Smoking ban enforcement questioned by Herrin taverns
Tavern owners say the smoke free act enforcement is weak as local police face budgets and staffing limits. They claim some venues pay state fines rather than risk lost business while others cite outdoor patios to accommodate smokers. Local officials note state law supersedes municipal action and cite limited enforcement resources.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ragsdale
Herrin
Bill
Cindy Sizemore
Teddy's Sports Bar & Grill
James Meredith
Branding Iron
Council
Sizemore
Williamson County
Chuck Garnall
Department of Public Health
Garnati
Health Education
Whitney
Mehaffy
Franklin- Williamson
Bi-County
Williamson
Franklin
Jackson County
Carbondale
Vic Ritter
Ritter
Experts help child death investigations across Southern Illinois
Johnson County State's Attorney Tricia Shelton praised a multidisciplinary Child Death Review Task Force for accelerating investigations. The group includes law enforcement, DCFS investigators, coroners, and child advocacy officials who provide forensic pathologists and investigative resources, aiding cases like the death of 8 year old Alexus Nicole Smothers in West Frankfort.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Johnson County
Tricia Shelton
DCFS
Illinois
Kate
Franklin County
Alexus Nicole Smothers
West Frankfort
Mary Zumwalt-Jophlin
Cook County
St. Clair County
Shelton
Obama ends ban on gays serving openly in U.S. military
President Barack Obama certified to Congress that repealing the policy would not threaten military effectiveness, marking the end of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era. The change, effective September 20, allows gay service members to openly acknowledge their orientation after decades of discharges and legal battles.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Obama
Washington
Barack Obama
Defense
Leon Panetta
Adm
Mike Mullen
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Congress
Bill Clinton
Ameren tips to stay cool and save energy this summer
Ameren offers consumer tips to beat the heat and trim costs. Turn up the thermostat to save about 3 percent per degree, replace filters, use fans to circulate air, keep shades drawn, and swap incandescent bulbs for Energy Star CFLs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ameren
Marion welcomes pageant return to Southern Illinois
Marion Mayor Bob Butler announced the Miss Illinois pageant will return to the area for another year. He called the decision a win for Marion and the region, saying the pageant was warmly received and its continued relationship signals strong community support. Tickets go on sale February 1, 2012 via Marion Cultural and Civic Center or the official site.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion
Bob Butler
Southern Illinois
Butler
Stephen
Rickerl
Thesouthern
Marion Cultural and Civic Center
Marionccc
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Alan Rogers
Child Death Review Board
Forensics
Beckymalk
Gmail.com
Beckymalkovich
Sparta Community Hospital
RMA Atmng
Tony Chien
UCLA
Kirksville College
Dr. Chien
Spartahospital.com
Dw.norris
Norris_SI
Msn.com
The
Tilley
Wampus
Esoutheri