1340 WJOL - Local Talk

Local Talk

Joliet City Manager Tom Thanas Resigns; Disagreement on if he was FORCED OUT

Joliet City Manager Tom Thanas made it official this morning to 1340 WJOL that he has resigned. He has asked the City Council to enact a transition plan, so that he can fully step aside with a new city manager in place within the next few months. This morning on 1340 WJOL, Councilman Jan Quillman said she did not agree that Thanas may have been "forced out." But Mike Turk stated that he believes Thanas WAS forced out.

5-23 10 AM

Cal Man Gets 4 Years After Stealling From Will Co. Sheriff's Locker

A California man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison after pleading guilty on Thursday to stealing heroin from the Will County Sheriff's evidence locker and hauling it in his semi. 42-year-old Jose Zamango-Mena of Sun Valley, California pleaded guilty on Thursday to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He was sentenced by Judge Edward Burmila.

New Concealed Gun Bill Heads To Full House

A concealed gun bill that supporters call a compromise has been approved by an Illinois House committee and heads to the full House for a possible vote tomorrow. The bill, backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, requires the state police to issue concealed carry permits to anyone with a gun owner's ID card who passes a background check. In a concession to Chicago lawmakers, the bill expands the list of places where concealed guns are banned to include mass transit, festivals and special events, parks and playgrounds, hospitals and museums. Critics are concerned that the bill would override local gun laws, including Chicago's assault weapons ban.

Parolee Arrested by County for Residential Burglary

A 25-year-old man on parole for burglary faces more charges. James Miles of the one-thousand block of Nowell Avenue was arrested Wednesday night. Will County Sheriff's responded to an initial call of a home invasion in the 18-hundred block of Brandon Road near Laraway Road. But Sheriff spokesman Ken Kaupas explains it was a residential burglary.

Miles was charged with one count of residential burglary and one count of robbery. He'll be in bond court later today. Miles is currently on parole for burglary.

5-23 11 AM

Speed Limit Could Soon Go Up To 70 MPH

Lawmakers are split on whether the speed limit on rural interstates should be increased to 70-miles an hour. Some argue it'll be safer for drivers and that it would even boost revenues for the state as people drive through on road trips. But opponents say boosting the limit will lead to more crashes and road deaths. Despite the opposition, the bill is headed to Governor Quinn. He hasn't said if he'll sign it.

Suspicious Package Just an Already Used Smoke Device

Will County Sheriff's officials have confirmed that the suspicious package found this morning at U S 30 and Spencer was an "already used special effects 'smoke producing device." Sheriff's officials say there was never any danger, and it is not known for sure if this item may have fallen off a truck that was on its way to the Electronic Daisy Carnival at Chicagoland Speedway, where numerous visual effect shows are scheduled.

5-23 10 AM

Sex Ed Bill Headed To Quinn

Sex education is causing a bit of a rift in the legislature. A new bill would require schools that teach Sex Ed to include lessons on contraceptive methods, including abstinence, for kids in 6th through 12th grades. Supporters say kids are having sex earlier these days so they need to understand the risks associated with it. Plus, they say the kids should know how to protect themselves from STD's. Opponents argue the measure would give kids the idea that sex before marriage is OK. The bill is headed to Governor Quinn's desk.

Several Holding Peaceful Sit-In Outside Quinn Office

At least two people have been taken out of the capital in handcuffs this week. Several people are staging a peaceful sit-in in front of Governor Pat Quinn's office, hoping to convince him to pull his support on fracking. Angie Viands from Chicago, was among those arrested. She says lawmakers are compromising the health and lives of the people for a few temporary jobs. Viands was taken into custody Tuesday after she refused to leave when the building closed to visitors.

Topinka Likes Senate Pension Plan Better

Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says the Senate version of pension reform is more sensible than the House bill. She says the bill can be justified on a constitutional basis because it gives workers and retirees the option to choose their own retirement plan. The House version doesn't offer choice. It requires workers to retire later, pay more, and accept a reduced COLA. The House bill saves more money but Topinka says it'll drive the state right into the courts.

Electric Daisy Carnival Ready to Hit Chicagoland Speedway

It's the most unique thing outside of an auto race to come to Chicagoland Speedway.....and THIS IS THE WEEKEND.

The Electric Daisy Carnival is presented by a company called Insomniac. And that's fitting, because there's a good chance that those attending won't be sleeping too much. This is an 18-and-over-event "weekend long campout ," with over 100 electronic dance music artists, carnival rides, and major audio and visual productions, and more. Like a race weekend, you'll have the State Police, Will County Sheriff's Police, and Joliet Police all working together. But this time you may have MOST OF THE ATTENDEES camping at the track, rather than just SOME. As Joliet Police Chief Mike Trafton says, that's what makes this a bit different. Therefore, all police officers will be treating the area around Chicagoland Speedway as "one little town" for a few days.

Will County Sheriff Department spokesperson Ken Kaupas says the cooperation between the County, City, and State Police will be a huge asset, just like when there's a race. And then, of course, there's the fact that the carnival ends on Sunday, followed by Monday being Memorial Day, with the annual large crowd coming to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary.

For the record, with all the carnival goers hopefully gone by Monday morning, the Memorial Day ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary will be starting at 11-30 AM Monday. They moved it back a bit this year to allow attendees to go to local services as well.

5-22 11:15 AM

Crest Hill Gearing up for Memorial Day Event

The City of Crest Hill will hold its 25th annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday May 27th at 2pm at City Hall.

Guest speaker will be Congressional Representative Dan Lipinski. Chief Dwayne Wilkerson will give the Police Memorial address. Representing Veterans will be several Color Guards. Entertainment by the Frankfort Brass band. Plus Anna Mae Lukanic will perform during the ceremony. All area welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

5-23 11:10 AM

Darien Man Faces 14 Years in Prison for Sex with Lockport High School Student

41-year-old Darien man who used to work as an IT administrator at Lockport Township High School pleaded guilty on Wednesday to having sex with a 17-year-old student. Timonty Hagan pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse on Wednesday in front of Will County Judge Robert Livas and could be sentenced upto 14 years in prison. Hagan and the 17-year-old started having sex in the spring of 2009, Hagan was arrested in 2011. Hagain will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

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