12 Aug 2013

The Gershwin's 'S Wonderful Ends the Season at TLP

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll--Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents the area premiere of 'S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical, an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the brilliant music and lyrics of brothers George and Ira Gershwin.  The show, which includes over 40 classics like "I've Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Summertime," "Rhapsody in Blue," and "Nice Work If You Can Get It," opens Thursday, August 15, 2013 and runs through Sunday, August 25th.

The show premiered in 2010 at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and has been a hit around the country. Five performers sing and dance their way through 5 different stories that transport the audience to 1940s Hollywood, 1920s New York, 1930s Paris, 1950s New Orleans and the present day. The cast includes Genna-Paige Kanago, Sarah Larson, Zak McMahon, Lexie Plath and Tim Wessel, all resident performers from TLP's 2013 company. Wessel and Cameron Turner (Monty Python's SPAMALOT) provide choreography.

Director Courtney Crouse said, "The beauty of the Gershwin's music and lyrics is palpable. The feelings they evoked when first written, they still evoke today. It connects deeply with people everywhere. The storytelling we do with dance adds to the universal nature of these themes. It moves us, and we identify. It's impossible not to."

Gold Series Subscriptions for TLP's next season are also on sale now. Summer 2014 brings a thrilling line-up that includes Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein, and the local premier of the most popular musical of all time, Les Miserables. The rest of the season includes the plays An Inspector Calls, which is a thrilling ghost story by J. B. Priestley, and Neil Simon's Rumors. Next summer will close with a revue of 60s hits called SHOUT! The Mod Musical.

Season subscriptions are  $100, 28% off the single ticket price. Subscription prices increase to $110 on September 1. Single tickets for TLP's 2014 mainstage season will go on sale in May 2014. Groups of 15 or more may reserve blocks of tickets immediately.

Waiting in the wings for the Magic Owl Children's Theatre are a new adaptation of Robin Hood in May and Pinkalicious the Musical in July and August, based on the ever-popular children's books by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. All Magic Owl Children's Theatre tickets are available now through the box office only.

'S Wonderful performs evenings at 7:30pm, and there are 2pm matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. There is also a Saturday matinee performance on the opening weekend at 3pm. Order tickets through the box office 10am - 5pm daily at 815-244-2035 or any time at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. Tickets are non-refundable.

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12 Aug 2013

HERNANDEZ, HOLMES CARRY BANDITS OVER RATTLERS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities turns second triple play of the season and remains 1 1/2 games behind Cedar Rapids

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 11, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez homered twice to drive in all five of the team's runs in a combined shutout effort from left-hander Brian Holmes and right-handers Zach Morton and Juan Minaya for a 5-0 victory over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in front of 4,171 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday night.

On a day of highlights, the River Bandits (30-18 second half, 68-49 overall) turned their second triple play of the season. With a 3-0 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Morton allowed back-to-back singles by catcher Parker Berberet and third baseman Alfredo Rodriguez. With both runners taking off on a pitch, center fielder Lance Roenicke hit a fly ball down the right-field line. River Bandits right fielder Jordan Scott made the catch before reaching the foul line, and he threw to first baseman Bobby Borchering to double off Rodriguez. Borchering then tossed to shortstop Austin Elkins at second base for the 9-3-6 triple play. Elkins was also part of a ground-ball, 5-4-3 triple play on April 28 at home against Great Lakes.

Quad Cities' last two triple plays before this season came in 2007, when second baseman Jaime Landin and first baseman Brandon Buckman were each part of triple plays May 31 against Clinton and June 16 against Beloit.

Holmes (4-3) was stellar in going six innings for a second straight start to earn his first win since May 3. He allowed three singles and a walk while striking out seven batters. He had three 1-2-3 innings and set down the final seven batters he faced. Morton worked around two hits and a walk in the seventh and eighth innings, and Minaya pitched around a single in a scoreless ninth inning. The Timber Rattlers (21-28, 50-64) were held to six hits and no runs after a seven-run, 12-hit, three-homer showing Saturday night.

Wisconsin starter Jorge Lopez (6-8) retired the first seven River Bandits hitters, including four on strikeouts, before Scott had a one-out bunt single in the third inning. Scott was later thrown out trying to steal third, but Elkins and second baseman Tony Kemp hit consecutive singles with two outs. Hernandez then drove an 0-1 offering to the Modern Woodmen Berm for a 3-0 lead. The four-hit, three-run inning was the only offense against Lopez, who retired seven straight hitters following the home run and finished with six strikeouts.

