12-10-2008

 

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR ARRESTED

 

Federal authorities have arrested Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich for allegedly trying to peddle President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.  Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, are in custody on charges of alleged conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and alleged solicitation of bribery.  A 76-page FBI affidavit claims court-ordered wiretaps caught Blagojevich last month trying to sell or trade Illinois' open U.S. Senate seat in exchange for personal benefits.  The FBI claims Blagojevich was trying to get his wife on corporate boards, promises of campaign funds, and even a cabinet post or ambassadorship.  Blagojevich also allegedly threatened to withhold state assistance from the Tribune Company because of unflattering editorials in the "Chicago Tribune."  The charges are not directly connected to other alleged pay-to-play schemes, such as those that landed Blagojevich fundraiser Tony Rezko in prison.

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SPECIAL TRUTH AND TAXATION HEARING MONDAY NIGHT

 

The Kingsbury Park District held a Truth and Taxation hearing Monday night. A couple of citizens spoke with concern that times are hard and this is not the time to raise taxes. Another concern was for the money being spent on the Skateboard Park that could possibly be spent for other uses that would serve more people.

 

The board said that there has not been an increase on KPD tax since the 2003 budget, and expenses have increased. The board realizes that times are hard. They also said that grant money was given for the Skateboard Park and fundraisers will be held to help offset the expenses. A minimal amount of local tax dollars will be used for this project. With no further questions, the meeting was adjourned.

 

KINGSBURY PARK DISTRICT TRIAL CONTINUES

 

The trial over ownership of a section of Dewey Street, between the city of Greenville and the Kingsbury Park District, continued on Monday.  The trial took a break Tuesday, but testimony will continue, starting at 9:00 AM Wednesday.  It’s too soon to know if this current round of testimony will be the end of the trial or if more testimony and depositions will be called for. 

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HOLIDAY BAZAAR WAS A SUCCESS

 

The 51st annual Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar had the fifth highest proceeds in the event's history. At the conclusion of the fundraiser, sales totaled $36, 983.89. The Holiday Bazaar was held Saturday at the Greenville First Christian Church. The first Holiday Bazaar was held in the basement of the Greenville Public Library in 1957 and raised  $1,200. Since the Auxiliary was formed, the organization has donated more then $3.1 million to Greenville Regional Hospital.