Illinois Briefs - 1/6/12

Law Professor Chimes In On Pension Dispute

(Springfield, IL)  --  One law professor supports the state's move to close double dipping into more than one pension system.   Ann Lousin happened to be a staffer while the 1970 Constitution was being drafted.  She says no one should earn credit for a state pension when they're on leave, working for a private organization.  She says two lobbyists who stand to draw a hefty pension from working one day as substitute teachers should only be entitled to draw state money on one day of work.

Santorum Team On Ground

(Mundelein, IL)  --  Carmel High School graduates in Mundelein are working to help Rick Santorum gain ground in Illinois.  The GOP presidential hopeful graduated from the school in 1976.  The alumni are on the ground talking to neighbors are getting petition signatures.  Santorum's team must file the

petitions by 5 p.m. today in order for him to get his name on the March 20th primary ballot.

Lottery Checks Returned For Insufficient Funds

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois lottery winners expecting a big payout got bad news from their banks last week.  Eighty-five checks were returned for insufficient funds.  Lottery spokesman Mike Lang tells CBS Chicago the checks were returned because they didn't have the proper security code on them. He apologized for the inconvenience and offered to reimburse the winners for any bank fees they incurred.

Emergency Prep Tips For Disabled

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is distributing  booklet to help address emergency preparedness issues for people with disabilities.  For example, IEMA officials say it would be helpful if people who depend on medicine or oxygen for daily use had a backup supply handy.  They it's better to be more prepared than underprepared when something uncontrollable occurs.   More tips and information is available online at Ready.Illinois.gov.

Valentines For Veterans

(Springfield, IL)  --  Congressman John Shimkus is kicking off the "Valentines for Heroes" Program.  It's a program that distributes Valentine Cards to veterans, and those currently serving in the military.  The cards will be accepted at his district office until February 6th.  Cards can be dropped off or mailed to the district office at 221 East Broadway in Centralia.

Sexual Assault Charges For Pastor's Wife

(Springfield, IL)  --  A Springfield woman, who happens to be a pastors wife, remains jailed for allegedly having sex with her 16-year old foster son.  Police say they approached a vehicle in a park last week when they found Gwanda Tribbet and the young man getting dressed.  The teen told authorities he and Tribbet had just had sex.  Tribbet is charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and five counts criminal sexual assault.