Alex Rusciano

Tazewell County: zero tolerance on repeat felony DUI

Alex Rusciano and Tanya Koonce — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:29:36 +0000

Tazewell County is targeting repeat D-U-I offenders. State’s Attorney Stu Umholtz says his office is permanently implementing the so-called “No-Refusal” protocol for felony DUI offenders as well as those with aggravating factors at the time of the stop. Umholtz says DUI offenders remain a serious threat to public safety, and repeat offenders have learned to refuse testing, thwarting evidence to prosecute.

Peoria County Deputies remembered

Alex Rusciano and Tanya Koonce — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:42:31 +0000

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office held its annual memorial service for fallen officers. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports:

The ceremony remembered four officers killed in the line of duty, including Deputy James Mulay ten years ago. Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy says the ceremony also highlights the latest challenges for area law enforcement:

Caterpillar forming new group

Alex Rusciano — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:54:49 +0000

Caterpillar is forming a new group to boost the efficiency of its world-wide manufacturing and supply chains. The company says the Caterpillar Enterprise System Group will combine multiple divisions to improve the customer order-to-delivery system. Dave Bozeman will lead the new division. He’s been the Vice President with responsibility for the integrated Manufacturing Division.

Peoria City, County look to digital data storage

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:47:07 +0000

Peoria County could help the City of Peoria back-up its storage for emergency data. A proposal from the Metro Peoria committee would use a shared city-county fiber-optic cable to create an offsite backup location. Tom Seckler is with Peoria County’s IT department. He says disk-storage has advantages over traditionally backing up data on tapes:

College prep focus of District 150 pilot program

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:22:24 +0000

Peoria School District 150 is touting a pilot program to help parents and high school students prepare for college.

The College Bound Peoria program launched last fall and now has 20 students and 28 parents. The program gives parents financial information, shares tips on how to save for college and takes students on tours of state and private schools in the Mid-West. York Powers is the District 150 Family and Community coordinator. He says the program’s goal is to help students adapt to an ever-changing academic environment:

Pekin continues talks for proposed garbage fee

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:44 +0000

The Pekin City Council is considering a garbage free to plug a nearly $2 million annual deficit in the city waste department.

City staff are proposing a 12-dollar fee per household to pay for garbage, yard waste and recycling pick-up. They say the fee would plug a $1.9 million annual hole in the city waste department. Pekin Mayor Laurie Barra says she supports the garbage fee:

Pekin continues talks for proposed garbage fee

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:38 +0000

The Pekin City Council is considering a garbage free to plug a nearly $2 million annual deficit in the city waste department.

Peoria LISC aims for $11 million grant

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:56:55 +0000

BU launches Friedan tribute website

Alex Rusciano and Tanya Koonce — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:39:31 +0000

Springfield's bishop reacts to papal announcement

Alex Rusciano — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:03:39 +0000

In the wake of Pope Benedict XVI's announcement of his resignation, Springfield’s Bishop says the next pope should be a "thinker" who can reach out to other religions and non-believers. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki says Benedict excelled at that.

Paprocki says he’s not surprised Benedict stepped down, given what he calls the pope’s declining health and advanced age. Benedict was 78 when he was elected pope in 2005, one of the oldest in history. Paprocki says he expects the next pope will be younger.