The Pantagraph Bloomington, IL

High Prices Mean Hard Choices in Rural Economy

CLINTON - Thomas Wargel, who launched Black Prairie Ag Services in 2002, wants to cut costs for both his family and his clients. That's one reason he bought a motorcycle this spring.

Even in School, Watching Finances Important

NORMAL - Illinois State University student Anson Yeganegi said the media may be focused on economic woes in the United States, but many students aren't paying that much attention. "It's definitely an important issue. But with everything going on - we're focusing on classes and jobs and our social lives - most college kids aren't really in tune with that," he said.

Hard Work Keeps Couple's Bills at Bay

PONTIAC - Carol Arnolts was relieved when she could quit one of her full-time jobs. "It was very exhausting, but you do what you have to do," she said.

Winning Over Crowd

NORMAL - Once an active high school student, Danny Hicks of Springfield now relies on a catheter, a wheelchair and other technology to get through the day. His life changed 18 years ago, when he was riding in a car driven by a fellow teenager who had been drinking.

Nursing Home Closure Cost Up for Vote

PONTIAC - The Livingston County Board is expected to vote today on a $1 million-plus benefit retention package for the 77 employees who would lose their jobs if Livingston Manor closes as planned. County human resource specialist Linda Daniels presented the package to the board's nursing home committee Wednesday. The package takes into account the salary, health insurance and benefit payouts and unemployment costs the county would incur for closing the home, she said.

Judge to Hear Appeal of Man Convicted of Killing Infant Son

OTTAWA - A judge has decided to hear an appeal from a Streator man convicted in 2000 of killing his infant son. Eugene Green, 45, is seeking either a reduction in his 35-year sentence or a new trial, claiming his attorney was ineffective at trial and medical evidence needs to be re-evaluated.

Jones Ally Backs Prison-Closing Moratorium

SPRINGFIELD -- A plan aimed at stopping Gov. Rod Blagojevich from closing Pontiac Correctional Center has gained the support of a top Senate Democrat. Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, has signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation that would impose a moratorium on prison closings.

County Panel Backs Higher Raises for Officeholders

BLOOMINGTON - The McLean County circuit clerk, coroner, auditor and recorder could see 4.5 percent salary hikes in 2011 and 2012 - a half-percent more than the next three years. Meanwhile, county board members are in line for 2.5 percent raises through 2012.

Retirementoption Getspanel'sok

BLOOMINGTON - Some county employees could have the option of taking early retirement under a plan recommended Wednesday by the McLean County Board's Finance Committee. Eighty-one employees would meet the requirements - at least 50 years of age with a minimum of 20 years of service - but County Administrator John Zeunik said a survey revealed only 41 said they would "absolutely" or "very likely" take advantage of the offer.

Area Calendar

Today Community- U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, mobile office hours; 10 to 11:30 a.m., Chatsworth Town Hall; noon to 1:30 p.m., Piper City Village Hall; 2:30 to 4 p.m., Gibson City City Hall.- Afternoon movie series; 1:30 p.m., Bloomington Public Library Community Room.- Registration taken, Beginners' cake decorating; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., U of I Extension, 402 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington. Sponsored by HCE. Cost: $8, members; $10, non-members.-Call (309) 379-3141 or (309) 452-5734.- Spaghetti...

City Support Staff Poised to Go On Strike

BLOOMINGTON - About 38 members of the city of Bloomington's support staff could go on strike Monday. "Nobody wants to go on strike," said David Penn, business manager for Laborer's Local 362, late Wednesday night.

Daily Digest

NEWS IN BRIEF District 87 plansdiscipline meeting

Tuition Increase, Other Fee Hikesup for Votes at Today's Meeting

NORMAL - Students new to Illinois State University this fall likely will pay about 10 percent more in tuition than students who enrolled last fall. The ISU board of trustees is scheduled to vote on the proposed increase and various other fee changes at its quarterly board meeting Friday.

Set Food Out for Saturday's Letter Carriers' Drive

BLOOMINGTON - The timing is perfect for the 16th annual National Association of Letter Carriers' food drive on Saturday, representatives of several food pantries and Mayor Steve Stockton said Wednesday. Residents are asked to place non-perishable foods near their mail boxes Saturday morning for pickup by their mail carriers, said Dana St. Hilaire, a letter carrier in Bloomington and coordinator of the drive for the association's Branch 522. The food - which St. Hilaire hopes totals 50,000 pou...

Interim Title Removed Fordanvers' New Police Chief

DANVERS - Danvers' interim police chief now has the job permanently. The Village Board has appointed Chris Gleason, 40, of Mackinaw to head the department's six part-time officers. She is the department's only full-time employee.

State Faces Rising Foodprices, Too

SPRINGFIELD - Just as Illinoisans are pinching pennies at the grocery store, the fallout from rising food prices is hitting state government. The cost of providing food to prison inmates, aging veterans and developmentally disabled residents at state institutions is on pace to be up by $7 million this year, according to a review of state payments to vendors.