Illinois Briefs - 12/21/11

Blagojevich Attorneys Start Appeal Process

(Chicago, IL)  --  Rod Blagojevich's attorneys have informed the U.S. District Court in Chicago that they're appealing the former governor's conviction and 14-year sentence.  Blagojevich was convicted on corruption charges earlier this year.  Meanwhile, the face of his legal team is changing.  Attorney Elliott Riebman asked to be withdrawn from the case yesterday.  He says a new attorney will be joining the team for the appeal.

Homeless Programs Get Funding

(Chicago, IL)  --  Homeless programs in Illinois are receiving 83-million dollars.   The U.S. Housing and Urban Development awarded the money yesterday.  They say the funding will ensure the doors to more than 400 housing and service programs remain open next year.  They say it's a critical part of President

Obama's plan to prevent and end homelessness.

State Agencies Offer Safe Gift Ideas

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the State Fire Marshall are offering some possible life-saving holiday gifts this year.  NOAA Weather Alert radios, battery operated or rechargeable flashlights, and first-aid kits are all on the list.  The items can all help prepare for disasters.  Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers ideas.  They're designed to help make homes or businesses safer.  Most preparedness and safety gifts items can be found in hardware and department stores.  For details log on to Ready.Illinois.gov.

It's The First Day Of Winter

(Newton, IL)  --  The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs later tonight at 11:30 Central Time.  That means tonight will be the longest night of the year.  It's tonight that the earth's axis is tilted at its maximum, at 23-and-a-half degrees away from the sun.  That will leave some areas north of the equator with fewer hours of exposure to the sun.  And though it may not seem as such, the days now start to get progressively longer.

Businesses Step Up To Help Toys For Tots

(Chicago, IL)  --  A Toys for Tots donor was having financial difficulties this year, but the kids aren't going to go without gifts.  The Illinois Retail Merchants Association stepped in to help after they heard the news.  The group worked with some of the state's biggest retailers to make sure Toys for Tots has the resources it needs to be able to deliver gifts to thousands of needy children.  Businesses such as Macy's Sears, McDonalds, Walmart and Target joined forces to donate more than 36-thousand dollars.  IRMA President David Vite says the businesses were proud to help Toys for Tots during this time of need to make sure children have a joyful Christmas.

Educators Urge Students To Read, Workout

(Springfield, IL)  --  Students are out of school for the holidays but that doesn't mean they should take a break from working out.  Board of Education Chairman Gery [[ gary ]] Chico says students should try to exercise 60 minutes a day during the holiday break.  He says it will help prepare them for their studies and improve their academic performance.  Chico also encourages students to devote an hour each day to reading and enjoying family.

Treasurer Advise On Pre-Paid College Tuition

(Springfield, IL)  --  State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says some participants in the College Illinois prepaid tuition program aren't reading their contracts carefully.  He says parents should look at instruments that will provide you security of return.  And he says you should be prepared to look at what the actuarials are.  The College Illinois program has a 560-million-dollar deficit.  The program is run by the Illinois State Board of Education.  They stopped accepting new participants in September.  Rutherford says the Bright Start program, which is run by his office, is doing well.

DCEO Lighting Assistance Available

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Energy Now program is offering lighting assistance to help public facilities make lighting upgrades and become more energy efficient.  It comes as a phase out of fluorescent lamps draws near. The incentive is available to public schools, community colleges, public universities and local, state and federal facilities in the Ameren Illinois and ComEd utility service areas.  Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley says the idea is to allow public facilities to spend more money on direct services instead of wondering how they'll keep the lights on.  Advantages for upgrading to the new lighting include immediate energy savings of up to 50-percent, improved lighting performance, and simpler maintenance.  For details go to IllinoisEnergy.org.