WICS Top Stories

Taxing Medical Marijuana

Fri, May 17 2013, 10:15 PM CDT

With a vote of 32-to-21, IL Senators gave the seal of approval to a four year medical marijuana pilot program. State Representatives had already done so in April.

"Every year over a hundred-thousand people die from overdosing on narcotics, and I've never once heard of anyone overdosing on marijuana-- never once, " Jeanne Malone of Ascent Counseling said. ...

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Stops in Decatur

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:29 PM CDT

58,242 names each inscribed on a traveling "Wall That Heals." As the wall makes a stop in Decatur people are reconnecting with friends and loved ones who fought and died in the Vietnam War.

"The whole purpose of this wall is so people who cannot get to D. ...

Students the Highlight in LLCC Commencement

Fri, May 17 2013, 12:15 PM CDT

Commencement is a time for recognizing academic achievements and celebrating accomplishments with family and friends. Tonight, Lincoln Land Community college holds its commencement.
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Zainab Jasim was born in Iraq and came the United States when she was young. ...

Ex-Girlfriends Testify in Harris Trial

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:16 PM CDT

An ex-girlfriend of the man charged with killing five members of a Beason family says he appeared "normal" hours after the crime.

Today, prosecutors showed pictures of Christopher Harris and his ex spending an afternoon together at the same time police officers were discovering the bodies. ...

Still No Senate Vote on Concealed Carry

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:08 PM CDT

A new concealed carry measure was expected to come up for a vote in the Illinois Senate today, but the sponsor didn't call it--and isn't sure when the measure may be called.

The bill's sponsor, Kwame Raoul, blamed the lack of action on what he calls "extremists. ...

DNA Analyst Testifies in Harris Trial

Fri, May 17 2013, 04:40 PM CDT

A forensic scientist says Christopher Harris' DNA links him to the home where five people were beaten to death in Beason in 2009. The forensic expert with Illinois State Police testified in Harris' trial today.

The DNA analyst examined blood stains on a number of pieces of evidence. ...

Senate Approves Medical Marijuana

Fri, May 17 2013, 01:13 PM CDT

UPDATED May 17, 4:28 p.m.
Legalizing medical marijuana in Illinois is now up to the governor. Both the House and Senate have passed the measure, which would legalize marijuana for those suffering from certain medical conditions.

The measure is a four-year pilot program that would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients suffering from any one of a list of conditions. ...

Save Old Springfield Rallying for Enos School

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:01 PM CDT

A group called Save Old Springfield wants the new District 186 school board to reconsider tearing down the historic Enos School.

The group has written a letter to the new board president, Chuck Flamini, outlining some reasons why the building is worth saving. ...

Cancer Society Needs Minorities For Research Study

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:52 PM CDT

Cancer survivors like Julius Simmons are on a mission to improve treatments for the disease.

He travels to Chicago to participate in research studies. Just like Julius, the American Cancer Society is giving you an opportunity to make a change in a cancer patient's life. ...

$5 or Less Store Opens in Springfield

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:30 PM CDT

A new store is opening in Springfield for folks living on a budget. It's called Five Below, and all the products there cost $5 or less.

It's in White Oaks Plaza, and will be open seven days a week.

The store targets teens and preteens and will offer several categories, including fashion accessories, iPhone, Galaxy, and tablet accessories, and video games. ...

Mural Project Begins on Fifth Street

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:27 PM CDT

Springfield's own Michael Mayosky is creating a mural honoring Abraham Lincoln on Fifth Street. He began Thursday with power washing the side of The Alamo. Mayosky continued to work on the project until 5:00 this morning. Not tired, he's back out there now, creating his masterpiece. ...

Dental Group Offers Free Services

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:23 PM CDT

A trip to the dentist may not be everybody's favorite thing, but for people who need dental work and can't afford it, free screenings and events can be the only way to get the work done that they need.

Today, the Dental Group of Springfield offered free dental work to adults in the community. ...

Springfield Police Nab Burglars In the Act

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:19 PM CDT

A couple of burglars were caught in the act Thursday in Springfield. Two men broke into a residential garage on West Vine. A witness saw them and called police. Within one minute, police arrived and found the burglars hiding inside the garage.

There was several thousand dollars worth of lawn care equipment inside, belonging to a local lawn care company. ...

District 186 Kids Explore Big Trucks

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:05 PM CDT

District 186 held its annual Big Truck Day today. The day gives children a chance to see and get into vehicles like ambulances, tow trucks, and fire trucks, to name a few.

While this day is meant to be fun for the kids, it could spark their interests in starting a career in certain fields. ...

Festival Season Kicks Off in Springfield

Fri, May 17 2013, 04:58 PM CDT

It's the kickoff of Springfield's summer festival season, and downtown is gearing up for a busy weekend.

The Sixth Annual Art of Illinois Wine Festival is taking place this weekend. It provides wine enthusiasts the opportunity to visit all of their favorite area wine makers in one location. ...

