Our network

Vote postponed on bill to raise Illinois minimum wage

A committee vote on a proposal to make the state’s minimum wage the highest in the nation is postponed until late May.

The Senate Executive Committee is considering a proposal that would boost Illinois’ minimum wage from $8.25 per hour to $10.03 per hour.

If the bill gets out of committee, it must then pass votes in the senate and house.  Passage would mean a big wage hike for more than a million workers who make minimum wage in Illinois right now.

The national minimum wage is the same as Iowa’s, $7.25 per hour.  

The last minimum wage increase in Illinois happened in July 2010.

The bill was scheduled for a third reading in a committee hearing May 16.  The new deadline for the third reading was set for May 25.

Utility companies warn of identity theft scams

Customers of MidAmerican Energy and Ameren beware – identity thieves might be after your personal information.

Both companies issued statements in recent days warning customers that scammers are making calls and even visiting customer homes in an effort to get credit card and Social Security numbers. 

The callers are reportedly identifying themselves as customer service associates or attorneys representing the utility.  They sometimes tell the customer their account is past due and that payment is needed immediately to avoid disconnection. 

In a separate scam, Ameren says scammers tell customers the president is applying credits of up to $1,500 to the customer’s utility bill.  The thief then gives the customer a phony bank routing number and asks the customer to add their Social Security number to receive the “credit”.  These scammers are contacting customers by phone, in person, posting fliers, using social media and even text messaging.

Crash reinforces crusade against distracted driving

A Moline woman says that texting while driving led to a bizarre one-car crash on Interstate 74 Tuesday afternoon.

Jennifer DeClerck, 24, is listed in fair condition at Genesis East. That’s after undergoing surgery for multiple injuries.

Less than 24 hours after the crash, Jennifer Parsons takes a close look at the car. She’s the distracted driving coordinator for Iowa’s Traffic Safety Bureau. This evidence delivers a painful and powerful message.

“Everyone needs to know that texting and driving is not a good thing,” she said. “But they still do it.”

A photo captures DeClerck inside her Chevy Cavalier during happier days. It’s quite a contrast from the same car on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say that while texting, DeClerck crossed lanes on Interstate 74, went into a ditch, became airborne over the Spruce Hills ramp, struck two trees and became pinned inside.

Craig shares mustache secrets

Craig talks ornamental grasses, ground hogs, and his top secret mustache tips.

Twenty-Five nominated for Small Business Awards

Twenty-Five nominated for Small Business Awards

GALESBURG, Ill – Businesses throughout a four county region will be recognized by the Entrepreneurial Support Network (ESN) of West Central Illinois on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Small Business Day Awards Luncheon held at Lake Storey Pavilion in Galesburg.

Sherrard Wins Regional Game

Sherrard gets their first win in Regionals.