In the eighth inning, Kemp reached against right-hander Jono Armold on a fielding error by second baseman Chris McFarland. Hernandez then hit a 3-2 pitch just over the left-field fence to the berm, capping his 3-for-4, five-RBI game. His two home runs and five RBIs matched career highs set July 20, 2011, when he played in the Dominican Summer League against a Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate.

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, Aug. 12. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, Aug. 12. The River Bandits will play the rubber match of the series Monday at 7 p.m. against Wisconsin. Quad Cities right-hander and 2013 No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel (1-0) will face right-hander Austin Ross (0-0).
12 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Honor Illinois' Veterans

By Andrew Mason

Governor Signs Bills During Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD - In honor of Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn today signed several new laws to support our service members across Illinois. The laws today are designed to address the unique needs of women veterans; increase opportunities for veteran-owned businesses; and protect military memorials. These actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor, protect and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"Our men and women in uniform deserve our gratitude, and these new laws are a way of saying thanks," Governor Quinn said. "Memorials to our heroes should be treated with dignity and honor, and Illinois must be a state that supports our women veterans and veteran business owners. These laws will strengthen our mission of making Illinois the best state in the nation for our veterans."

"It is very fitting that these bills become the law of the land on Veterans Day at our State Fair," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "We appreciate Governor Quinn's leadership on veteran issues and his support for this community of proven public servants. These bills will help our women veterans and will assist veteran entrepreneurs to access more business opportunities."

The new laws signed today by Governor Quinn include :

House Bill 3346, sponsored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) and State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), requires the Illinois Discharged Service Member Task Force to evaluate the needs of women veterans and, as part of its fiscal year 2014 report, make recommendations regarding how to meet those needs. The law goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 2408, sponsored by State Representative Jerry Costello II (D-Belleville) and State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Matteson), allows small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans to also register as minority, disabled and women owned businesses when applicable. This gives these businesses more opportunity to do business with the state of Illinois. The law goes into effect immediately.

Senate Bill 1824, sponsored by State Senator John M. Sullivan (D-Rushville) and State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), requires those who build veteran memorials on public property to raise enough funds to cover the maintenance and preservation of the memorial as well as its construction. The law goes into effect immediately.

Senate Bill 2231, sponsored by State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and State Senator Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), increases penalties for criminal damage and defacement of veteran and military memorials. The law goes into effect January 1, 2014.

House Bill 3112, sponsored by State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan), allows the Learn Charter School in North Chicago to set aside 33 percent of its lottery seats for children of military personnel stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. This will help the Navy recruit more instructors for the base by offering enhanced educational opportunities for their children. The law goes into effect immediately.

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12 Aug 2013

TIMBER RATTLERS BLAST BANDITS IN 7-0 SHUTOUT

By Marco LaNave

Wisconsin hits three home runs and one-hits Quad Cities for series-opening win

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 10, 2013) - The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers scored three first-inning runs and hit three home runs - including two by left fielder Victor Roache - while their pitchers combined to one-hit the Quad Cities River Bandits in a 7-0 final in front of 5,544 at Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night.

The River Bandits (29-18 second half, 67-49 overall) had just one hit for the second time in a game this season, matching their season low from a 4-1 loss May 20 against Beloit. The Timber Rattlers (21-27 second half, 50-63 overall) allowed their fewest hits to an opponent this season, while not allowing the home team to advance a runner to second base until two outs in the ninth inning. The 7-0 loss was the largest shutout defeat for Quad Cities since dropping an 11-0 final at home to Beloit Aug. 21, 2012.

Timber Rattlers right-handers Tyler Wagner (9-8) and Harvey Martin combined for the shutout, with the former allowing a fourth-inning single by River Bandits left fielder Danry Vasquez. Wagner went five innings, giving up two walks and striking out five. Martin earned his second save by working around two hit batters and striking out one in the final four innings.

Wisconsin had a fast start against left-hander Joe Bircher (3-2). Center fielder Tyrone Taylor doubled to left field leading off the game and scored on a one-out RBI single by third baseman Mike Garza. Roache then hit the first of his two home runs to right-center field for a 3-0 lead. Bircher retired the next six hitters before allowing right fielder Michael Reed's third-inning double to left field that preceded another RBI single from Garza.

With a 4-0 lead, Wisconsin added a run in the fourth inning, as first baseman Parker Berberet hit a leadoff tiple and scored on a single by catcher Tyler Roberts. Garza led off the fifth inning with his fourth home run of the season for a 6-0 lead. Bircher gave up the first six runs - all earned - on nine hits while striking out four batters in the first five innings.

