| South West Illinois News

Former state school employee Weitekamp paid in $146K to teachers' pension fund, could collect $2.24M in retirement

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 1, 2016

Former state school employee Susan Weitekamp, who retired in January 2016, saved $145,922 toward a pension over 23 years working for public schools, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois records show.

Southern Illinois Republican candidates disappointed in auditor general scandal

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 1, 2016

In line with other GOP legislative candidates seeking district slots around the state, two Republicans from southern Illinois have called allegations against current Auditor General Frank Mautino a disheartening state of affairs.

Study underway for proposed Rend Lake marina project

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 2, 2016

A market study will be conducted in order to determine if there is sufficient demand for a Rend Lake marina in Ina.

Carbondale Chamber Awards Banquet will forego all boring speeches

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 2, 2016

The 99th annual Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is set for Feb. 19.

Rend Lake College makes Aspen Institute's top 150 community colleges list

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 3, 2016

Rend Lake College appeared yet again on Aspen Institute’s list of top 150 community colleges in the country, making it eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million.

Paul Schimpf brings 'common-sense' approach to 58th District's Senate race

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 5, 2016

Republican Paul Schimpf, a retired Marine and lawyer, is running for state Senate with the aim of bringing “common-sense” legislating, conservative values and integrity to the state and to the 58th District, which covers Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union and Jefferson counties.

Perma-Seal's Laura Ann Spencer named 2016 Woman of Influence

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 9, 2016

Laura Ann Spencer of Perma-Seal Basement Systems Inc. has been named a 2016 Woman of Influence award winner by the American City Business Journal, a parent company of the Chicago Business Journal.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association advocates solutions to reduce drug costs

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 9, 2016

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt offered several market-based solutions for escalating drug prices during his testimony presented Thursday before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

'Passing the FACT Act is critical,' says IL civil justice group

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 9, 2016

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and fellow members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday on the proposed Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act (S. 357), which passed the U.S. House last month.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce supports legislative redistricting amendment

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 9, 2016

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce said recently it is supporting the Independent Maps campaign to put a legislative redistricting map amendment question on the November ballot.

Jason Kasiar: Illinois is 'taxing people to death'

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 10, 2016

Candidates for the Illinois General Assembly were happy to see Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Senate President John Cullerton (D-6th District) compromising on a possible solution to the state's pension crisis -- even if their plan remains in limbo while lawmakers in Springfield continue to haggle over the state's budget.

State Senate candidate Paul Schimpf is prepared to take on Illinois political bosses

By South West Illinois News Reports | Feb 10, 2016

Illinois State Senate candidate Paul Schimpf is ready to take on Senate President John Cullerton (D-6th District) and Speaker of the House Mike Madigan (D-22nd District), and believes he has what it takes to effectively represent the 58th District, according to a campaign commercial by Liberty Principles PAC.