Illinois Summary - 11/14/11

Synthetic Drugs Mom crying

(Springfield, IL)  --  Synthetic drugs are becoming more and more available to young people but Illinois parents are fighting back.  Karen Dobner, with the Maximus Foundation, says products such as "Potpourri," "Incense," and "Spice" are legal alternatives to illegal drugs but warns they're extremely dangerous.  She knows the impact of the drugs all too well.  Her son died in June after using a synthetic drug just one time.  She urges parents to get involved in the fight to ban the substances and take them off the shelves of neighborhood gas stations and convenience stores.

U Of I Linebacker Shot

(Champaign, IL)  --  One of the University of Illinois' starting linebackers is out for the season.  Trulon Henry was at house party on Saturday night when a fight broke out and a gunman opened fire.  Henry was shot in the hand.

Start Planning For Cold Weather

(Springfield, IL)  --  The weather in Central Illinois makes it tough to believe that winter officially starts in just five weeks.  Officials with the Illinois Emergency Management Association say now is the time to start preparing for extreme cold,

ice and snow.  They say you should create an emergency preparedness kit for homes and vehicles that include a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, and water.  You should also be sure to winterize your home by insulating walls, doors, and windows.  And, be sure to get your car checked up so it can also be ready to take on the cold weather.

Steve Watson Bill Fails

(Springfield, IL)  --  The fight to stiffen penalties on parents who violate court ordered visitation continues.  The Senate rejected the Steve Watkins bill last week.  Rushville Senator John Sullivan sponsored the bill that would've allowed judges to impose higher fines on parents who don't abide by the orders.  Those parents could also have their professional and driver's licenses revoked.  Sullivan says tightening the restraints is best for the children of separated or divorced parents.  The bill was inspired by the case of Steve Watkins, who was killed in 2008 when he went to pick his daughter up from her great grandmother's house.

Lincoln Tomb Sword Stolen

(Springfield, IL)  --  A piece of history is missing from the Abe Lincoln tomb in Springfield.  Copper thieves have stolen a three foot sword off the statue of a Civil War artillery officer.  Illinois Historic Preservation Agency spokesman Dave Blanchette says the sword went missing sometime between September and November.  It isn't the first time the sword has been stolen.  It also went missing back in the 1890's.  Blanchette says the sword will be replaced.