Illinois Briefs - 2/14/12

State Rep Tired Of Attack On Gun Ownes

(Harrisburg, IL)  --  There's a constant attack on law abiding gun owners in Illinois.  That's according to State Representative Brandon Phelps, who says one proposal in Springfield could essentially kill hunting if it becomes law.  The bill seeks to ban automatic shotguns in the state, which Phelps says includes every turkey gun, every duck and goose gun, plus any single shot shotgun.  The Harrisburg lawmaker says passing that bill could force hunters to move out of state.

Lawmaker Wants Chief Illiniwek To Return

(Champaign, IL)  --  One state representative says it's about time the U of I reinstated Chief Illiniweck.  Charleston Representative Chapin Rose makes the case on "Twitter" after the University of North Dakota decided to reinstate its "Fighting Sioux" nickname.  UND is restoring the nickname despite threats of

sanctions from the NCAA, which claims the nickname is offensive to Native Americans.  The U of I hasn't used its popular Chief Illinweck mascot since 2007.

Anniversary Of NIU Shooting

(DeKalb, IL)  --  Today marks the four year anniversary of a deadly shooting on the campus of Northern Illinois University.  Five students died in the tragedy at Cole Hall in 2008.  Governor Quinn says it's important the state never forget the lives and contributions of the students who lost their lives that day.  Cole Hall reopened just last month after undergoing a six-million-dollar facelift.

School Registration Deadline Approaching

(Champaign, IL)  --  Parents in Champaign have just a few days left to register their child in a specialized school in the city.  Three K-through-five schools are becoming magnet schools thanks to a five-million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  The schools include Booker T. Washington Stem Academy, Stratton Elementary and Garden Hills Elementary.  Parents who'd like to register their child must do so by Friday.  They can call (217) 351-3800.

Session To Educate On Grain Entrapment

(Morris, IL)  --  Emergency response crews and farmers are invited to attend a grain entrapment training session in Grundy County later this week.  The event is designed to give them a greater understanding on how to save someone during the first crucial moments of a grain entrapment.  The session is being held this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Grundy County Highway Department.  There's also a session available to the public at 12:30 p.m.