Ameren Finishes First Phase Of Illinois Rate Relief
Ameren is finished with the first phase of its rate relief program for Illinois customers. Ameren Illinois electric customers have been issued checks or bill credits valued at more than $150 million. The last of those credits were applied last week. Ameren will issue smaller credits for the rest of 2007, 2008 and 2009. Customers who believe they should've received a check, but haven't gotten one, can call their Ameren Illinois utility.
New Regulations in 2007-08 Deer Hunting Seasons
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters of new regulations in effect for the 2007-2008 deer hunting seasons, which began earlier this month. In August, Governor Blagojevich signed House Bill 320, which extends the allowable hunting hours for firearm deer hunting in Illinois to one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Hunters, 62 years of age and older, are now permitted to use a crossbow, without a special permit. Hunters using a crossbow will need an archery deer permit and proof of age.
KC BOARD OF TRUSTEES OCTOBER MEETING
The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees will meet Thursday, October 18th, at 7PM, on campus, for their regular monthly meeting. Items on the agenda include the summer enrollment report, which shows a 3.3% increase; the Success Center and Intervention Services report, that encompasses distance learning tutoring, workshops for success and academic coaching and training; and the Culinary Arts report, that has enrolled over 180 students since 2003.
Trustee members will also look to approve the replacement of the wooden walkway bridge, enhance security, replace some fire hydrants and begin Phase II of the science lab renovations. The KC board will also be asked to approve a campus wide ID system for students and staff.
Illinois High Court and Illinois Morning After Pill Rules
An Illinois pharmacist is taking his fight against the state's emergency contraceptive rules, to the highest court in Illinois. According to Metro News Source, the Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear Luke Vander Bleek's challenge to a state mandate that all pharmacists, who dispense any birth control, also have to dispense the morning after pill. Vander Bleek has a "moral objection" to the pill and says it's equal to an abortion.
In 2005, Governor Rod Blagojevich ordered all pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the pills, no questions asked. Several pharmacists have lost their jobs because of the rules. The Illinois Supreme Court will listen to the case. Vander Bleek lost his first two appeals. But there are still questions if the court will rule on the technicalities of the case, or if the justices will decide on the contraception rule itself. It will be months before the case goes to the high court, and could be months after that before there's a ruling.