Powerball Jackpot Largest Ever

Fri, May 17 2013, 04:53 PM CDT

The PowerBall jackpot is growing toward its largest prize ever--$600 million.

The last time someone won the jackpot was March 30, so the record-breaking grand prize has been consistently rising ever since.

Lottery officials are giving credit for the huge jackpot to the new $2 lottery tickets. ...

Rushville Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Fri, May 17 2013, 04:50 PM CDT

A Rushville man is dead following a two-vehicle accident in Cass County early this morning. Illinois State Police say a truck driven by James Stock, 16, of Virginia was stopped and getting ready to turn at the intersection of Route 125 and Duncan Avenue. Police say Stock apparently didn't see the motorcycle heading east on 125, and the two vehicles collided. ...

Simon Calls for College Cost Transparency

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:34 AM CDT

College students aren't the only ones getting graded. Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon wants to see all colleges and universities in Illinois feature a link to the Federal College Scorecard on their websites.

The scorecard would identify average costs, graduation rates, loan default rates, and areas where students can better estimate costs based on their personal goals. ...

Two Injured in Accident Involving Semi

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:31 AM CDT

A semi and two SUVs collided on Springfield's southeast side around 8:00 this morning.

The accident happened near the intersection of 11th and Wellesley.

One of the SUVs rolled over. Two people in that vehicle were taken to St. John's hospital. ...

Crime Stoppers: Aggravated Battery at Super Pantry

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:26 AM CDT

A heated argument in Springfield left one man with a severe head injury, and police looking for the guy who nearly killed him with one punch.

Police are asking for information about the attack at a Mobil Super Pantry on North Grand Avenue last month. ...

Infant Body Found in Des Plaines River

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:24 AM CDT

Authorities say DNA will be used to determine the identity of the decomposed remains of an infant found earlier this week in the Des Plaines River.

As you may remember, a search had been going on to find the body of Bryeon Hunter, 1. His mom reported him missing in April. ...

New Details in Normal High School Shots Fired

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:17 AM CDT

The father of a central Illinois teenager who pulled a gun in his class and fired shots into the ceiling has admitted to giving the boy the weapon.

Rodney Kinder, 43, pleaded guilty to unlawful delivery of a firearm of a minor. He was given two months' probation. ...

Why Are TIF Funds Necessary for Development?

Fri, May 17 2013, 11:12 AM CDT

Hundreds Expected to Walk for March of Dimes

Fri, May 17 2013, 05:13 AM CDT

Nearly 500,000 babies are born too soon, and prematurity is not only the leading cause of death. Infants can also be born with a variety of disabilities and illnesses, which is why hundreds of residents will be marching this Saturday to help save lives.

"Years ago, Franklin Roosevelt sent out letters to everyone across the United States asking them to send a dime in to the White House, and that's really how the March of Dimes originated," Shannon Mathis of the Central Illinois Division of the March of Dimes said. ...

District 186 Rebuilding Schools

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:02 PM CDT

Out with the old and in with the new, new school that is.

Construction is almost complete on the brand new Enos Elementary. "The learning environment will be much greater, it will be better for the students. Not only that, the teachers will have a better working environment as well," Dave Smith, director of operations and maintenance, said. ...

Concealed Carry Legislation Moving Forward

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:23 PM CDT

A piece of concealed carry legislation is moving forward at the capitol as lawmakers race to put something together before a court-ordered deadline.

On June 9, a federal judge will throw out the state's existing ban on concealed carry. Today, a bill in the Senate takes center stage. ...

Waste Watch: State Paying for Vacant Building

Thu, May 16 2013, 03:44 PM CDT

More than 10 years after the state shut its doors, the future of the Lincoln Developmental Center remains unclear. The campus is mostly deserted, but you may be surprised to learn the facility is still costing you money.

Locks and signs close off the roads to the LDC. ...

Harris Brother Admits Lying to Police

Thu, May 16 2013, 04:13 PM CDT

The brother of Christopher Harris, the man charged with beating five members of a Beason family to death, has admitted to lying to police over and over in the days after the murders.

Jason Harris returned to the witness stand today to face hours of questions from the defense in his brother's trial. ...

Madigan Holds Second Cost-Shift Panel

Thu, May 16 2013, 04:25 PM CDT

The battle over pension reform continues at the capitol, as House Speaker Michael Madigan convenes his second panel aimed at shifting pension costs for teachers over to the institutions they work for.

Last week's cost-shift panel was basically a long question-and-answer session, asking schools and school groups what it would take to make this happen and what impact it would have. ...

Local Tea Party Reacts to IRS Scandal

Thu, May 16 2013, 04:37 PM CDT

One day after the current head of the IRS submitted his resignation, the Obama administration is ready to appoint his replacement.

A government official said the president is appointing senior White House budget officer Daniel Werfel to be acting commissioner of the IRS. ...