City reopens insurance bidding in Benton
City officials halted all health insurance bids at a special meeting and will reopen bidding for a partially self funded plan. Commissioner Barry Vaughn says tailoring the plan to 45 full time employees could lower costs and give the city control over deductibles and co payments. The proposal shifts premiums to a city insurance fund with anticipated $140,000 annual costs and about $12,000 monthly for admin fees, aiming to have a plan in place by March 1. Health insurance costs have risen 33 percent in the last year, adding about $60,000 to city coffers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Benton
Barry Vaughn
Vaughn
Vaughn City
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Retired teachers meet Jan 12 in Du Quoin
Perry County Retired Teachers Association will hold its first 2002 meeting at 10 30 a m Jan 12 at BJ s Garden Inn in Du Quoin Updates include state legislation on the teachers insurance plan and more This will be the first meeting with new officers Sarah Doerner was chosen president James Lipe vice president Dorothy Montgomery secretary and Sue McKinstry treasurer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
du Quoin
Perry County
Garden Inn
Sarah Doerner
James Lipe
Dorothy Montgomery
Sue McKinstry
Oberweis Eyes Illinois Senate Bid With Campaign Money Push
Oberweis, a Chicago business figure with five children, vows to beat Dick Durbin. He highlights a strong Chicago reputation, financial muscle, and a team to raise funds, naming education, energy, and security as priorities. He attacks Durbin on liberal voting and military preparedness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Illinois
Oberweis
Elaine
Dick Durbin
Ted Kennedy
Massachusetts
Senate
Jim Durbin
Westchester
John Cox
Peter Fitzgerald
Arctic National Wildlife Reserve
Regional politics face budget strains and prison privatization debate
Vernon opposes privatizing prison food services amid budget cuts tied to a weak economy and post 9/11 downturns. Gov. Ryan had proposed privatizing dietary and commissary services to save costs. Comptroller Dan Hynes pushes a four point plan for controlled spending, a rainy day fund, debt payoff, and truth in budgeting. Jay D. Williams advocates opening county roads near Shawnee National Forest for multi use to boost Southern Illinois tourism. state senator Dave Luechtefeld notes new laws taking effect including zero tolerance for drug use in corrections, parity for mental illness, stricter firearm card penalties, and brownfield grants.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
O’daniel
Springfield
Dan Hynes
Hynes
Eddyville
Jay D. Williams
Southern Illinois
Williams
Shawnee Trails Conservancy
Illinois
Pope County
Forest Service
Dave Luechtefeld
Illinois Department of Corrections
County board election faces audits and voter outreach
Meller and Myers prepare for a tough, fair campaign in Union County. Audits will guide the county’s fiscal health while Meller seeks cross party support and Myers emphasizes door to door campaigning and his long office experience.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Meller
Myers
County Eyes Change After 19 Years Without Opposition
A local official argues that replacing the long-serving incumbent could refresh governance. Supporters say new leadership may bring fresh ideas, while critics warn upheaval could unsettle continuity. The debate highlights the upcoming election as residents weigh stability against change.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Jim Muir
Writeon Lane
By Christi Mathis
Quoin
Bernie Armour
Earlene Bullock
Rosa Lee Plunkett
Pernie Hensley
Emma Williams
David Johnson
Shawnee National Forest
Jimi Williams
Saline County
Jay Williams
Luechtefeld
By Travis DeNeal
Willow Tree Angel and
Boyd's Bears
Family Tree Garden & Gift Center
Carbondale
Inge
Michael Dann
Bert Lemon
Hurst
Phillip
Justin Lacy
Cobden
Union County
University of Illinois
Hillcroft Farms
Npus Shopping
Saxony
Finiemann
Lee
Hall
Super Decorator Warehouse
Maron
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