Afternoon News Monday January 12
- Bruce Rauner took the oath of office as governor during a ceremony that began at 11 this morning in Springfield. Rauner will be the first Republican governor in a dozen years and the state's 42nd. In his inaugural speech, he promised his first official act of governor is to take "immediate and decisive action" against the State's budget problems. He also cut his own salary to $1 and is declining any benefits. Rauner will attend a cermony at the Old State Capitol tonight, which will be highlighted by a concert by country star Toby Keith.
- Students and staff at Rockford Public Schools will have to make up three canceled school days after missing classes because of severe winter weather last week. Students and faculty will attend school Monday, March 2, which is Pulaski Day. The day had been designated an emergency day to use in the case of a school cancellation. The last day of school for students this year is now Wednesday, June 3. The final Institute Day is Thursday, June 4.
- The Loves Park Police Department arrested a 15-year-old driver over the weekend for driving without a driver’s license. The traffic stop took place in the 2000 block of Harlem road just before midnight on Saturday. During the traffic stop, police discovered a 15-year-old passenger passed out on the back floor board a traffic stop and later discovered that her blood alcohol content was .309. There were five other 15 and 16 year old juveniles in the car, as well as an 18-year-old passenger. The 15 and 16-year-old occupants, from Roscoe, Belvidere and Rockford, were released to the parents' custody.
- A DeKalb man allegedly attacked a deputy during a routine traffic stop over the weekend. The incident took place near Sycamore and E. Dresser roads last night. 24-year-old Hugo Gaona was pulled over for having no working headlights. After speaking with Gaona, police say he provided a false name and then attempted to run away on foot. As the officer caught up with him, Gaona reportedly battered him. He was charged with aggravated battery and obstructing justice, among other charges. The passenger in the car was charged with obstructing a peace officer among other charges.
- A Beloit woman is behind bars after leading police on a car chase in Rock County, and then abandoning her car, leaving her two sons behind. The incident took place on Saturday night near Henry and Park Avenue in Beloit. 26-year-old Amanda McKinney had an active Felony Probation warrant. When the officer approached her car, she sped off. Police followed her until she pulled off of the road and fled on foot, leaving behind her 4 year-old and 5 year-old sons. McKinney was booked at the Rock County jail on the Felony Probation warrant, among other charges.
- Gas prices continue to dive in the Stateline. GasBuddy reports the average price for gasoline in Rockford is now $1.96 per gallon, which is 16 cents below the national average. Over 12,000 gas stations nationwide have dropped their price below $2 per gallon. Gas prices are now around $1.38 cheaper than at this time last year.
- A Janesville man has been arrested for his 4th drunk driving offense. 47-year-old Kim Isherwood was driving erratically through Janesville Sunday afternoon. Officers stopped him near East Milwaukee and Parker Place. Police say they smelled alcohol and noticed his slurred speech. Isherwood admitted to drinking alcohol but refused to submit a breath sample, so officers tested his blood. He is currently being held at the Rock County Jail.
- Two Dixon teenagers were arrested over the weekend, after police found the duo smoking pot in a state park. Police say the teens parked their car in Castle Rock State park on Saturday night. A 16 year-old male and a 16 year-old female were taken into custody and charged with four counts of Drug Paraphernalia. The male was also charged with Possession of Cannabis. Both teens went home with their parents, after being discharged from the Ogle County jail.
- Green Bay police called in a water and ice rescue team to make an arrest on the Fox River yesterday during the Green Bay Packer's playoff game. Authorities say a man was spotted urinating in a downtown parking lot and he ran out onto the icy river as an officer approached. The 25-year-old man was clinging to a bridge support, but refused to surrender. Police used a stun gun to arrest the man about 30 minutes later.
- Departing Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation regulating drivers in the ridesharing industry just before leaving office. The Democrat issued a news release today as inauguration ceremonies were underway in Springfield for Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner. The plan Quinn approved creates statewide regulations for drivers working for ridesharing services that connect passengers with drivers who use their own personal vehicles to give rides. It includes modified insurance requirements, background checks and a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol.
- The sponsor of medical marijuana legislation in Illinois is criticizing outgoing Governor Pat Quinn for not acting on the program's business licenses before he left the governor's office. State Representative Lou Lang says the delay will prolong the pain and suffering of sick people. Quinn is leaving the decision to Bruce Rauner, who has suggested auctioning off the licenses to the highest qualified bidders.
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