Illinois Briefs - 12/30/11

Companies Offer Free Rides On New Year's Eve

(Champaign, IL)  --  Tatman's Towing in Champaign is offering free rides to drunk drivers on New Year's Eve.  The company wants to make sure roads are safe so they'll pick you up and hitch your car to the back of a tow truck.  It's the 20th year the company is offering the free service for the holiday.  Coles County Shuttle Service in Charleston will also offer free rides to people who've had too much to drink.

Judge Accused Of Wrongfully Dismissing Ticket

(Springfield, IL)  --  A Sangamon County judge is being accused of falsifying a court document.  Officials with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission say Associate Judge Robert Hall acted inappropriately when he dismissed a traffic ticket for the daughter of one of his colleagues.  The ARDC

claims Hall's actions were intentionally deceptive but according to the "State Journal Register," Hall has signed paperwork denying malicious intent.  The ARDC will hold a fact-finding hearing in a few months to determine how Hall should be disciplined.  The Supreme Court has the final say, though, on what form of discipline should be imposed.

State Representative Resigns

(Orland Park, IL)  --  State Representative Kevin McCarthy is leaving his post in the Illinois House, effective immediately.  The Orland Park Democrat hasn't given an explanation on why he's retiring but he says it's the best decision for him and his family.  McCarthy has served in the Illinois House since 1997.  His current term doesn't expire until January 2013.  The Democratic committee chairman in his district will choose someone to fill the remainder of McCarthy's term.

Law Helps Determine Radon Levels

(Springfield, IL)  --  Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless radioactive gas that kills about 12-hundred people in Illinois each year.  But lawmakers are taking steps to reduce the risk of radon exposure.  A new law going into effect on Sunday requires owners of rental units to inform renters in writing before a lease is signed if the rental space has been tested and whether a radon hazard exists.  If the rental unit hasn't been tested, the renter can either conduct the test himself or ask the landlord to have a licensed professional conduct the test.

Lost Dog Returns Home

(Belleville, IL)  --  Gigi the dog is back home safe after wandering away from a Belleville group home for the disabled.  She was returned to the home yesterday.  "The Belleville News Democrat" reports Gigi's disappearance gained so much attention that a Missouri couple offered to donate their dog, Lily, to a group home.  Lily is a beagle mix that looks like Gigi.  She will go to another home operated by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois.