Illinois Briefs - 8/8/11

Quinn To Announce Whether Workers Will Be Laid Off

(Springfield, IL)  --  Today is the day state workers find out if they'll be laid off.  Governor Quinn will announce his next step in managing the state budget.  Quinn says some reductions are necessary because lawmakers passed a budget that won't make ends meet for the entire fiscal year.  On top of that, Quinn may be forced to pay union raises if things don't go his way in court.  That will create a bigger burden on the state's bank account.  Though some state workers are likely to be laid off, Quinn's office won't confirm if that number is in the thousands as originally reported.

Operation Santa Taking Stocking Donations

(Bloomington, IL)  --  Operation Santa is remembering the 9-11 attacks by giving back to the troops.  The organization is collecting stocking stuffers Sunday at the Walmarts in Normal and in Bloomington.  Officials say people don't have to just sit back and feel helpless when it comes to helping a troop.  The group wants to fill 20-thousand stockings by November, which will then go to overseas troops during the holidays.  Trucks will be taking donations in the Walmart parking lots from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Happy Days Actress Speaks At IEMA Conference

(Springfield, IL)  --  A Hollywood actress wants Illinois residents to prepare their homes in the event of an emergency.  "Happy Days" star Marion Ross addressed more than 12-hundred emergency responders yesterday at a conference put on by the Illinois Emergency Management Association.  She says being prepared is serious business and shouldn't be taken lightly.  She commends emergency responders for their sacrifice and organization when it comes to cleaning up after tragic events occur.

Former Illinois Governor Says Terror Attack Likely

(Springfield, IL)  --  The U.S. has become too complacent when it comes to national security and that leaves us vulnerable to another terror attack.  That's according to Former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson, who served on the 9-11 commission after the attacks a decade ago.  Thompson says he believes the next attack will be much less overt than the last, saying it will likely be much easier to carry out.  He says while the U.S is preparing to remember the attacks, it shouldn't forget to do an inventory of the security measures that still need to be put in place.

One Month Left To Enter Free Groceries For Year Contest

(Springfield, IL)  --  How would you like to win free groceries for a year?  Well, the "Illinois Farm Families" is giving you a chance to do just that.  They're sponsoring the "Free Groceries for a Year" sweepstakes and there's still time for you to put your name in the hat.  More than 100-thousand people have already entered the contest which will run until October 2nd.  Anyone who'd like to enter the contest can do so online at FarmersFeedUS.org.

Twenty-Four Businesses Cited By Liquor Control Commission

(Springfield, IL)  --  Twenty-four Illinois businesses are in trouble with the state for serving alcohol to minors.  The Illinois Liquor Control Commission says they conducted more than 100 compliance checks in August, using high school and college students as decoys to purchase the liquor.  Violations were found in the counties of Clark, Cumberland, Coles, Hancock, Jackson, Knox, Henry, and the City of Peoria.  Each of the 24 businesses received a citation.