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Volume 146 No. 18
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Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New laws for 2014 By Ken Schroeder kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com
An often-heard saying is “forewarned is forearmed.” There are dozens of new laws going into effect to be aware of beginning Jan. 1. Some of the new laws affecting our day-to-day lives have to do with cell phones and driving, as well as voting and medical marijuana.
Public Act 98-0506 bans the use of handheld cell phone devices behind the wheel. Bluetooth headsets, earpieces and voice activated commands are permitted. The only exemptions from this law apply to law enforcement officers or first responders, drivers reporting emergencies and drivers using electronic devices while parked on the shoulder of
a roadway. Motorists caught in violation of the statute will be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense. Penalties for distracted drivers who injure others or cause fatal crashes by the use of a cell phone would receive a Class A misdemeanor, which
could result in fines up to $2,500 and up to a year of jail time. Drivers involved in fatal accidents could be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries fines up to $25,000 and up to three years of jail time. “Public safety is the No. 1 priority of the Illinois State Police,” Sgt. Matt Boerwinkle of the Illinois State Police said. “Officers will continue
to enforce traffic laws to enhance the safety of the motoring public. We want to remind drivers to take every precaution when getting behind the wheel by reducing speed, buckle up and refrain from using cell phones except when permitted.” Public Act 98-0511 changes the existing legal speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph on all rural interstates. The act also
allows eight counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, McHenry, Lake, Madison and St. Clair) with heavily congested highways to opt out and maintain the current 55 mph speed limit. To compensate, speed laws have been strengthened on all streets, highways and roads throughout Illinois, which means
See Laws Page 3
Looking back at 2013 By Ken Schroeder kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series looking back at 2013. Sept. 4 Circuit Judge Scott A. Shore of Granville announced he would retire following the end of his current term expiring Nov. 30, 2014. First elected as Putnam County Resident Circuit Judge in 1990, he has been retained circuit-wide for three successive six-year terms, bringing his tenure to 24 years when he retires. A regional effort is needed to create jobs in the
Illinois Valley area. That was the message given during a meeting of leaders of businesses, cities, industrial companies and financial institutions held at St. Bede Academy. Sept. 11 The Granville Village Board heard nothing but good news during the audit for the 2013 fiscal year during its meeting on Sept. 3. The village’s total assets amounted to about $5,500,000, with liabilities amounting to $1,984,000; leaving the village well in the black at $3,400,000 for the fiscal year. The village
See 2013 Page 2
Cameras in the courtrooms By Ken Schroeder kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com
HENNEPIN — In old black and white movies about crime, you would often see photographers in a courtroom during a sensational trial. The actual practice of allowing cameras in court was outlawed in 1965; but it may be coming back. On Dec. 17 after conferring with fellow judges and local media representatives, Chief Judge Michael Brandt of the 10th Circuit, which covers Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties, sent a proposal to the Illinois Vol. 146 No. 18 One Section - 8 Pages The Putnam County
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Supreme Court requesting permission to allow cameras back into the courts. “The Illinois Supreme Court has encouraged the courts to be more media-accessible,” 10th Judicial Circuit Judge Scott Shore said. “This is a definite step in that direction.” The move is intended to give people an insight into the legal system, but Shore said there are some considerations to take into account. “My concern is balancing the rights of the media and the citizen
See Cameras Page 4
Putnam County Record photo/Dixie Schroeder
Oh so good! Jon Rosculp of Granville warms up with a cup of hot chocolate at Ali’s Pantry Family Restaurant while waiting for his favorite lunch, a Hawaiian pizza. While temperatures were somewhat “balmy” this past weekend, winter is still present with more snow and brutal low temperatures forecast the rest of the week.