January 2012

To the editor,

 I would like an explanation of the following last "6 words" in a written statement the Illinois General Assembly proposes to submit to voters of State of Illinois at large for approval by referendum at the General Election to be held Nov 6th, 2012.

It states as follows: "To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose"?

SPRINGFIELD  —  A new study lists Illinois as the third most corrupt area in the nation, and Chicago as the most corrupt city, and experts in the state say Illinois has earned those titles.

The report, released at a Wednesday, Feb. 15, statehouse news conference, details a study from the University of Illinois in Chicago, or UIC, and University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs in Champaign.

Only Louisiana and the District of Columbia have more corruption convictions per capita than Illinois.

A One for the Cross event is planned on Palm Sunday, April 1, to benefit the Cross of Peace on Bald Knob Mountain near Alto Pass.

One for the Cross started three years ago when the then-current board of directors thought of a day of prayer for the Bald Knob Cross organization, as well as the physical structure and grounds all of which had seen better days.

Several former area high school softball players are competing at the collegiate level this spring.

Former Cobden High School athlete Taylor Orsburn is a member of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale squad.

Orsburn’s former teammate DaCota Knop is a member of the John A. Logan Community College team. 

Orsburn is a returning Missouri Valley all-conference selection. Knop is a returning Great Rivers Athletic Conference pick.