SIC--Rep. John Shimkus shared his views -- mostly negative -- on recent legislative happenings in Washington at the annual Workforce and Small Business Development Center legislative breakfast.

HARRISBURG--Students and teachers are enjoying their summer, but work is just beginning for school custodians.

When school gets out, day-to-day maintenance problems decrease and preparation for the next school year takes over. Classrooms have to be cleaned, floors stripped, repaired and waxed, and any painting that is necessary has to be handled before school starts again in August.

ELDORADO--Eldorado's Independence Day celebration July 3 is growing again, topping last year's event that was billed as bigger than the year before.

As the Eldorado Men's Club budget for fireworks and musical entertainment has increased, crowds can expect a longer show of about set to music.

A Carrier Mills woman remains in intensive care after a motorcycle crash on Friday.

Paige Schutt, 19, was riding a motorcycle on Carrier Mills Road about 10 p.m. Friday when a deer crossed her path. She managed to avoid the deer but struck a second deer, according to a motorist who saw the accident, Chief Deputy Todd Fort said.

EQUALITY--Sheriff's deputies arrested a man who broke into an ex-girlfriend's home, perhaps intent upon assaulting her.

Michael Anthony Storto, 43, 217 Calhoun St., Equality, was arrested 3:07 a.m. Saturday on charges of home invasion, residential burglary, attempted criminal sexual assault and unlawful restraint. He remains held at the Saline County Detention Center on $15,000 cash bond.

HARRISBURG--Everything is on track for the annual Lions Club Independence Day celebration at the Saline County Fairgrounds.

The fireworks display will begin about dark, but people should come out earlier for other festivities, Mike Sullivan of the Town and Country Lions Club said.

ELDORADO — Eldorado City Clerk completed her day Friday and retired after 38 years service to the community. Treasurer Stacy James became clerk and Pandy Minor became Eldorado's city treasurer.

PEORIA — The Heights Finance branch offices,  including the Harrisburg office at 350 Seright St., Suite A,, showed their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces by taking part in “Answer the Call Now,” a nationwide campaign to honor military service during National Military Appreciation Month in May by raising money for those injured in the line of duty.

COUNTY COURTHOUSE--The County Board Thursday agreed to a small hike in fines for criminal convictions to bolster a child-advocacy group.

Board members agreed to attach a $10 court cost for every felony and misdemeanor conviction, with the money going to support the activities of the Guardian Center, a child advocacy group based in southeastern Illinois.

HARRISBURG -- A woman suffered apparently minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Commercial Street across from the Parker Plaza shopping center 11:55 a.m. Thursday.

SALINE COUNTY -- Burglaries are on the rise across the county, judging by recent investigations in Harrisburg, Raleigh and the Wasson area.

VIENNA -- The U.S. Forest Service is holding an open house for the new Hidden Springs Ranger Station Saturday morning.

ELDORADO--Eldorado City Clerk Pat Mahoney has outlasted 11 mayors, been reappointed about nine times and seen numerous councils come and go since she became clerk.

But on Friday she plans to trade in her desk at City Hall for golf clubs after 38 years on the job.
"I'll still be working one day a week, filling in some, but my last day as city clerk will be Friday," Mahoney said.

HARRISBURG--Organizers of the April 15 Harrisburg Taxed Enough Already Party are planning another gathering on Independence Day.

The TEA Party will be held 10 a.m. at the Harrisburg Township Park bandstand.
Organizers of the local TEA Party reported good turnout for the April event.

ELDORADO--An investigation is under way in the death of a 4-year-old girl from Eldorado.

Jessika Rena James, 4, address also listed in the obituary as Shawneetown, died 4:40 p.m. Monday at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis.