12-27-2011

NO AGREEMENT IN SIGHT OVER REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT IN BOND COUNTY

Last week an agreement appeared to be coming in the lawsuit over the redistricting maps in Bond County.  After Friday night’s special board meeting, that no longer appears to be the case.  According to board members Brock Willeford and Tom DeVore, information from the plaintiff’s witness Randy Pearson, on how he drew the redistricting maps presented at a recent hearing on the lawsuit, has not been turned over to the county’s attorney.  It was those maps that Willeford suggested be used in a settlement of the lawsuit.  The man suing the county over the redistricting maps, Ron Shevlin, was on hand for the meeting and presented the board with information claiming it was from Pearson.  Willeford said the information needs to come directly from Pearson to the attorney and questions need to be answered about how the maps were drawn.   During the conversation, Shevlin said he did not draw the maps, but provided input.  Willeford indicated he proposed using the new maps because he believed they were drawn by an independent third party and were not political in nature.  Willeford said that no longer seems to be the case.  But Willeford also said he holds out the hope the lawsuit can be ended if Pearson provides information directly to the attorneys that he drew the presented maps, how they were drawn, and why.  Willeford also said it’s possible other members of the board and Pearson could be asked to do depositions on how those maps were created. 

However the lawsuit continues it will mean a greater cost to the county in attorney fees. Already the case will likely cost the county more than $20,000.00.  Board member Frank Lucco said it seemed like a delay of game by Willeford and DeVore as the date any new map would need to be at the county clerk’s office is coming up in late January.  Calls or emails from WGEL Radio to the defendant’s attorney and the plaintiff’s attorney have not been returned due to the Christmas holiday.  Another special county board meeting is set for Wednesday, at 7:00 p.m.  You may see the open meeting of the Bond County Board tonight, Tuesday, at 6:00 p.m. on Newwave Channel 12. 

INFANT CAREGIVERS REMINDED TO FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES IN PREPARING FORMULA

The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds parents and other caregivers of infants to follow safety guidelines when preparing powdered infant feeding formula, including boiling water used to mix formula.  Commercial powdered infant formulas are not sterile and thus the IDPH recommends come precautions.  Wash hands, forearms, and fingernails thoroughly before handling any feeding materials or preparing formula.  Wash all bottles, nipples, caps, and rings in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.  Keep powdered formula dry in an airtight container in a cool, dark area.  Boil water for two minutes and cool before mixing formula.  Prepare formula in small amounts, throw away any formula left in a bottle after feeding, and do not use formula if the expiration date has passed.  For more information, call 312-814-8194.

GREENVILLE EDUCATION CENTER TO HOST SPRING 2012 REGISTRATION

The Kaskaskia College Greenville Education Center will host a special spring 2012 registration day Saturday, January 7, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Advisement will be available on a walk-in basis.  New students should bring high school and college transcripts and ACT scores.  Payment of 25% of spring tuition is required to register for classes January 7.  For more information, call 664-9394.