Roache tallied the final Wisconsin run by taking right-hander Daniel Minor's first pitch of the seventh inning out to left field. It was Roache's fifth home run in 10 games against the River Bandits and his 20th overall this season. Minor finished two innings from the Quad Cities bullpen, and right-hander Patrick Christensen worked around two hits to strike out four batters across the eighth and ninth innings.

The loss dropped Quad Cities 1 ½ games behind Cedar Rapids (31-17, 71-45) in the second-half standings. Peoria (25-23, 63-52) closed within 4 ½ games of the River Bandits for second place in the second half. The River Bandits have 22 games, including 12 at home, to finish the season.

The River Bandits will continue their series with Wisconsin at 5 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits left-hander Brian Holmes (3-3) will face Timber Rattlers right-hander Jorge Lopez (6-7).

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits' next home game is Sunday, when the the first 2,000 fans receive a Joe Mauer Bobblehead courtesy of Prairie Farms and FOX18. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

12 Aug 2013

Henry County's Kelsey Smith Crowned 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Kelsey Smith, 17, of Henry County was crowned the 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen by Gary McConnell, president of the Fair Board. The ceremony took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

The daughter of Jason and Debbie Smith of Mount Pleasant, Kelsey was chosen out of the 102 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Chandler Mores, 18, of Shelby County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Alan Mores and Donna Christensen-Mores of Harlan. Second runner-up was Megan Pretz, 18, of Louisa County, the daughter of Michael and Dayle Pretz of Columbus Junction. Adelai Swanson, 19, of Wright County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Stuart and Lori Swanson of Galt.

Natalie Hanson, representing the National Cattle Congress in Benton County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Robert and Maureen Hanson of La Porte City. Megan Black, 19, of Jefferson County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Matt and Dawn Black of Batavia.

Queen Kelsey, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a Tiffany Co. necklace and a personalized Iowa State Fair brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to be placed at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

The first runner-up earns a $1,300 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $700 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 Scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for those who placed and the Tiffany Co. necklace for the queen.

Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: County Fair queen photos are available. E-mail your request to the Iowa State Fair photographer at steve@stevepope.com or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.

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12 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Statement on Chicago's Jackie Robinson West Little League Team

By Grant Klinzman

Governor Quinn issued the below statement regarding Chicago's Jackie Robinson West Little League team who today played in the Great Lakes Championship and lost to Gross Pointe Shores, Michigan:

"Today we are all proud of Chicago's Jackie Robinson West Little Leaguers.

"These young players made it all the way to the Great Lakes Region Tournament Championship game.

"Jackie Robinson would be proud that this team - named in his honor - played hard all season and achieved such success. We are all proud of the parents, coaches and members of the community who supported them.

"It is so important for our state's youngest residents to be active and involved.

"Thank you, members of the Jackie Robinson West Little League team, for setting an example for the children of Illinois."

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12 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Educational Opportunities for Veterans

By Andrew Mason

New Laws Extend Tuition Waivers and Supplement Use of GI Bill Benefits 

SILVIS - Governor Pat Quinn today visited Hero Street in Silvis to sign two new laws that improve educational opportunities for Illinois veterans. The laws extend National Guard tuition waivers and allow students using their GI Bill of Rights benefits to be billed for tuition as in-state students. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to serve those who have served our country.

"The men and women of our National Guard are valuable members of any campus community," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will put more National Guard members in the classroom and are an easy way for the people of Illinois to say 'thank you.' Here on Hero Street, which has sent more than 100 residents into military service since World War II, and in every community in Illinois, we want to help our veterans and improve their lives."

"The Illinois National Guard grant is a great incentive for our Soldiers and Airmen to remain in the military," Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei said, "Now our experienced Illinois Guardsmen can earn two more years of education after ten years of service, which will ultimately enhance their value to their community, employer and overall military service."

Under Senate Bill 2229, sponsored by State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) and State Representative Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park), anyone with at least 10 years of service in the Illinois National Guard will be eligible for six years of tuition waivers instead of the current maximum of four years. This recognizes the fact that older service members may take a longer time to complete their studies. The new waiver takes effect in the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

"By furthering their education, National Guard members can advance their own careers while using the knowledge they've gained to better serve our state," Senator Frerichs said.

First created in 1976, the Illinois National Guard Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. During the 2011-2012 school year, 1,978 National Guard members took advantage of the grant program, with 804 attending a state university and 1,174 attending a community college. Illinois National Guard members should contact their college financial aid office to determine what portion of their total tuition and fees will be covered by the grant.

Governor Quinn today also signed House Bill 2353, which allows students using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to be billed as in-state students for the purpose of tuition. The benefit only applies state-supported institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The law is effective immediately.

