Prison shuffle ideas include maximum-security inmates at Stateville

By KURT ERICKSON - H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD - Less than a week after igniting a firestorm by proposing the sale of a mostly vacant state prison near the Quad-Cities to the federal government, Gov. Pat Quinn is eyeing the possible closure of yet another maximum-security lockup.

Nov 22, 2009 | 4:00 am | Loading…

Third arrest made in shooting of 19-year-old Oakley man

By H&R staff

DECATUR - Police arrested a third suspect Friday evening in the Thursday shooting of a 19-year-old Oakley man, with all three suspects remaining in the Macon County Jail on Saturday.

Nov 22, 2009 | 3:00 am | Loading…

Bridge rebuilding will close Ash at MacArthur

By KENNETH LOWE - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - The bridge over Stevens Creek on MacArthur Road is in need of a complete rebuild, according to city engineers, but getting there is going to cause some headaches for drivers in that area.

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

City of Decatur still seeking cost savings

By KENNETH LOWE - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - Weeks after city government's reorganization, which saw the work force reduced by 17 full-time positions, the city council and city manager already are talking about ways to reduce payroll for the upcoming fiscal year. However, they could face opposition from the city employees …

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Tax credit gets homebuyers off the fence and back into the market

By ASHLEY RUEFF - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - Thanks to the new-homebuyer tax credit, Decatur resident Kim Tarvin is getting ready to do something she hasn't had space for in years.

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Homeless awareness event aids veterans

By THERESA CHURCHILL - H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR - If you build it, they won't necessarily come.

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade lights up downtown

By CHRIS LUSVARDI - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - Neal Janvrin had his conductor hat on Saturday, ready to drive young members of his family through the annual Christmas parade in downtown Decatur.

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Madden Arts Center hosts kids creating Christmas crafts

By THERESA CHURCHILL - H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR - Christmas may be more than four weeks away, but the holiday was very much in evidence Saturday morning in the Madden Arts Center of the Decatur Area Arts Council.

Nov 22, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Tradition doesn't change, it moves

By STUART HAWBAKER - For the Herald & Review

This time of year, our thoughts turn to celebrating Thanksgiving, an annual holiday set aside to give thanks. It is also a time for families to join together around the table and share memories and lots of good food.

Nov 21, 2009 | 10:00 pm | Loading…

Historic home tour stops features three Decatur sites from films

By THERESA CHURCHILL-H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR - City landmarks flash by in "The Informant!" almost too quickly to comprehend.

Nov 21, 2009 | 8:00 pm | Loading…

Fundraising idea adapted to honor Mount Pulaski's military personnel

By ARLENE MANNLEIN - H&R Staff Writer

MOUNT PULASKI - What started out as an adaptation of an idea from the Allerton House near Monticello turned into a way to honor more than 40 persons with ties to Mount Pulaski who actively serve in the military.

Nov 21, 2009 | 7:00 pm | Loading…

Holly and Hollywood

By THERESA CHURCHILL-H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR - City landmarks flash by in "The Informant!" almost too quickly to comprehend.

Nov 21, 2009 | 2:00 pm | Loading…

Meridian Middle School students collect money, food for pantry

By VALERIE WELLS - H&R Staff Writer

BLUE MOUND - Folks in Blue Mound have big hearts, even the ones who are new to the community.

Nov 21, 2009 | 4:00 am | Loading…

Former Gov. Edgar says he wouldn't be worried about security at Thomson prison

By MIKE RIOPELL - H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois governor who ordered Thomson Correctional Center built said Friday he's not worried about security if the prison eventually holds Guantanamo Bay detainees.

Nov 21, 2009 | 4:00 am | Loading…

Sex offender Kim Allan Overlin seeks release from state custody

By RON INGRAM - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - A 57-year-old Decatur man who has been fighting for nearly 12 years to be released from state custody where he is being treated as a sexual predator must wait until December to find out his fate.

Nov 21, 2009 | 3:00 am | Loading…

Marijuana conspiracy led to Oakley man being shot, police say

By RON INGRAM - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - A 19-year-old Oakley man was in serious but stable condition Friday at a local hospital after being shot in the upper torso about 5:30 p.m. Thursday during an armed robbery at a house in the 500 block of West Garfield Avenue.

Nov 21, 2009 | 3:00 am | Loading…

State may close Stateville maximum-security prison

KURT ERICKSON

Nov 21, 2009 | 1:10 am | Loading…

Beasley Properties, Dennis Ballinger Real Estate purchase most of tax liens on downtown Barnes properties

By KENNETH LOWE - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - The tax debts on the Barnes Building and its adjoining parking garage are now partly divvied up between two major property owners in town, Macon County Treasurer Steve Grimm said Friday.

Nov 21, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

St. John's Lutheran Church adds Pontius Pilate display to Living Nativity in its 20th year

By SHEILA SMITH - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - Pontius Pilate has been known in history as the man who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus.

Nov 21, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…