chicago for its proximity to transportation, West Chicago Community High School and industrial and downtown business areas that could offer jobs. “West Chicago also has a diverse population, so the youth that come wouldn’t feel like they’re standing out,” Becker said."
A
board divided on house’s future"DuPage County Forest Preserve District commissioners Tuesday agreed to hire Knight Architects and Engineers for $7,300 to draft plans and hire contractors to fix the Baker House’s crumbling foundation. Water has penetrated the stone and mortar, causing deterioration. Repairs could cost about $24,000."
Grants
to enhance literacy at Turner"First, Turner was awarded a $1,000 grant for books from the Forest Life Member Club of the AT&T Pioneers, a group of active and retired employees who volunteer their time to enhance their home communities. Two classrooms will share the $1,000 grant to purchase books for classroom libraries. "
Push
for a wider Rt. 59“It’s a unique challenge with every single state leader living within seven miles of each other in Chicago,” Hultgren said. “So we need to band together as suburban legislators and say, ‘We have real needs out here."
Sworn
in Fortner, Hultgren take state offices early"Former West Chicago Mayor Michael Fortner and Randy Hultgren of Winfield were sworn into their new state offices early Jan. 4 by Illinois Chief Justice Bob Thomas."
"As time draws near for filing petitions for the Tuesday, April 17 election of officials for West Chicago City Council, library, park and school districts, interested individuals have been picking up election packets and circulating petitions."
WC
Fire District plans tax hike request"It includes the construction of a new (south side) station at an undesignated location on Roosevelt Road and providing equipment and manpower, plus the relocation of the station located on Powis Road to district-owned property on Atlantic Drive," said Fire Chief Ron Ackerman.
"The city is seeking individuals to work for the special census, scheduled to begin in February."
Sen
Durbin“The carp approaching the northern section of the Illinois River and Lake Michigan have no natural predators. This invasive species threatens both the native fish and natural wildlife of the lake and in turn, the economy of the entire Great Lakes region,”
REPUBLICAN
FILIBUSTER OF BI-PARTISAN ETHICS REFORM BILL“The longer Republicans fight the sunlight of ethics reform, the harder it will be for them to escape from the shadow of Jack Abramoff,”
"Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) are leading a bipartisan, bicameral effort to prevent the passage of a Continuing Resolution to fund the government at last year's level from eliminating almost $1 billion to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS."
"Senate Democratic Whip Richard J. Durbin's wife, Loretta Durbin, runs a lobbying firm called Government Affairs Specialists. But Durbin's office said she limits her lobbying to their home state of Illinois and recuses herself from any federal matters that could affect her husband's work in the Senate."
Sen.
Obama- Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential Announcement Generates 140000+ ... - Vonosphere - Melville,NY
- Security apparently stepped up for Obama - ABC7Chicago.com
- Obama hires staff in New Hampshire - ABC7Chicago.com
- Barack Obama takes first step to White House - Rediff - India
- Can Oprah's clout put Obama in the White House? - Scripps News - Washington,DC
Rep
Hastert"And so Hastert has kept a low profile. During votes, he lurks at the back of the House floor, looking like he would rather be someplace else. When Republicans hold news conferences to denounce their new Democratic masters, or to offer alternative plans, Hastert is nowhere in sight."
"Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) blocked the measure several times and suggested that mandates would increase premiums and that market forces could force insurance companies to provide mental health parity. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has promised Kennedy and Ramstad that the legislation will receive a House vote after the bill passes through committees."
GovernorBlagojevich
“We had one primary goal in mind when we signed a law giving police the power to pull drivers over for not wearing safety belts - saving lives. Now, only three and a half years later, we recorded the fewest fatalities on Illinois roadways since 1924."
"Parents will be able to use the software, named "Zephyr," to find out what name, age and location their children use to represent themselves on MySpace, the Journal said. It would not allow parents to read their children's e-mail or see their profile pages, and it would alert children that their information was being shared, the paper reported."
Rep.Randy Ramey“It continues to amaze me how generous people have been through the holiday season,” Ramey said. “I am proud of the fact that residents are taking time to recognize those in our community who do not have as much as others.”
"Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey has appointed an independent committee that has been entrusted to award the scholarships based on the criteria set forth: work experience, academic standing, financial need, extra curricular activities and community service. All will be considered equally when establishing the scholarship recipients. "
“I am honored to continue serving the people in the 55th district,” Ramey said. “It’s been a very fun and productive year in which I had many new laws pass. My goal is to remain an ardent man of the people by listening and addressing their needs and concerns.”
"Child Serv, of Chicago, wants to operate a small residence that would provide living quarters for up to eight disadvantaged youths between ages 17 and 21. The plan requires a zoning amendment to allow transitional living facilities as well as a special-use permit. Some aldermen were concerned that such a home should exclude those who might be serving criminal probation."
Sen
Durbin"Today, we had a great victory on the House floor,” said Durbin. “I commend Congressman Miller and his colleagues in the House for passing legislation that will insure that the cost of a college education is still within reach.”
“The battle against EAB begins in our backyards,” Durbin said. “Homeowners, business owners and local officials are on the front lines of this battle. We all need to pitch in."
Sen.
Obama"Last week, after being told by President Bush that his plan to escalate this war would be well-planned, well-coordinated, and well-supported by the Iraqi government, we find out in this week's New York Times that none of this is true. Military officials tell us that there is no clear chain of command between Iraqis and U.S. commanders and no real indication that the Iraqis even want such a partnership."
"We want to help workers in DuPage County -- firefighters, police officers, teachers and clergy, in particular -- be able to live in the same community in which they work,"
Men
found homeless shelter for fellow veterans"We want our veterans to be a part of the community, to be accepted not only because they're homeless veterans and they served this nation but because they're downtown and they can use the facilities. They can be just like we are because they are like us," said Enger.
Sen
Durbin“Amtrak provides quick, cost-effective, and reliable public ground transportation to 30 communities and more than 3 million people in Illinois. It’s now up to us, as lawmakers, to pass this reauthorization measure and subsequent appropriations bills to provide Amtrak with sufficient funds to keep things on track.”
“This is an opportunity for a new generation of leaders to step forward to remake America, combining the great traditions and values we share with a bold, hopeful vision of tomorrow.”
Sen.
Obamatranscript
"The decisions that have been made in Washington these past six years, and the problems that have been ignored, have put our country in a precarious place. Our economy is changing rapidly, and that means profound changes for working people. Many of you have shared with me your stories about skyrocketing health care bills, the pensions you've lost and your struggles to pay for college for your kids. Our continued dependence on oil has put our security and our very planet at risk. And we're still mired in a tragic and costly war that should have never been waged."
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Obama Forms Committee to Weigh 2008 Presidential Bid (Update3)
Bloomberg -
Obama takes first '08 step
News24 - Cape Town,South Africa -
Senator Obama Enters White House Race
newswire.co.nz -
Obama takes first step toward 2008 presidential bid
Monsters and Critics.com - Glasgow,UK
Rep