Signs Bill After Hundreds of Chicago Youth Sign Anti-Violence Pledge; Bipartisan Task Force Charged With Curbing Violence in Illinois Communities

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation creating a task force to combat the epidemic of violence impacting today's youth. As part of the Governor's agenda to improve public safety across Illinois, the Violence Prevention Task Force will work to develop peaceful and productive alternatives to violence and help coordinate community efforts to ensure bright futures for all Illinois youth.

The governor signed the legislation after hundreds of Chicago youth signed an anti-violence pledge at the Will Bynum Basketball Camp, which took place at Chicago State University.

"Violence is a plague on too many Illinois communities," Governor Quinn said. "I want to commend all the youth here today who are raising their voices against violence and taking a stand for keeping our communities safe. This task force will provide a fresh perspective and pursue new strategies that can help end the violence epidemic."

Sponsored by State Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), House Bill 2879 creates the Violence Prevention Task Force. Among its duties, the task force is charged with preventing violence by raising awareness of job opportunities for at-risk youth, assisting religious and community groups and organizations whose mission is to curb violence, and coordinating with mental health providers to assure that they are present in communities that need them.

"If we want to reduce violence, we must have the political will to do more than be tough on crime," Representative Ford said. "We must also become a more fair and just society and help meet the needs of every member of our community. This task force will work together with the House Committee on Restorative Justice that I chair to help give people hope and the ability to turn their lives around, which will make our neighborhoods safer."

"Youth violence has devastated our nation as homicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 29, and the epidemic is particularly rampant in Chicago," Senator Hunter said. "We must act now because more adolescents are killed in Chicago than any other U.S. city is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our children to do our best to protect them."

The task force will be comprised of six members, with one appointment made by the President of the Senate, one made by the Minority Leader of the Senate, one by the Speaker of the House and one by the Minority Leader of the House, with the remaining two being appointed by the Governor.

The law is effective immediately.

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On August 7^th, 2013, at approximately 11:05 AM a call came into the SECC Dispatch Center in reference to a motorcycle vs. deer crash near the intersection of 83^rd Avenue and Coonhunters Road.

This is a 2 lane paved road with gravel shoulders located in the western part of Scott County between Buffalo and Bluegrass.

The Scott County Accident Response Team was dispatched along with other Scott County Deputies, Blue Grass PD, Buffalo Fire, Buffalo Ambulance and Medforce.

The accident involved a yellow 2012 Honda GL1800 three wheel style motorcycle, driven by a white male from Muscatine, IA. (Name release pending family notification)

On scene investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling east on Coonhunters road when a deer entered the motorcycle's lane of travel. The motorcycle struck the deer head on which caused the driver to be ejected off of the motorcycle landing in the south side ditch just over 90 feet away.

The driver was flown by Medforce to Genesis East were he scrummed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The driver was not wearing a helmet.

This crash remains under investigation at this time.

Rock Island, IL, August 14 -Did you ever wish that you had a good excuse to shop? The Bling Bling Sisters are hosting a shop for charity day that will benefit Christian Care. Shop in their store on August 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a portion of all items purchased there will benefit Christian Care. The Bling Bling Sisters are located at 5169 Utica Ridge Road in Davenport (in Biaggi's parking lot). Visit their website at www.blingblingsisters.com for a showcase of items you can purchase for yourself, for gifts--and to help Christian Care.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their vision is to transform the lives of those they serve by providing their residents with an opportunity to start a new, more productive life. For more information on the event contact Lindsey at 309-786-5734.

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"Powerful and Poignant!"

• Program includes 80th season preview performances, surprise guests and special announcements.
• Entertainment includes prohibition era music before & after the program.
• Food and moonshine provided (with a cash bar available)
• Cocktail attire (If you prefer, dress for the era or add a hat for fun!)
• To get your ticket and password, contact the TCR Box Office or go to www.theatrecr.org/curtainraiser.
• Ticket and password required for entry.
• Make sure you are not being followed by anyone as to tip off the whereabouts of the soiree.