Illinois Summary - 9/30/11

Silo Tips

(Cahokia, IL)  --  It was a successful rescue yesterday after a man got trapped waist deep in a grain bin, but officials say that's not always the case.  St. Clair and Madison County Farm Bureau Manager Tom Jett says at least one person a year dies after falling into the bins.  He says farmers are particularly vulnerable and offers a few safety tips.  Jett says people should always make sure someone knows they're going inside the bin, wear a harness and tether that will keep you attached to the top of the bin, and turn the air on to aerate the grain and give yourself some air as well.

Former Blagojevich Fundraiser's Corruption Trial Starts Monday

(Chicago, IL)  --  A man who raised money for former governor Rod Blagojevich is headed to court Monday.  Bill Cellini is accused of bribery, fraud and extortion.  He allegedly threatened to withhold 220-million dollars from the

Teachers Retirement System Investment Funds unless Thomas Rosenberg, a principal at Capri Capital, contributed money toward Blagojevich's campaign.  Cellini also allegedly tried to shakedown a Hollywood producer to get cash for the campaign.  Cellini says he's innocent on all the counts against him.

Financial Planners Say Now May Be Good Time To Invest

(Springfield, IL)  --  Investing in the stock market doesn't seem like the smartest thing to do with Illinois' high unemployment rate and the market's ups and downs.  But some financial planners say otherwise.  Jack Lasday with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management says the market is climbing slowly but will likely increase once several national and international issues are worked out.  He urges people not to throw the towel in so soon but to watch the market, invest wisely, and find someone they trust to help manage their money.

Illinois, Indiana Bridge In Poor Shape

(Springfield, IL)  --  A bridge connecting southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana is in extremely poor condition.  The 80-year old New Harmony toll bridge is structurally deficient, and officials say it's going to cost more than eight-million dollars to fix it.  The commission in charge of the bridge does not have enough funding for the repairs and will be turning to lawmakers in both states for help.  The bridge has the same rating as the Minneapolis bridge had before it collapsed in 2007.

Rod Blagojevich May Lose Legal License

(Springfield, IL)  --  A disciplinary commission in Illinois wants Rod Blagojevich's name removed from the state's master list of attorneys.  The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has asked the state Supreme Court to review the case.  Blagojevich's convictions on perjury and corruption led to the ARDC decision to seek a suspension of his license, which means he'll more than likely be disbarred.  John Marshall Law School professor Ann Lousin [[ lou-seen] ] says it's pretty much automatic that an attorney loses the privilege to practice law in Illinois once he or she has been convicted of a felony.

School Back In Session After Power Outages Forced Early Dismissal

(DuQuoin)  --  School is back in session today for several southern Illinois schools that were forced to shut down early yesterday.  Ameren Illinois says three separate power outages sent students home early from Du Quoin High School, Vienna High School, Vienna Grade School, Massac County High School, Massac Junior High School, Metropolis Elementary School, and Metropolis Primary School.   An Ameren spokesperson says the outages have all been resolved and school should resume as normal.  All of the schools in Massac Unit School District One are expected to get out at 2 p.m. because of homecoming.

Schools Prepare For "Hike It Bike It" Day

(Springfield, IL)  --  More than 140 schools across the state are stepping up to encourage healthy living.  They're participating in next week's "Hike It Bike It"day, where kids are urged to walk or ride their bikes to school.  The event will happen next Wednesday, October 5th, which is known as "International Walk to School Day."  It started as a community event in Chicago 15 years ago and has turned into an international event, according to officials at the Department of Transportation.  Acting IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider says events like this help encourage young people to establish healthy habits.  Schools that are interested in participating can get more details at Dot.il.gov.