WICS Top Stories

Airline Satisfaction

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:41 PM CDT

An annual survey of travelers shows passenger satisfaction with u-s airlines, rose more than three-percent this year.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey found US airlines scored 67 out of 100, up from a score of 65 two years ago. ...

Ground Beef Recall

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:38 PM CDT

More than 23,000lbs of ground beef products are being recalled, on fears they may be contaminated with e-coli bacteria.
The recalled cases of beef come from National Beef Packing Company based in liberal, Kansas.
You're seeing file video of ground beef. ...

Home Building on the Rise

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:33 PM CDT

More evidence tonight - the housing market is bouncing back.
A government report shows the pace of home building gained steam in may.
The report found -- the number of housing starts rose 7% last month.
The rise was almost all attributed to a jump in buildings with five or more housing units. ...

Rauner Makes a Campaign Stop

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:28 PM CDT

The campaign trail is beginning to roll...
Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner stopped in Springfield this afternoon.
Rauner hosted what he calls a town hall style meeting and used the opportunity to talk about his stance on hot issues. ...

Health Department Inspects Sangamon County Fair Vendors

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:28 PM CDT

Rides, games, animal shows and all the corndogs you can eat. It is all at the Sangamon County Fair.

As vendors are serving up the eats Sangamon County Public Health is making rounds, checking for things like hand washing stations and food temperatures. ...

Local Farmers Wait For Farm Bill

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 08:23 PM CDT

The waiting game continues for agriculture communities across the nation as lawmakers scramble to pass a half-trillion-dollar farm bill in the U.S. House by weeks end.

80% of the money the federal government spends on the current Farm Bill goes to nutritional programs like food stamps and that is precisely the area slated to see a substantial cut. ...

Obesity Classified as a Disease

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 07:43 PM CDT

The American medical association now classifies obesity as a disease.
The group voted to approve that decision this week.
The declaration recognizes obesity as a medical condition, that requires treatment and prevention.
An article in the LA times0 quotes an AMA member as saying it will "help change the way the medical community tackles this complex issue. ...

Can Pregnant Women Drink?

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 07:38 PM CDT

For most pregnant ladies, enjoying a drink at the local bar isn't an option... Or is it?
A study just released in the British medical Journal found when moms consumed a moderate amount of alcohol, it had no adverse effect on her child's balance years later, which is a marker for brain development. ...

APL Overwhelmed with Cats

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 06:50 PM CDT

      The APL is dealing with a hairy situation.
               Too many cats and not enough space.
                Now that spring is over, we're in the height of kitten season. ...

Summer Reading Program

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 06:43 PM CDT

    Now that kids are in summer break, they aren't exercising their minds as often.
    Officals with Springfield's public schools are challenging kids, to take part in the read five and beyond program.
    The program is meant to keep kids reading over summer break. ...

Illinois Bridges Need Work

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 06:36 PM CDT

Nearly 9% or one out of twelve bridges in Illinois are structurally deficient.
That's according to a report by Transportation for America.
Structurally deficient means bridges could become dangerous or closed without repair. ...

Hoopeston Tire Facility Fire

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 05:50 PM CDT

Smoke and ash for miles, and a building destroyed.
Right now, firefighters continue to battle flames at a tire recycling facility in Hoopeston.
Volunteer fire fighters from eight surrounding stations responded to the call early this morning, and have been fighting the blaze all day. ...

Governor Quinn Sets July 9 Deadline for Pension Reform

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 05:25 PM CDT

State lawmakers return to Springfield for a one-day special session and create a new committee to deal with Illinois' $97 billion unfunded pension liability.

Governor Quinn is giving them a deadline of July 9.

Ten lawmakers will serve on a conference committee. ...

Report: 9% of Illinois Bridges in Trouble

Wed, Jun 19 2013, 12:27 PM CDT

Nearly nine percent or one out of twelve bridges in Illinois are "structurally deficient." That's according to a report by Transportation for America.

"Structurally deficient" means bridges could become dangerous or closed without repair. The organization used government standards to find more than 2,300 bridges need repair in Illinois. ...

Conference Committee Planned to Craft Compromise on Pension Reform

Tue, Jun 18 2013, 09:16 PM CDT

State lawmakers will return to Springfield Wednesday morning to deal with the state's $97 billion pension crisis.

Governor Quinn is calling the General Assembly back to the Capitol to find a solution.

Before most lawmakers set foot in Springfield, the governor already plans to call them back for a second special session in July. ...

School Board Considers Public School Uniforms

Tue, Jun 18 2013, 06:32 PM CDT

Kids at District 186's two newest elementary schools may never again have to wonder what to wear.

"Uniforms at 186 is not a new thing," School Board President Chuck Flamini said.

But it would be a new thing at the new Feitshans and Matheny-Withrow Elementary Schools if the school board decides to make uniforms there a requirement. ...

