Illinois Briefs - 1/20/12

Slick Roads, Winter Weather Expected This Afternoon

(Champaign, IL)  --  Freezing rain, sleet, and snow are in the forecast for this afternoon.  The National Weather Service says a winter storm system is passing through Central Illinois today.  Drivers can anticipate icy roads with some snow which should taper off by the end of the night.  Motorists are urged to drive slowly and carefully.

Jacksonville Developmental Center To Close

(Jacksonville, IL)  --  State officials say they want to improve the quality of life for disabled people.  Their plan is to shut down the homes the disabled currently live in and move them into smaller, community care settings.  Jacksonville Developmental Center is first on the Governor's list of closures.  About 20

residents will be moved per month until the center is completely shut down in October.

Parents Speak Out Against Facility Closure

(Jacksonville, IL)  --  Parents of the developmentally disabled are speaking out against Governor Quinn's plan to shut down the Jacksonville Developmental Center.  Rita Burke with the Illinois League of Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled says Quinn is pulling the life line on the state's most vulnerable people.  Quinn says the facility will close in October, a move that will save the state about 12-million dollars per year.  Three-hundred-seventy-nine people will lose their jobs when the center closes.

Domestic Disturbance Ends Peacefully

(Quincy, IL)  --  A domestic disturbance ends peacefully after a four hour standoff.  Quincy Police say William Mason held them at bay for several hours, refusing to come out of the home where they were called for a domestic dispute.  Mason surrendered after the department's tactical team rushed the home.  A female made it out safely.  Mason was taken into custody.

Harvesters Take 181-Thousand Deer

(Springfield, IL)  --  It was a good year for deer hunters but not quite as good as last year.  The hunters harvested 181-thousand deer during the firearm, archery, and other seasons.  That's compared to 182-thousand last year.  Department of Natural Revenue Spokesperson Chris McCloud says the small loss was offset by increases during the youth, muzzleloader, and special CWD seasons.

State Launches Contest To Stop Cyber Bullying

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state is soliciting ideas from school kids on how to stop online bullying.  State Board of Education spokesperson Mary Fergus says the kids can offer a perspective that adults aren't privy to.  She says it's a great way to prompt an organic change within their age groups.  Students can enter posters, videos, slideshows, or even podcasts describing ways bystanders can intervene in bullying.  For contest details, check out Isbe.net.

Child Thrown From Vehicle In Crash

(Lexington, IL)  --  A five year old child is recovering after being ejected from a vehicle in a single-car crash yesterday.  Police say the child was riding in the van with Casey Selph who was traveling south on I-55 near Lexington when he lost control.  The vehicle crossed the center median and flipped over twice, throwing the unrestrained child out of the vehicle.  The child and two other people were transported to area hospitals.