Afternoon News Update: Wednesday November 12
- Gov. Pat Quinn called Governor-elect Bruce Rauner for the first time since he lost last week's election to the Republican. Rauner's spokesman said the conversation was cordial and took place earlier today. Quinn's office says it lasted a few minutes and the two discussed the Affordable Care Act.
- There has been discouraging news on crime statistics for Rockford. It finished as the 2nd Most Dangerous small city in America according to an analysis of 2013 FBI crime data by the website Lawstreet.com. Only Little Rock, AR was more dangerous according to its analysis.
- A local American Legion hall is getting a facelift thanks to a hefty grant. The Home Depot donated $19,000 to Belvidere's American Legion Post 77. The money will go toward a new floor in the 56-year-old facility. It's part of the Home Depot's "Celebration of Service" program, which started on September 11th, and ended on Veteran's Day.
- Most schools in the region had the day off yesterday for the Veteran’s Day holiday but one community stayed open in an effort to pay tribute. Oregon schools applied for a waiver with the State to stay in session on the Veteran's Day holiday, so students could gain a better understanding of the day's significance. School officials believe that a sense of patriotism was imparted on the kids by keeping school open.
- A group of Illinois landowners has sued the Department of Natural Resources to stop the state's new rules for fracking from taking effect. The lawsuit filed seeks a preliminary injunction, claiming the DNR violated several rulemaking procedures as it worked to implement a state law to regulate hydraulic fracturing. A hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday.
- A Janesville woman another drunk driving arrest on her record. 43-year-old Shawna Thiel, failed a field sobriety test late last night and if convicted, will receive her 5th drunk driving charge. Thiel was also driving on a revoked license.
- A Dekalb Veteran was handed a key to a new home last night at an NIU Huskies game. The Military Warriors Support Foundation made the announcement to Joseph Yancoskie and his family. The program awards mortgage-free homes to wounded serviceman injured during combat. The family will also receive 3 years of family and financial mentoring.
- Illinois State Police are in the process of protecting their evidence room in their downtown Springfield headquarters from suffering further damage. They are fixing a leaky roof, which had the potential to damage evidence or records. Officials want it fixed before winter.
- Good news for Thanksgiving travelers. Amtrak says it will run extra trains in Illinois on the Sunday after Thanksgiving to help people coming home from their holiday gatherings. There will be extra round trips November 30th between Chicago and St. Louis and Chicago and Quincy.
- Wisconsin Hunters are closing in on the kill limit in the state's latest wolf hunt. They've bagged 141 wolves since October 15th and the limit is 150. Only two management zones remain open -- one in northwestern Wisconsin and one that includes most of the southern and central portions of the state.
More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM