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12 Aug 2013

BLUE WATER NAVY VETERANS SUE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ERIC SHINSEKI FOR FAILURE TO GRANT DISABILITY BENEFITS.

By Susan Belanger
In a suit filed in federal
court in Washington DC, two veterans organizations have filed suit against
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, for failing to provide
benefits to a group of Vietnam War veterans who served aboard ship off the
coast of Vietnam.  Over a hundred thousand of these Blue Water veterans
were exposed to Agent Orange through their drinking water while providing
gunfire support, air support and logistic support in the territorial seas
off the coast of the republic of Vietnam.   The Blue Water Navy Vietnam
Veterans Association, (BWNVVA) a not for profit corporation chartered to
advance the cause of the Blue Water Navy veterans, along with
Military-Veterans Advocacy (MVA) another non-profit who advocated for
veterans, filed the 32 page suit charging that the Secretary ignored
scientific evidence which showed the presence of Agent Orange in the
waters off shore as well as solid proof that the shipboard distillation
process, which converted saltwater to potable drinking water, enriched the
effect of the dioxin.  Attorney John Wells, who brought the suit, is a
retired Navy Commander and served as Chief Engineer on three Navy ships.
"I am very familiar with the naval operations at the time and the
distillation equipment that enriched the dioxin." Wells said.  "We have
taken this evidence to two separate committees of the Institute of
Medicine, and they agree that the distillation process, based on Henry's
law of thermodynamics, would have co-distilled and enriched the dioxin.
This confirmed an earlier study by the University of Queensland."  Wells
is the Executive Director of MVA and previously serves as Director of
Legal and Legislative Affairs for the BWNVVA.  After retiring as a surface
warfare officer he opened a law practice in Slidell Louisiana with
emphasis on military and veterans law.   John Paul Rossie, a retired
Information Technology expert, served in the Navy off the coast of
Vietnam.  Rossie has served the BWNVVA since its inception as its
Executive Director. He said as follows: "Sea service personnel operating
in the war zone were given a straight shot of Agent Orange into their
drinking water.  They drank it, showered in it and had their food prepared
with it," Rossie continued, "but the VA has just ignored them.  Now they
are dying and leaving their families without the VA compensation that they
earned."  Prior to 2002, the Blue Water Navy veterans were granted the
presumption of exposure. This was rescinded based on a 1997 VA General
Counsel's opinion that concluded the words "service in the Republic of
Vietnam" meant "service in-country."  Australia, an American ally in
Vietnam, has been granting benefits to their naval personnel since 2003.
The Blue Water Navy veterans actually won a restoration in benefits from
the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in 2006 but that decision was set
aside on administrative law grounds by the United States Court for the
Federal Circuit in 2008.  "This suit covers different grounds," Wells
noted.  "We are not attacking the lack of rulemaking as was the case in
the previous suit, but we are showing that the Secretary's decision was
arbitrary and capricious, unsupported by substantial evidence and in
violation of existing law. The VA currently grants the presumption of
exposure for ships that steamed into inland waterways that they have
arbitrarily defined as rivers.  What the VA either did not know or
intentionally ignored, is that the 1958 Convention on the Territorial Seas
and the Contiguous Zone, which the United States has signed and ratified,
includes bays and harbors as inland waterways.  Additionally the treaty
makes the territorial seas part of the sovereign territory of the nation.
"I sat down with John Gingrich, who at the time was the Chief of Staff for
the VA and showed him a picture of Da Nang Harbor (attached), which is
surrounded on three sides by land. He thought that the harbor was covered.
I had to show him his own manual which specifically excepted the harbors.
He agreed that the VA's position did not make sense and agreed to
re-visit it. Instead last December, the VA published a Notice saying that
they would not change their policy.  The VA did not return the telephone
calls I made to them after the notice was published."  The plight of the
Blue Water Navy veterans has support in Congress.  Presently 127 members
of the House (including Rep Mike Michaud (D-ME) ranking member of the
Veterans Affairs Committee) are co-sponsoring a bill by Rep. Chris Gibson
(R-NY) to restore the presumption of exposure to those who served in the
territorial seas of the Republic of Vietnam. "We are heartened by the
bi-partisan support of this bill," Rossie said, "but despite the support,
it is still stalled in Committee.  So while we are continuing to gather
support in Congress, we felt the need to also move forward in court.  Our
people are dropping like flies and we need to try any avenue we can to
obtain these benefits."  -End-
12 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs "Bring Your Parents to School Day" Law for Illinois Students

By Rick Martin
Governor Takes Bill Action at Annual Bud Billiken Parade Kick-Off

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn today signed legislation that encourages more parental involvement in school by allowing all Illinois schools districts to designate the first Monday in October as "Bring Your Parents to School Day." Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all children across the state are prepared to succeed in college, career and beyond.

