Stakeholders to monitor Mississippi river levels; aim to prevent halt in barge traffic

CARLYLE - December 7, 2012. One day after sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging it to protect Mississippi River commerce, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon convened a quarterly meeting of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) today to address low water levels that are jeopardizing barge traffic along the river.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has previously rejected requests from state and local officials to allow increased flow from the Missouri River into the Mississippi River to offset low river levels in the Mississippi. Simon is asking officials to continuously monitor river levels and reconsider this decision if necessary.

"Extreme drought earlier this year has caused dramatically low water levels across the country, which is particularly noticeable in the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cairo," said Simon. "I asked the Army Corps to closely monitor this situation and intervene if necessary to preserve this essential economic resource and keep barge traffic moving along the Mississippi."

Officials representing the USACE attended the meeting today and highlighted the impact the 2012 drought has had on water levels of both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The USACE is bound by law to annually reduce the amount of water flowing from the Missouri River in order to preserve the upper Missouri River basin. Revised forecasts show the Mississippi river water level isn't falling as fast as first projected, and the Army Corps is ready to remove rock pinnacles that could stand in the way of some barge traffic.

Lt. Governor Simon will maintain close contact with the USACE and state and federal leaders as they monitor the situation and take further action. Already water levels are approaching 1989's record drought levels, and barges are currently required to carry lighter loads. Proceeding to cut off water flow from the Missouri River could completely halt barge traffic as early as this month. The Corps continues to monitor water levels and will start blasting rock structures that could obstruct barges along the Mississippi River early next month.

"The Corps of Engineers has to consider the different needs of people, economy and the environment when making decisions about our water resources," said Colonel Chris Hall, commander of the St. Louis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "That is a challenge in years with typical water levels; it is critical in a drought. We've been able to maintain an authorized channel that keeps commerce moving on the middle Mississippi River despite historic low levels. This is only the first year of what could be a persistent drought, so we need to look at the impacts of our decisions with that in mind."

Mississippi River commerce is estimated to be a $180 billion a year industry. If water levels drop below nine feet, barge traffic from St. Louis to Cairo, Ill. could be shut down. Corporation heads from Caterpillar, ADM, Navistar and others have joined Lt. Governor Simon in writing to Assistant Secretary Darcy. Governor Pat Quinn's administration also continues to work with federal officials to keep the river open.

Lt. Governor Simon chairs the Mississippi River Coordinating Council, composed of a diverse group of citizens, not-for-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies. The Council coordinates initiatives, projects and funding to promote the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries by addressing the issues in the watershed.

40-Year Law Enforcement Veteran to Help Protect State's Vulnerable Adults with Disabilities

CHICAGO - December 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of Michael McCotter as Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). McCotter, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, recently was charged with investigating and issuing a report to reform the investigative operations of the DHS Inspector General's office (OIG). He will now take the lead in implementing reforms that will overhaul the OIG office, ensure accountability and strengthen protections for adults with disabilities.

"Michael McCotter's strong law enforcement experience and dedication to reform will help ensure that any abuse and neglect suffered by citizens with disabilities in Illinois is rooted out quickly and punished appropriately," Governor Quinn said. "His appointment as Inspector General underscores my commitment to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect. I thank Daniel Dyslin for serving in the role as Acting Inspector General to ensure my Executive Order reforms were immediately implemented."

Following reports of abuse and neglect earlier this year, Governor Quinn issued an executive order to strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of such mistreatment and ensure that potential cases will be properly reviewed and referred to the appropriate authorities. The governor also directed a comprehensive overhaul of the office to ensure accountability and the protection of our most fragile citizens. He appointed McCotter to investigate the operations of the Inspector General and develop recommendations for reform.

As Special Investigator, McCotter conducted a thorough review of the OIG's investigative procedures, policies and cases, and released a report including recommended reforms in October. The report's recommendations are designed to ensure the OIG fulfills its mission of protecting people with disabilities.

Based on the reforms proposed in McCotter's report, Governor Quinn is working with advocates and members of the General Assembly to propose legislation that will restructure and improve the way the state provides investigation, service and support for victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation in the community.

McCotter was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as chief public safety officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections and has served in several senior positions at the Chicago Police Department, including chief of patrol, deputy chief of detectives, commander of special events and district commander. He has had professional training with the FBI, United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other law enforcement agencies.

CHICAGO - December 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 1566

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Creates an additional $2 surcharge to be collected for certain vehicles beginning with the 2014 registration year to be deposited into the Park and Conservation Fund for the Department of Natural Resources to use for conservation efforts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2013

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WHITEWATER, WI (12/07/2012)(readMedia)-- The Warhawk women bowlers, ranked 14th in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Top 20 preseason poll, have finished in the top five in every competition this season. Head Coach Leann Eimermann is excited to see how far her team can go.

"This is the first season that we have a chance to make it to the NCAA Nationals because the women have the experience and talent needed to compete with the top teams in the nation," Eimermann said.

Coach Eimermann looks for solid performances from her players, including Kayla Betz, a junior biology major from Sterling, Ill.

"Bowling competition is a little unique as all three divisions compete together. Currently there are about 70 schools and about five total Division III programs involved," said Eimermann.

UW-Whitewater traveled to the Track Kat Klash Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The Warhawks finished second in a field of 16.

The Warhawk bowlers will compete Jan. 11-12 in the Mid-Winter Classic in Jonesboro, Ark.