The
Shopper #1 Source For FREE Community News
Internet Edition
Inside This Week
Neighbors Speak Out About Mayor Abbott
www.myshopper.biz - Read Weekly!
Wednesday • February 13th • 2013
Illinois Law Now!
Question: We are using the Internet to help us search for reputable adoption sources. How can we be sure that a source is legitimate? Answer: The Illinois Adoption Reform Act, which took effect in 2005, was designed to weed out operators that may be engaged in fraudulent and deceptive practices. Experts advise adopting couples to make sure that adoption details, including any costs involved, are clearly spelled out on the website. Adoption agencies should also have accreditation from regulatory bodies or a membership in groups such as the Child Welfare League of America. Be advised that some adoption agency staff members may be paid a commission to persuade prospective adoptive parents to use their service. Further information about adoption is available in a free brochure at http://bit.ly/XMIICl. Question: Can an employer run a credit check without my permission? Answer: An employer must have your written permission to check personal credit. Know that the prospective employer is supposed to give you a copy of the report and provide you with an opportunity to respond. If you do have a poor credit history, you should be prepared to explain your situation. Question: What fines can people now expect to pay for violating laws related to handicap parking spaces? Answer: Fines in Illinois for those who illegally use handicap parking plates or decals have increased in 2013 to $600 from $500. Those caught making counterfeit placards will see their fines increase to $1,000. Punishment is even stiffer for those who use handicap plates of those who have died: fines start at $2,500 and come with a mandatory suspension of driving privileges for six months. Doctors who submit false paperwork to help someone get a disabled plate will face a newlyestablished fine of $1,000. For more information about Illinois law, visit www. illinoislawyerfinder.com. If you have a legal question, send it to illinoislawcolumn@isba.org.
Winter Clothing Needed Winter Clothing Needed for local men, women, & children. Donations accepted at the Catholic Charities-South Regional Services, 16100 Seton Dr., South Holland, IL 60473. MondayFriday 9am-3:30pm. Gently used or new clothing can be dropped off at our office. Thank you for your generosity.
Bulldogs’ Harris Earns National Basketball Honors
The South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team’s Michael Harris (sophomore guard, East Chicago Central High School) was named NJCAA National Division II Player-of-theWeek. This is the first “National” Player of the Week for the Bulldogs during Head Coach John Pigatti‘s six-plus seasons at the school. In two victories last week, Harris scored 62 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, 9 steals, and dished out 7 assists. The Bulldogs (22-2) moved up to #5 in the latest NJCAA National Division II poll. For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 5962000, ext. 2524. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.