25 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Delivers Supplies to Help Tornado Recovery in Brookport

By Brooke Anderson

Portion of Donated Items for Philippine Relief Will Help Hundreds in Southern Illinois Who Lost Homes, Possessions in Storm

BROOKPORT - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the delivery of nearly 300 pallets of donated supplies to help people in Brookport recover from the deadly tornado that damaged or destroyed more than 150 homes. Prior to the Nov. 17 tornadoes, the supplies were originally collected to provide assistance for people who were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, but the Rizal Center has not yet been able to transport the goods to the Philippines.

Over the weekend, Governor Quinn stepped in and worked with the Help for Haiyan relief effort and Rizal Center to send a portion of the donated supplies directly to Brookport to aid residents recovering from the deadly storms. Today the state of Illinois loaded and delivered nearly 300 pallets to Brookport.

"Illinois is a community of shared values and we will always help our neighbors when they're in need," Governor Quinn said. "Now that we have an emergency situation here at home, these supplies will immediately aid those who need it the most."

The items, which include 10,000 pounds of water, and 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, medical supplies and more, had been stored at the Rizal Center's Fellowship Hall in Chicago while transportation options to the Philippines were pursued. On Nov. 15, the governor submitted a request to federal officials for permission to use the Illinois National Guard to send the aid to the Philippines. The tornadoes hit Illinois on Nov. 17.

"We appreciate what Governor Quinn is doing to move donated supplies to people in need," Rose Tibayan, co-organizer of the Help for Haiyan relief effort, said. "We have been unable to move all of our donations overseas, so we are grateful for this opportunity to work with our Governor to help families in our home state."

Governor Quinn also announced the opening of a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Brookport to make it easier for people affected by the tornadoes to access disaster-related relief services and information. The MARC, which will be open today and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 306 Crockett (behind the Elementary School), will bring together representatives from several local and state agencies in one location.

The Governor is committed to helping communities across Illinois recover following the Nov. 17 storms. For more information about disaster recovery resources, including shelters and ways to help tornado survivors, visit www.ready.illinois.gov.

###

25 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Aid for 15 Tornado-Ravaged Counties

By Grant Klinzman

Nearly 1,000 Uninhabitable Homes Across Illinois; 2,441 Homes Damaged by Tornadoes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama to declare 15 Illinois counties major disaster areas to help people and businesses recover from a violent outbreak of tornadoes across the state on Nov. 17. Governor Quinn requested a federal disaster declaration for Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

"The lives of thousands of people across Illinois were torn apart by this deadly outbreak of tornadoes," Governor Quinn said. "We expedited the damage assessment process in order to submit this request and the required documentation as soon as possible. I encourage President Obama to quickly approve this request and help our communities recover and rebuild."

Governor Quinn made the request after five teams comprising personnel from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials assessed damage in the 15 counties hit by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms. The teams identified 2,441 homes that were damaged, including 781 homes that were destroyed. The teams completed their assessments in less than four days.

If Governor Quinn's request is approved, people in the approved counties would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. In addition, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

Representatives from IEMA and FEMA will meet with local government officials beginning in early December to document expenses related to the tornadoes and storms, including emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of roads, bridges and other public facilities. That information could be used to support a request for federal assistance to help state and local governments recoup a portion of eligible tornado-related expenses.

Under the Governor's direction, the state continues to support recovery efforts in several communities hard hit by the tornadoes. The State Incident Response Center in Springfield is activated to coordinate deployment of state assets and personnel in response to requests from affected areas.

Trucks and heavy equipment from the Illinois Department of Transportation and inmate crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections continue to assist with removal of massive amounts of debris in communities. IEMA personnel were deployed to impacted communities, where they continue to coordinate with local officials on a variety of disaster-related issues. The state also continues to provide law enforcement officers to assist with security and other issues in affected communities.

Several state and local agencies are helping tornado survivors with a variety of issues at Multi-Agency Resources Centers (MARCs) set up in Washington and Brookport through Tuesday. The Illinois departments of Human Services, Insurance and on Aging have staff at both MARCs, and the Secretary of State's Office will be on hand to help residents with driver's licenses, vehicle registration and other issues.

The American Red Cross will provide client casework, information and referrals. More than 20 local disaster relief agencies will also be there to provide assistance and give people much needed information about their recovery process. Additionally, there will be bulk distribution of a variety of items.

For more information about disaster recovery resources, including shelters and ways to help tornado survivors, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

###
25 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Opening of Washington Multi-Agency Resource Center

By Brooke Anderson

Center Offers Disaster Information, Assistance for Tornado Survivors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Washington to make it easier for people affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes to access disaster-related relief services and information. The MARC will bring together representatives from more than 20 local and state agencies in one location.