Property Value Concerns Rise as Schools Close

Tue, Jun 18 2013, 06:31 PM CDT

Neighbors in Springfield's north end are worried about their property values tanking after two area elementary schools closed at the end of the school year.

Students who went to Wanless and Pleasant Hill Elementary Schools will soon go to the new Feitshans Elementary School on Springfield's east side. ...

How Successful are Special Sessions?

Tue, Jun 18 2013, 12:42 PM CDT

Both the Illinois House and Senate return Wednesday to continue to work on trying to fix a problem that has spawned several administrations. Governor Quinn called a special session to address the pension crisis.

Last year, Governor Quinn called a Special Session to deal with what was then a more than $80 billion dollar pension problem but nothing happened. ...

District 186 Extends Interim Superintendent Position

Mon, Jun 17 2013, 10:18 PM CDT

For each day District 186 doesn't have the superintendent position filled, Bob Leming will make $650.

He says he hopes to have a new superintendent by the end of the year. Another issue brought up tonight was the Administrative Residency Policy.

Since 1983, interim superintendent, Bob Leming, says there has been a policy that makes all administrators stay within the school district boundaries. ...

Potential for Compromise on Pension Reform Unclear

Mon, Jun 17 2013, 06:25 PM CDT

The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield Wednesday to try to resolve the state's pension crisis.

But, it's still unclear whether lawmakers will reach a solution.

Everyone can agree on one thing: the state's $97 billion unfunded pension liability is a problem that needs to be addressed. ...

Man in Critical Condition After Shooting

Sun, Jun 16 2013, 11:17 PM CDT

A Springfield man is in critical condition after being shot twice while sitting on a porch. The shooting on the 900 block of 13th Street happened around 5:40 Saturday morning. Police say the 32-year-old victim was talking to another man on the porch when the gunman appeared, firing his weapon--before running away. ...

Arrest in Toddler Death

Sun, Jun 16 2013, 10:55 PM CDT

Decatur police make an arrest in a hit and run that killed a toddler.
The 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody this morning by Decatur's fatal accident investigation team.
Early thursday morning the toddler was hit near the 2500 block of East Garfield Avenue. ...

More Single Fathers In US

Sun, Jun 16 2013, 10:50 PM CDT

Over the years, the number of fathers with full custody of their children has increased, meaning more men are taking on more responsibility.

"Kids need their fathers for sure, especially boys particularly," Dustin Mackey said. He takes care of his mini me, Ian. ...

Fatal Hit And Run Accident Near Pana

Sun, Jun 16 2013, 10:45 PM CDT

Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal accident near Pana.
A man walking in the middle of the road was struck and killed just after 10:30 Saturday night.
It was dark and raining along Route 51 in Christian County when police say a 49-year-old man traveling with two passengers in a 2003 Ford Explorer hit the pedestrian. ...

Motorcycle Fatalities Up 13-Percent in Illinois

Sun, Jun 16 2013, 10:43 PM CDT

According to the state, motorcycle accidents that end in fatalities are up in illinois by 13-percent.
State police aren't sure what has lead to the increase especially given that the number of motorcycle accidents in general are going down.
The number of registered motorcyclists in the state though has risen 57-percent in the past decade. ...

Cadets Graduate from Lincoln's Challenge Academy

Sat, Jun 15 2013, 06:41 PM CDT

A life saver. That is how nearly 300 cadets, who could have slipped through the cracks, describe the place where they received their diplomas from Saturday.

The 40th class from Lincoln's Challenge Academy turned their tassels in front of proud families and teachers at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. ...

Walk to Defeat ALS Draws Hundreds

Sat, Jun 15 2013, 06:34 PM CDT

It is a disease that has killed thousands of people and still there is no known cure.

A walk to defeat ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, drew hundreds to Springfield's Washington Park.

This year the goal was to raise $115,000 for the cause. ...

FEMA Approves Funds for Flood-Damaged Counties

Fri, Jun 14 2013, 06:39 PM CDT

Finally some good news for several counties in our area that spent much of April and May battling rising flood waters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved funds for 15 additional counties affected by record flooding. That makes a total of 39 counties have met the "damage threshold" of $3. ...

Study: Hands-Free Technology Distracting Behind Wheel

Fri, Jun 14 2013, 06:17 PM CDT

A new study shows that drivers can still be distracted even if their hands are on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Research from AAA finds hands-free technology isn't necessarily free of risk.

In fact, the auto club is calling it a "public safety crisis. ...

Memorial Offering Makeovers for Breast Cancer Survivors

Fri, Jun 14 2013, 04:48 PM CDT

Do you know a breast cancer survivor who deserves a makeover? If so, Memorial Medical Center is now accepting nominations.

Makeovers will be unveiled at Memorial's fourth annual Be Aware Women's Fair.

The event, scheduled for October 19, features free health screenings and dozens of booths with information on health, beauty, and nutrition. ...