Illinois Briefs - 2/10/12

No Criminal Charges In Hazing Incident

(Jacksonville, IL)  --  No criminal charges are being filed in the case involving two Illinois College students hospitalized during a new member literary society orientation.  Jacksonville Police say the students were taken to the hospital for dehydration because of physical exertion during the orientation last month.  There was no alcohol involved.  The students are out of the hospital now.  Their names aren't being released but they are both males.

Students Protest After Teacher Fired

(Bloomington, IL)  --  About 150 Bloomington High School students walked out of class yesterday after hearing a teacher was fired.  District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly said the social studies teacher was fired for allegedly touching students.  A teachers' union official downplayed the contact and said it was not

serious enough to be a criminal matter.   The protesting BHS students didn't report to sixth hour Thursday and instead marched down halls chanting, some eventually going to the north gym, others were outside.  Reilly called it a teachable moment on expressing opinions.

Quinn Defends Illinois' Business Climate

(Bloomington, IL)  --  Governor Quinn says it would have been difficult for Illinois to compete for the new Caterpillar plant but that's not because of the state's business climate.  Illinois has been criticized about its quote, "unfriendly" business climate but Quinn says things are getting better.  He cites reforms to workers compensation and unemployment insurance laws.  Caterpillar recently overlooked Illinois as the next home of its Japan plant.

Quinn Touts New Education Program

(Bloomington, IL)  --  Governor Quinn is touting a new education program to help Illinois students connect with career opportunities. The Pathways Initiative focuses on boosting educating in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.  Quinn says the public-private partnership will benefit students and the state.  The program is funded by a federal grant.

Phelps: Registry Would Never Work

(Harrisburg, IL)  --  State Representative Brandon Phelps says implementing a mandatory handgun registry in Illinois will never work.  He's speaking out against a plan proposed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, which would also force the gun owners to pay a 65 dollar registration fee.  Phelps says a registry won't solve Chicago's violence problems because criminals will never register their guns or pay a fee.  Phelps calls the initiative a slap in the face to law abiding gun owners.

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold In Southern Illinois

(Benton, IL)  --  One lucky Little Lotto player is a quarter million dollars richer but hasn't come forward to claim the prize.  The winning ticket was sold at Jumpin Jimmy's on Main Street in Benton.  The ticket can be redeemed at any of the state's claim centers but the Fairview Heights claim center has been put on alert.

Grain Rescue Training Session

(Morris, IL)  --  The Grundy County Highway Department is hosting a Grain Rescue and Training Session.  It's designed to educate people on grain entrapments.  The event will be held next Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.  It's free and open to the public.