"The MARC will be a one-stop shop for people affected by the deadly tornadoes to connect with the services and information that are available to them," Governor Quinn said. "While the recovery will be long and hard, we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that every community can rebuild."

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes is encouraged to visit the MARC at Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road in Washington from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sat., Nov. 23 through Tues., Nov. 26. Proof of address is requested.

State agencies offering assistance Saturday through Tuesday at the Washington MARC include the departments on Aging and Human Services. The Department of Insurance will offer help with insurance issues at the MARC on Monday and Tuesday. The Secretary of State's Drivers Services Mobile Unit will be at the site on Monday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The American Red Cross will provide client casework, information and referrals. More than 20 local disaster relief agencies will also be there to provide assistance and give people much needed information about their recovery process. Additionally, there will be bulk distribution of a variety of items.

After less than one day of documenting tornado damage in four tornado-affected areas of Illinois, damage assessment teams from IEMA, FEMA, the SBA and local officials have already surveyed more than 400 homes, including 281 homes that were destroyed, 58 that suffered major damage and 120 that also were damaged. The teams will work throughout the weekend and into next week until complete.

Governor Quinn has declared 15 counties state disaster areas following a severe storm system that generated at least 25 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF4 tornadoes. Counties included in the declaration are Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

For more information about disaster recovery resources go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

###
25 Nov 2013

Simon surveys storm recovery, calls for donations

By Ted Nelson

Simon surveys storm recovery in Gifford, Brookport

Urges Illinois residents to make donations to support recovery

GIFFORD - Nov. 22, 2013. Less than a week before Thanksgiving, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today surveyed storm damage in the towns of Gifford and Brookport and urged Illinois residents to donate to recovery efforts. A total of 15 Illinois counties have been declared disaster areas by the Governor in the aftermath of Sunday's tornadoes.

"The work to rebuild these communities is just beginning," said Simon, who chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "As we get ready to celebrate the holidays, I urge people to honor the spirit of the season by reaching into their pockets to help support ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts."

Officials from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began preliminary assessments Thursday that will enable towns to apply for federal disaster aid. Earlier this week, Simon participated in the Help on the Homefront Telethon, which raised more than $786,000 for the American Red Cross, and fund raising efforts are ongoing.

More than 22,000 meals have been provided by the Red Cross, which deployed 21 emergency response trucks from around the country and operated nine overnight shelters until residents could find alternative housing, said Kelly Formoso, manager of the Champaign office of the Red Cross.

The National Weather Service reports that 24 tornadoes swept across Illinois on Sunday, killing six people, injuring 180 residents and devastating rural communities. The Governor expects the total  number of homes damaged and destroyed to exceed 1,500. However, residents in the areas affected are beginning to see signs of recovery. Power has been restored in several areas, and schools are open.

In order to donate to the American Red Cross, click here or visit www.redcross.org. Donations designated for "Illinois tornadoes and storms" will remain local.

###
22 Nov 2013

EPA decision to continue violating Administrative Procedure Act

By Grassley Press
Friday, November 22, 2013

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has decided to enforce guidance on wastewater treatment as if it were a binding rule without going through the proper rulemaking process for all areas of the country except for the 8th Circuit, where it lost a court case.  Earlier, the EPA confirmed it was enforcing the new requirement in correspondence with Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit invalidated the EPA's action, deciding that EPA changed its policy without notice and comment, as required by law.  Now, the EPA says it will implement that decision only in the 8th Circuit.  The agency will continue to enforce guidance on wastewater treatment as if it were a formal rule, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, in the rest of the country.

Sen. Grassley and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, have been critical of the EPA's action.  They made the following comments on the latest decision from the EPA.

Grassley comment:  "The EPA tried to violate basic rule-making procedures and got caught.  Now, the agency is enforcing the violation everywhere except for the court circuit where it lost its case.  This isn't the way to conduct agency business.  The rules are in place for good reason.  They're meant to keep the public involved and informed of major decision-making and hold agencies accountability for their decisions.  The EPA should have followed the letter of the law."

Vitter comment:  "The EPA is trying to sneak in a burdensome, new water treatment regulation despite the Courts ruling against them. They need to unambiguously and fairly apply the invalidation of this illegal water treatment regulation on a national level."

22 Nov 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to survey storm damage in Gifford, Brookport and call for donations

By Annie Thompson

GIFFORD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Friday will survey tornado damage in the towns of Gifford and Brookport and call for donations to assist recovery going into the holiday season. Simon participated this week in the Help on the Homefront telethon that raised more than $786,000 for the American Red Cross, and more support is needed. As of Thursday, Governor Pat Quinn had declared 15 counties disaster areas, and teams are conducting assessments to seek federal assistance.

 

"The cleanup and rebuilding in these rural communities will not happen overnight, and we need to all lend a hand," said Simon. "I encourage everyone to dig into their pockets and help support the tremendous task ahead."

