Connect with us

Breaking News

Senator Manar sworn in to 98th General Assembly

Published

on

Andy Manar SwearingInSPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Andy Manar (D – Bunker Hill) was sworn in Wednesday, January 9 as the Illinois State Senator for the 48th Legislative District.

“I consider it a privilege to represent the residents of the 48th District in Springfield,” Manar said. “The voters of Central Illinois have entrusted me to work together with fellow Democrats and Republicans in balancing our budget, improving education opportunities for our children, and ensuring our business community has the tools necessary to grow and expand.”

Manar comes to Springfield after serving as the Chairman of the Macoupin County Board, where his leadership led to a balanced budget at a time of a significant loss in tax revenue due to the closing of several mines throughout the county.

In addition, Manar eliminated costly pension plans for elected officials and helped establish a public‐private partnership between business and government to assist government in adopting smart business practices.

“As a lifelong resident of the 48th District, I am looking forward to fighting to ensure Central Illinois receives the attention and resources necessary for our communities to grow and prosper.”

The 48th Legislative District stretches from Springfield’s east side to Decatur, and runs south to include Montgomery and portions of Macoupin and Madison counties. Senator Manar resides in Bunker Hill with his wife, Trista, and their three children.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

There are plenty of ways to keep up on BenGil news:

Advertisement

Sign up for our weekly email newsletter

Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take

Follow us on Twitter for the fastest score updates and breaking news updates

 

Share this story

Comments

comments

Breaking News

Thunderstorms, winds, snow, freezing rain coming to BenGil area

Published

on

Another major winter storm is forecasted to blanket the BenGil area in heavy rains, flooding and snowfall starting Wednesday night through Thursday.

The mixture of precipitation and rapidly changing weather likely will produce the potential for sudden icing on roads, with high winds leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation’s snow-and-ice teams will be prepared and out in force, but the public needs to be ready for conditions to change quickly and worsen if they are out on the roads,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “As always during periods of extreme weather, the safest option is to postpone any unnecessary trips and stay home. If you must travel, prepare for very slow and potentially hazardous conditions. And please slow down around our plows and other emergency vehicles, giving them plenty of room to do their jobs.”

The National Weather Service is predicting a wintry mix of precipitation to start with thunderstorms and heavy rain in much of the state this evening, converting to freezing rain overnight before turning to snow Thursday morning. In addition to localized flooding, ice and sleet accumulations are likely, creating extremely slippery surfaces and slick conditions.

Due to the rainy conditions ahead of temperatures falling overnight, the effectiveness of pretreating and salting surfaces in advance of significant snowfall will be limited. The public should anticipate icy conditions even when roads appear clear and greatly reduce speeds. 

“As the Illinois State Police plans to take on the unpredictable Illinois weather, we would like to remind motorists to do their part in keeping the roads a safe place,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “ISP, alongside IDOT and other agencies, will be working in hazardous weather conditions. Please remember to slow down, stay vigilant and move over for ANY vehicle on the side of the road.”

Statewide, IDOT has available more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to plow, treat roads and respond to weather emergencies. If you encounter a plow or any maintenance vehicle during your travels, please slow down, increase your following distance and remain patient. Do not attempt to pass – conditions in front of the plow will be worse than behind it.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Breaking News

Police investigating death of Bunker Hill woman

Published

on

Police are investigating the death of a Bunker Hill woman who was found dead at the end of her driveway near the roadway on Monday morning, January 31.

Nancy Blycker, 91, had multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call to the 2900 block of Wood Hill Lane around 7:40 a.m. on Monday.

The initial suspicion was homicide, according to a release by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis who said approximately 20 investigators were working the investigation, but the autopsy contradicted that suspicion.

The Major Case Squad said on Tuesday it is “highly unlikely” Blycker’s death was the “result of homicidal means.”

The Major Case Squad turned the case back over to the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. The official cause of death is pending further lab analysis.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Breaking News

Winter storm warning issued for BenGil area

Published

on

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the BenGil area, southwestern Illinois, and the St. Louis area.

The warning was issued early Tuesday taking effect at midnight tonight until noon on Thursday, February 3 calling for a “wet, heavy” snow. The forecast also calls for ice prompting a warning about possible power outages.

“All indications continue to point to a disruptive, impactful, and dangerous winter storm impacting the region starting late tonight and lasting through Thursday night,” the National Weather Service said in its Area Forecast Discussion.

The BenGil area is expected to receive heavy mixed precipitation including snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches, sleet accumulations around three-quarters of an inch, and ice accumulations around two-tenths of an inch. Wind gusts will be as high as 35 mph on Thursday.

The storm is expected to start with rain most of the day today before transitioning into a mixture of freezing rain and/or sleet Tuesday night, then all snow Wednesday morning or as late as Wednesday afternoon continuing until about noon on Thursday.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe