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Monday, November 28, 2016 n SERVING ROCK FALLS, STERLING AND THE SURROUNDING AREA SINCE 1854
A CLOSER LOOK | ILLINOIS CLEAN ENERGY BILL
Energy bill generates debate Bill backers say consumers can’t afford to lose nuclear plants; opponents say let the atoms split SPRINGFIELD (AP) – A mammoth plan to save nuclear power plants in Illinois, derided as a corporate bailout by consumer advocates but hailed as a leap forward in energy-efficiency by environmentalists, faces an uphill climb this week in the final days of the General Assembly’s fall session.
What began as a means of rewarding Exelon Corp. for generating “clean” nuclear energy and of keeping open unprofitable plants in Clinton and the Quad Cities has evolved into a farreaching, if contentious, revamp of state energy policy. Here are some questions and answers
about the proposed legislation, bill SB2814: Q: What is Exelon’s rationale? A: The company says despite producing no harmful greenhouse gases, nuclear-generated electricity doesn’t benefit from financial incentives like solar- or wind-powered generators do.
WHITESIDE COUNTY
CHRISTMAS WALKS
He’s ready to hang up his robe
Strolling in a Christmas wonderland
Judge plans on spending time with family, but still staying active in law BY ASHLEY CADY acady@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5521
Slip on those Christmas stockings and put on those shoes; the Sauk Valley offers plenty of holiday strolls this weekend
Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Santa leads a parade of kids down to the coliseum for pictures Saturday evening during the Oregon Candlelight Walk. STAFF REPORT news@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5501
When it comes to getting into the holiday spirit, the people of the Sauk Valley do more than just talk the talk, they walk the walk. Whether it’s Christmas by candlelight, an avalanche of snowmen, or merry mannequins, cities throughout the area are rolling out the welcome mat on their streets to celebrate the holiday spirit with family fun. This past weekend, the streets of Oregon were aglow in the holiday spirit for an annual event that celebrated its 30th anniversary Saturday: The Candlelight Walk. STROLLS continued on A24
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TODAY’S EDITION: 24 PAGES 2 SECTIONS VOL. 162 ISSUE 248
Samantha Dunham, 6, of Byron poses for a photo with Santa on Saturday in downtown Oregon.
INDEX
ABBY.................... A7 BLACK FRIDAY..... A3 COMICS................ A9
Also, it says, the Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova and the plant in Clinton are unprofitable and both must be closed by summer 2018. Exelon says that would result in 4,200 lost jobs and higher power bills for ratepayers. BILL continued on A54
CROSSWORD.....B11 LIFESTYLE............ A7 LOTTERY.............. A2
MORRISON – With a career spanning almost 40 years, Judge John Hauptman of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Whiteside County is retiring. Hauptman earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1975, then attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Upon graduating in 1978, he started practicing criminal law at the Whiteside County State’s Attorney Office, where he spent the next 6 years before joining the private practice at Nelson, Kilgus, Richey & Hauptman in 1984. Hauptman became Associate Judge in Whiteside County in 1997 and held that position for 7 years. The passing of Judge Dan Dunagan in 2004 left an opening for a 14th Judicial Circuit Court Judge and Hauptman knew that his time had come. “It was something I wanted. Since the opportunity was there, I went for it.” Hauptman felt he had a wide range of experiences that made him qualified for the position. When Hauptman was first starting out in school, he knew he wanted to practice law but never saw himself being a judge. To this day, he still remembers the first time he stepped onto the bench, “It felt right, it felt like where I should be.” Most people who retire look forward to relaxing. However, Hauptman will still have a lot on his plate. He is Vice President of the Illinois Judges Foundation, located in Chicago. He is also President of the Restive Home Board, an assisted living and nursing care facility. Hauptman also plans to keep his hand in drug court. He wants to be able to help out as much as he can. The past 2 years he spent in drug court were his favorite, he said. “It rejuvenated my career.” He said he could not be happier with the results of the work he and his team have done. The main reason for his retirement, though, comes from his two daughters and two grandchildren. One family lives in Michigan and the other lives in Wisconsin. He hopes to spend most of his free time with them as well as playing golf and traveling with his wife, who retired in 2013. Hauptman’s last day will be Dec. 4.
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Judge John Hauptmann is retiring from the 14th Judicial Circuit Court. Hauptman’s law career spans nearly 40 years.
POLICE................. A2 OBITUARIES......... A4 OPINION............... A6
Today’s weather High 51. Low 39. More on A3.
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