“No Decision on Urbana Early Childhood Location, Elementary School Locations,” Illinois Public Media, May 26
The Urbana School Board met for more than three hours Tuesday night on plans for a new Early Childhood Center. But board members-already worried about state education funding-could not reach a consensus on the project, which would be funded by the countywide sales tax for school construction.
Two board members want to build a new center on a new site. A third member supports building on the site of the current Early Childhood Center on Broadway. But school board President John Dimit says the district should close one of its existing elementary schools for early childhood use.
“Campus voting bill clears Senate committee; closer to final passage,” News-Gazette, May 27
Less than 24 hours after it cleared the House, a bill that would mandate counties with public universities to set up separate early voting sites on campuses passed a Senate committee.
The legislation likely will be approved by the full Senate later Thursday and sent to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature.
“Champaign council backs agreement on grace period for sidewalks with Apollo developer,” News-Gazette, May 25
During a Tuesday night study session, the city council supported by a 6-3 vote a 20-year development agreement, which includes waivers for the Atkins Group for a yet-to-be codified sidewalk policy.
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Dixon said the Atkins Group was requesting the waiver because of the way the developer’s pricing process works: Atkins quotes a business on the price of a prospective property early in a negotiation process that could take up to two years. If the city were to change the sidewalk policy in the middle of a negotiation, that would change the price of the property.
“Green Riders set to roll in to Champaign to visit Lincoln Hall,” Daily Illini, May 25
The Green Riders, made up of Oliver and his sister Catherine Bock, are a two-person group that is traveling across the country promoting sustainability on electric bicycles. Their mission is to show that these bikes can be an effective and fun way of transportation and the pair also updates their blog to share stories about the people and places they encountered.
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On June 9, the duo will be on campus to see Lincoln Hall and meet with architect Ron Harrison.
“Quinn OKs greater access to adoption info,” Pantagraph, May 21
A new law lets adults who were adopted obtain their original birth certificates, but some still might be unable to find out the identity of their birth parents.
Adoptees born before Jan. 1, 1946, can get access to their birth certificates right away under the law signed Friday by Gov. Pat Quinn. Those born after that date will have to wait until Nov. 15, 2011.
“Wind turbine project gets new life in climate plan,” News-Gazette, May 25
The on-again, off-again wind turbine project at the University of Illinois is back on, part of a new campus Climate Action Plan.
The UI will build one wind turbine on the South Farms, financed in part by a $2 million grant from the Clean Energy Community Foundation, officials said Monday. A request for proposals will go out after July 1, when a new state procurement law takes effect, said Steve Sonka, vice chancellor for public engagement.
“Fight over mowing the lawn leads to arrests,” State Journal-Register, May 28
Bonner returned while officers were there, and he said they got into an argument about the way he cut the grass earlier that day. He started to walk away with the gas can and Harris started to slap him in the face, Bonner said. He said he grabbed her by the arms to shove her away.
Both were arrested for domestic battery.
“Illinois kicks forward Jones off women’s team,” Daily Illini, May 26
Illini coach Jolette Law said Tuesday the school has removed the 6-2 Jones from the team and won’t renew her scholarship.
“Illinois grants release of Jordan,” ESPN, May 22
“Jeff was an important part of our team; a competitor who provided depth and steady play at the point guard position and was a defensive presence for us,” Illinois coach Bruce Weber said in a statement.
Also, click here for Rob McColley’s release on SP.