 

FRIDAY, NOV. 22

 

EVENT: Survey of Gifford storm recovery

TIME: 10:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Gifford Fire Station, 404 N. Main St., Gifford

 

EVENT: Survey of Brookport storm recovery

TIME: 3:45 p.m.

LOCATION: First Baptist Church, 700 Pell St., Brookport

 

###
21 Nov 2013

Chad Pregracke is the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year

By Nora Coyne-Logan

Thank you! It was announced Tuesday night that Chad Pregracke, a Quad Cities native, is the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.

There were tens of thousands of people who spoke out passionately and took action to get Chad Pregracke recognized as the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year. Some because they are passionate about keeping America's rivers clean and others are moved and inspired by his humility, energy, determination, work ethic and sincerity.  Regardless of your motivation to support, vote and encourage others to rally behind Chad, the truth is, while Chad leads the charge and is relentless and driven; it's with his staff, crew, board, sponsors, media, YOU and more than 70,000 volunteers who are the difference makers.

The generosity and support that helped propel Living Lands & Waters and Chad to be voted as the 2013 CNN Hero is overwhelming. From his hometown, Quad Cities, to up and down the Mississippi River and beyond through our sponsors and colleges who have worked with us, to all of their friends and family from all over the country, people came together and made a statement to the world that our environment is important and keeping our rivers clean is what really matters.  Thank you for your votes, support and validating Chad's work and passion for the past 15 years. Thank you for being a part of a grass roots movement that has garnered international recognition. Thank you for making a difference.

21 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Adds Fayette and Vermilion Counties to State Disaster Declaration

By Grant Klinzman

Warns Tornado Survivors of Dangers of Sleeping in Vehicles

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today declared Fayette and Vermilion counties state disaster areas, bringing to 15 the number of Illinois counties to receive the designation after several tornadoes ravaged the state on Sunday. Other counties declared state disaster areas by Governor Quinn include Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

"The initial damage reports continue to pour into the State Emergency Operations Center, illustrating just how far-reaching these deadly storms were," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois will recover and we will rebuild our communities, but we expect the total number of homes damaged and destroyed will exceed 1,500. That's why it is so important for those who have been impacted in our hardest-hit areas to document damages and save their receipts in order to qualify for future assistance."

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

On Monday, Governor Quinn personally inspected the damage in some of Illinois' hardest hit communities: Washington, Diamond, Gifford, Brookport and New Minden.

Governor Quinn also urged people whose homes were heavily damaged or destroyed to stay with friends, family, at a local shelter or in a hotel, and not in their vehicles. State officials have heard reports of people sleeping in their vehicles, which can result in serious health effects or death if carbon monoxide builds up in a running vehicle.

"You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. "We want to help people stay safe and healthy as we pick up and rebuild in communities around the state. Do not stay or sleep in your car if your home has been damaged. Instead, take advantage of the shelters and other resources available."

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.  People who have lost power and are heating their homes using an appliance that burns fuel should make sure the appliances are working properly and are being used correctly.  Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances.

Symptoms of mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning may resemble winter flu and can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and lethargy. Higher levels of exposure can cause fainting, confusion and collapse. If exposure to carbon monoxide continues, death can result.

For more information about disaster recovery resources, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

###

20 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Announces FEMA Tornado Damage Assessments Will Begin November 21

By Brooke Anderson

Documentation Will Support Request for Federal Assistance

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin damage assessments on Thursday, November 21 in several Illinois counties devastated by Sunday's tornadoes and severe storms. The assessments were requested by the Governor and will provide the documentation necessary to support a request for federal assistance.

"The state of Illinois is doing everything necessary to ensure that every community impacted by these deadly tornados can rebuild and recover," Governor Quinn said. "These teams will gather information to help us quickly submit a federal disaster assistance request."

Five teams comprising personnel from FEMA, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management agencies will begin assessing damage to homes and businesses in Champaign, Grundy, Massac, Pope, Tazewell and Will counties on Thursday. The teams will continue until they have assessed damage in these counties plus the others that Governor Quinn declared state disaster areas - Douglas, Jasper, LaSalle, Pope, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and Woodford.

Assessment teams from IEMA and FEMA will begin meeting with local government officials in early December to collect information about disaster-related expenses they incurred. That information could be used to support a state request for federal assistance to reimburse units of government for 75 percent of their eligible expenses.

Governor Quinn on Monday surveyed damage and met with local officials in the severely impacted communities of Washington, Diamond, Gifford, Brookport and New Minden.

Governor Quinn activated the State Incident Response Center on Sunday to coordinate the deployment of state personnel and assets to assist local governments in the affected areas. The state's tornado response is coordinated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. State assistance provided to tornado-impacted communities to date includes:

·         Personnel from IEMA to the affected communities to assist with response and recovery issues.

