Illinois Summary - 10/14/11

Quinn Wants To Get Rid Of Legislative Scholarship Program

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn isn't giving up on his push to end the legislative scholarship program.  Quinn says the program has been consistently abused by lawmakers who award scholarships to family members or children of campaign contributors.  The governor says it's, quote, "Time for the legislature to wake up."  House Speaker Michael Madigan has supported the idea in the past but Senate President John Cullerton says there's no need to abolish the program.

Man Knowingly Spreads Aids

(Collinsville, IL)  --  A Collinsville man is accused of purposely spreading the HIV virus to unsuspecting partners.  Major Tom Coppotelli says Patrick Gregory met women on Craigslist and engaged in unprotected sex with them.  Police says one woman came forward after learning Gregory was HIV positive.  Police

have been investigating Gregory since September and have discovered he's had several sexual partners.  Coppotelli says Gregory admits to knowing he was infected but showed no remorse.  He is being held on a 100-thousand-dollar bond at the Madison County Jail.

Former Wayne County Teacher Tried In Sexual Assault

(Fairfield, IL)  --  A former Fairfield school teacher is accused of sexually abusing one of her female students.  Haven Kirkpatrick's trial got under way yesterday before a Wayne County judge.  Kirkpatrick's attorney Bryan Drew doesn't deny that his client had a relationship with the victim but says no relationship existed while the victim was still a student.  Drew says the victim was also behind the firing of a male teacher after she allegedly made it known that she wanted to have an intimate relationship with him.  The trial will resume today.

Public Hearing Scheduled For Monday

(Dixon, IL)  --  A public hearing is scheduled in Dixon on Monday about the possible closing of the Jack Mabley Developmental Center.  The meeting is being held at the Dixon Theatre at 5 p.m.  Anyone interested in attending or testifying should call (217) 782-5322 to register.

Veterans Jobs Fairs

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state is holding job fairs for Illinois veterans looking for work.  There will be several fairs held throughout the state starting Thursday, October 27th.  One of the first fairs will be in the Conference Center at John Logan College on the 27th.  The fair will run from 9 a.m. until noon.  Businesses that would like to register can call (618) 241-6121, extension 130.

LaHood Leaving At End Of Obama Term

(Peoria, IL)  --  Ray LaHood is leaving his post as the nation's Transportation Secretary.  LaHood's spokesperson Jill Zuckman says he won't leave until the end of President Obama's term.  She didn't provide a reason for LaHood's departure.  LaHood served as an Illinois Congressman for 14 years before taking the post with President Obama.