January 2012

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.

The Shawnee High School baseball team will stress hitting in hopes of a successful spring.

“We’ll have to hit a little better against teams,” Shawnee baseball coach Chad Pitts said. “Someone will have to step up.”

The other ingredients for success for the Redskins is already in place.

“Our big strength will be our pitching and defense,” Pitts said. “We have a lot of returners.”

The Redskins return all starters from last fall’s 10-1 squad.