Today's bill signing took place at the 84th annual Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, the largest and oldest back-to-school parade in the nation.

"A well-rounded education starts at home, and there is no better way to kick-off the school year right than with empowered parents," Governor Quinn said. "Every first Monday in October, our schoolhouse doors will open for 'Bring Your Parents to School Day,' giving everyone a chance to get involved and set clear goals for the year ahead."

House Bill 129 amends the Illinois School Code to allow school boards to designate the first Monday in October of each year as "Bring Your Parents to School Day." If adopted, school boards may permit parents and guardians to attend class with their children and meet with teachers and administrators during the school day. The legislation is designed to promote greater parental involvement, which a study by the National Center for Education Statistics has found leads to better grades throughout the child's educational career.

"Bring Your Parents to School Day" was sponsored by State Representative Emanuel Chris Welch and State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford and its purpose is to promote both involvement of parents in their child's education and student success.

"Kids are more likely to succeed in school when their parents are engaged," Senator Lightford said. "Bring Your Parents to School Day' is one more way schools can try to get them involved."

"Bring Your Parents to School Day will help give parents and guardians a better understanding of their students' coursework, daily activities and how to address various education challenges," Welch said. "This new law will also give parents an opportunity to work with teachers, sign up for the PTO and participate in other parent-involvement activities."

The law takes effect January 1, 2014.

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12 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Appoints Three New Workers' Compensation Arbitrators and One New Commissioner

By Rick Martin

Twelve Arbitrators Reappointed as Commission Sees Continued Success Following System Overhaul

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of three new arbitrators to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) who perform the duty of enforcing the provision of the Workers' Compensation Act. These three arbitrators will join the 27 who are currently serving. In 2011, Governor Quinn championed and signed into law historic worker's compensation reform legislation to overhaul the system in Illinois. Today's announcement continues the Governor's commitment to making Illinois government more efficient, accountable and effective.

"These individuals have years of professional experience that will benefit the Illinois' workers' compensation program," Governor Quinn said. "I am pleased to appoint these arbitrators and a commissioner who will work for the people of Illinois to resolve workers' compensation cases in a manner which treats injured workers with respect and ensures that employers in Illinois receive a fair and efficient resolution to claims."

The reforms signed into law by Governor Quinn in 2011 called on the Governor to appoint new arbitrators to the Commission, considering the recommendations made by the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board, which is a body composed of six members representing the employer community and six members representing employees and working people in Illinois. Arbitrators at the Commission are responsible for ruling on claims filed by employees who suffer an injury at work.

The law requires that all newly-appointed arbitrators must be attorneys and that both arbitrators and Commissioners are subject to the ethical rules and requirements followed by Illinois judges. Arbitrators and Commissioners must also take at least 20 hours of training every two years while in office regarding professional and ethical standards, detection of fraud, evidence-based medical treatment, and Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis.

Governor Quinn appointed the following new arbitrators to the IWCC:

 

·         Molly Dearing, J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law; B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; A.A., Southeastern Illinois College

·         Jeffrey Huebsch, J.D., Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent Law School; B.A., North Central College

·         Ketki Steffen, J.D., The John Marshall Law School; B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Governor has appointed the following Commissioner to the Workers' Compensation Commission:

·         Michael Brennan, J.D., DePaul University College of Law; B.A., DePaul University

 

The Governor reappointed the following Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Arbitrators:

·         William Gallagher, J.D., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale; B.A., Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

·         Carolyn Doherty, J.D., The John Marshall Law School; B.A., Marquette University

 

·         Joshua Luskin, J.D., University of Michigan; B.A., Macalester College

·         Robert Williams J.D., Loyola Law School of Chicago; M.B.A. University of Illinois at Chicago; B.S., Le Moyne-Owen College

·         Barbara Flores, J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law; B.S., University of Illinois

·         Deborah Simpson, J.D., The John Marshall Law School; B.A., DePaul University

·         Brian Cronin, M.B.A., University of Chicago; B.B.A., University of Notre Dame

·         Kurt Carlson, J.D., The John Marshall Law School; B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison

·         Gregory Dollison, Paralegal Certificate, Roosevelt University; B.S., Illinois Institute of Technology

·         Edward Lee, J.D., The John Marshall Law School; B.A., Tulane University

·         Molly Mason, J.D., Loyola University Law School; B.A., Harvard University

·         Douglas McCarthy, J.D., Southern Illinois University Law School; M.A., Sangamon State; B.S., Illinois State University

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