·         Four Technical Rescue Teams were sent to Washington.

·         One Technical Rescue Team was sent to Gifford.

·         Two three-man engine companies will work 12-hour shifts through Wednesday in Gifford to provide much-needed relief to the town's firefighters.

·         More than 40 light towers have been delivered to assist with nighttime operations in Washington (26), Pekin (6), Gifford (10) and Brookport (2).

·         Command vehicles have been deployed to Washington and Pekin to support response operations.

·         Gifford was assisted with public water supply interruption.

·         Law enforcement support has come from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and Illinois Commerce Commission officers.

·         One five-person Emergency Management Assistance Team support trailer and 10 Starcom radios have been provided to Brookport.

·         40 Starcom 21 radios have been provided to assist Washington responders with emergency communications.

·         A programmable sign board from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to Gifford for emergency information

In addition, IDOT and the Illinois Department of Corrections are coordinating with local officials to provide assistance with clean up of debris in tornado-impacted communities.

 ###

19 Nov 2013

Governor Quinn Adds Six Counties to State Disaster Declaration

By Brooke Anderson

Volunteer Efforts Underway to Assist Victims of Recent Tornadoes; Department of Insurance Offering Free Counseling in Washington

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today declared Douglas, Jasper, Pope, Wabash, Wayne and Will counties state disaster areas following violent storms and tornadoes on Sunday that affected several regions of the state. The declaration increases the number of declared counties to 13. On Monday, Governor Quinn declared Champaign, Grundy, LaSalle, Massac, Tazewell, Washington and Woodford counties state disaster areas after a severe storm system ripped across Illinois, spawning at least two EF4 tornadoes.

"Yesterday I saw firsthand the devastation caused by these deadly storms," Governor Quinn said. "While the recovery will be long and hard, we will work in the coming days, weeks and months to assist these communities and help the people who live there rebuild their lives."

On Monday, Governor Quinn personally inspected the damage in some of Illinois' hardest hit communities: Washington, Diamond, Gifford, Brookport and New Minden.

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and provide assistance with security and other public safety issues.

Governor Quinn also announced that volunteer efforts are well underway to assist the victims of the November 17 tornadoes that devastated several communities in Illinois. Financial donations to volunteer disaster response agencies are the best way to help. Cash donations allow these agencies to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed. If materials are donated, they should only be those items specifically requested by officials, and these should be brought to officially designated collection centers.

Those who wish to volunteer in person should not go to the disaster scene, since there are far more volunteer offers than there are volunteer needs, and the arrival of unexpected volunteers will interfere with recovery efforts. Volunteers should first go to a reputable volunteer agency that is responding to the disaster, and they will be assigned when and where their services can best be used. Volunteers should be patient and wait until they can be adequately trained by relief agencies. The most crucial need will be for volunteers during the long-term recovery phase, which could last for several months.

Volunteer information for specific areas is listed below. For more information visit Ready.illinois.gov for information on specific sites that can utilize volunteers.

·         Gifford (Champaign County). American Red Cross-Central Illinois chapter, (217) 351-5861.

·         Coal City (Grundy County). Coal City High School, Mr. Rich Kapinus, (815) 207-0926.

·         Washington County. No need for volunteers or donations at this time.

·         City of Washington (Tazewell County). Call (309) 573-4035.

In addition, the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) will offer free one-on-one insurance counseling services to assist Washington residents recovering from the November 17 tornado. DOI staff will help individuals with the insurance claims process by providing information on how to properly document storm damage, whether to make temporary repairs, what a consumer's homeowner policy covers and what to expect during the claims process.

The first day of counseling will take place on Tuesday, November 19 in the Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot at 1980 Freedom Parkway in Washington. Those seeking assistance should arrive by 10 a.m. DOI staff will offer free counseling daily thereafter from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If available, consumers should bring an inventory of contents, policy information and all documentation they have received from company adjusters or public adjusters.

Other state assistance to impacted communities to date includes:

·         Four Technical Rescue Teams were sent to Washington.

·         One Technical Rescue Team was sent to Gifford.

·         Two three-man engine companies will work 12-hour shifts through Wednesday in Gifford to provide much-needed relief to the town's firefighters.

·         More than 40 light towers have been delivered to assist with nighttime operations in Washington (26), Pekin (6), Gifford (10) and Brookport (2).

·         Command vehicles have been deployed to Washington and Pekin to support response operations.

·         Law enforcement support has come from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and Illinois Commerce Commission officers.

·         One five-person Emergency Management Assistance Team support trailer and 10 Starcom radios have been provided to Brookport.

·         40 Starcom 21 radios have been provided to assist Washington responders with emergency communications.

 

###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.