Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Guest Column: Lee County wind closing arguments | The Rock River Times

Note U-tube coverage actual hearing is available 

By Richard Boris
Village of Lee President

The Lee County wind turbine siting hearing begins closing arguments Jan. 23. The closing arguments continue Feb, 4-6. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Old Court House, 112 E. Second St., third floor, Dixon, Ill., and usually run to 7 or 9:30 p.m., but often run a little later.

Click on the following for more details:  Guest Column: Lee County wind closing arguments | The Rock River Times

Northwest Herald | Ill. GOP senators get extra work, pay after losses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republicans in the Illinois Senate hold a dubious distinction: because of a November shellacking, every one of them will hold a caucus or committee leadership post.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register (http://tinyurl.com/a7pjrwj ) reported Tuesday that every GOP senator will receive a stipend for extra work on top of a $68,000 salary....

Click on the following for more details; Northwest Herald | Ill. GOP senators get extra work, pay after losses

Early starts fuel pay dispute for Boone County Jail officers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star


The two groups took a step last week: Leaders implemented a policy that requires corrections officers to arrive five minutes before their shift, instead of 15, and also read an email detailing jail safety concerns. It’s unclear whether employees will be compensated for this time.

“The important thing is that the officers know when they are coming on duty what to expect, what the problem have been on the post or jail-wide,” said Lt. John Hare, jail supervisor.

Click on the following for more details: Early starts fuel pay dispute for Boone County Jail officers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Bixby Case: Rockford’s former Energy Director accused of abusing his power

This case is ongoing and was previously detailed in the following posting:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2013/01/former-city-worker-pleads-not-guilty.html

Here are some background reports regarding the case.

City of Rockford’s statement on the case:

The City of Rockford has released the following statement concerning Bixby's charges:

“The City of Rockford applauds the efforts of Federal Law Enforcement in this investigation. In 2010, following receipt of information from a local private attorney, the City of Rockford launched an investigation into the City’s energy grant assistance program. Following a preliminary investigation by the Rockford Police Department the matter was referred to Federal Law Enforcement agencies. That investigation led directly to the indictments announced today.

During the early stages of the investigation, Mr. Bixby was placed on administrative leave. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bixby was notified of the City’s determination to terminate his employment, at which time Mr. Bixby submitted his resignation.”  from: http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Former-Rockford-Energy-Director-Indicted-on-Public-Corruption-Charges-187931751.html

The case regarding Mr. Bixby’s elderly mother: http://www.wrex.com/global/story.asp?s=12119629

Questions and answers on Illinois insurance exchange plans - DailyHerald.com

By Associated Press

Here are some fast facts about how buying health insurance will change in Illinois as President Barack Obama's health overhaul takes effect and the first insurance exchange starts operating later this year:

Q. How many people are uninsured in Illinois and how many of those are projected to get insurance under the exchange?

\

A. Nearly 1.8 million Illinois residents are uninsured. An estimated 486,000 Illinois residents will get coverage from commercial insurers through the exchange in 2014, growing to 1 million customers by 2016.

To read more Q &A click on the following: :  Questions and answers on Illinois insurance exchange plans - DailyHerald.com