Welcome to the start of our tenth year of publication! We have something extremely special and different for you in this issue…you’ll know it when you see it…and you’ll know why this issue is priced at $3, because believe it…it’s WORTH IT.
Here now are your print headlines for the March-April 2012 issue, which will be on stands beginning this afternoon in SOUTH COUNTIES and continuing through tomorrow (Tuesday) in North Counties, so be watching for delivery updates. The headlines are preceded by a dateline, and by a brief synopsis of the article.
SALINE/GALLATIN COs.—DAY OF THE TORNADO: A review of the devastating storm that took the lives of seven Harrisburg residents and left Ridgway’s St. Joseph’s church in rubble on February 29….eight full pages of photos, two big articles with plenty of photos interspersed….if nothing else, this is a collector’s edition that you’ll want to get probably TWO of, one to read, and one to keep tucked away to show your grandchildren someday.
SALINE/WHITE COs.—Accused of sex with step-son: Maria Rector’s forays into the alleged world of child molestation….complete with the distinct possibility that she was breeding with the child, as well.
U.S. DISTRICT COURT, EAST ST. LOUIS—ISP sued by former sheriff: Former Wayne County sheriff Jim Hinkle has filed a lawsuit against the “sheriff killer” Rick White, and we have the details.
Dee Burgin
EDGAR CO.—Richland native threatens lawsuit: Some people don’t understand what it means to be a ‘public official.” Dee Burgin is one of them. His mislead attorney is another.
RICHLAND CO.—Thug group grows quiet as trial date draws near: The Urps have gone to ground as support for Brandon Jenkins picks up and the trial date approaches.
EFFINGHAM CO.—Former IT guy allowed to plead down two sex abuse charges to giving liquor to minor: The headline says it all….almost. There’s an interesting little twist in the end.
RICHLAND CO.—Drug case leads to questions of falsified documents; could a judge be involved?: There’s something just “not right” about the way dope cases go in Richland, and this story is a prime example of that.
WABASH CO.—City treasurer busted for hands in the till: The well-covered saga of Ericka Whittler, accused of stealing from the city of Mt. Carmel (and yes, they were “public funds”).
BJODeux, tardamundo
RICHLAND CO.—More legislation, some impinging on free trade, some supporting it, at county board: Some interesting happenings at the March county board meeting, the least of which is Brian James O’Neill.
HAMILTON/WHITE COs.—Felonious trio face drug, burglary charges: Some repeat offenders from White who can’t keep their hands off other peoples’ stuff.
PULLOUT SECTION: EIGHT PAGES OF PHOTOS FROM THE LEAP DAY TORNADO AND THE WEEKEND AFTER….THIS IS A KEEPER!
SALINE CO.—Eleventh-hour effort to obtain high-powered defense attorney for Fort: Todd Fort’s jailhouse phone calls continue, each offering more startling than the last.
OLNEY—Lights, licenses and just a little bit of nonsense highlight city council meeting: Some interesting happenings at the late February city council meeting, the least of which is…Brian James O’Neill.
LAWRENCE CO.—A man and his shank featured in meth/pills report: The drug run-down for the county this month.
OLNEY—Paranormal Convention coming to Olney in April—A popular pastime is going to be the subject of an April 28 convention in Olney, and we introduce you to one of the groups who will be there.
Edwards Co. Sheriff Darby Boewe
EDWARDS CO.—More problems with Edwards Co. ambulance: We TOLD ECEMS’ board years ago that this kind of thing was going to happen, but did they listen…? noooooo…..
SALINE CO.—Former prosecutor’s niece sentenced: Cynthia Palmer takes a plea in Kentucky.
GALLATIN CO.—Lane’s problems compounded in Gallatin: Derek Lane, dirtbag, is sued civilly, and good luck to Michael Rapada’s family for doing so.
WHITE CO.—White County man charged in federal child porn case: Terry Wagner alleged by feds to have downloaded child porn. At least he wasn’t actually touching kids, like in 1997…
CRAWFORD CO.—Familiar face in Crawford County busted AGAIN: Paul Hodson, the man whose meth case from 2004 STILL isn’t settled, has been busted for meth AGAIN.
SALINE CO.—Killer allowed to enter negotiated plea: Wrap-up of Ricky Turner’s next 20 years in DOC.
HARDIN CO.—Hardin sheriff’s death leaves county in quandary over who to appoint as successor: Still no word on who will take Smokey’s place until November, but we’re keeping an eye on it for you.
CLAY CO.—Former village clerk busted on drug charge: We didn’t even know a thing about this until we saw the name “Jodi Daws” on the courthouse crawl….
HARRISBURG—Former EMT describes Leap Day Tornado striking country club hills: Recounting of the harrowing situation Chad Mills found himself in when the tornado crashed through Harrisburg.
COLUMNS
SURLY & UNCOOPERATIVE: Because I know Bruce and I know where he’s going
ICY—Fears do sweep down from the skies at times….
PROSE & CONS—Do NOT support your local snitches!!!
KEEPIN IT KLEEN—Seeing the elephant: my foray into local politics
RETIREMENT REFLECTIONS—Legislating chickens in Illinois…what’s next??
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Harsh words for Christy Twp supervisor; Wants answers to questions with racial overtones; We don’t have to ‘slander’ Mykie Mull, he does a fine job all on his own; Disappointed in lack of info on Hanson’s latest; The big question: what’s with all the goings-on in HC?
There is no Back Over Your Tales this month….we’ll bring March 2007 to you along with April 2007 in the April-May issue on stands April 11. In the meantime, enjoy the new look, 32 pages, and extensive coverage of some of the most heart-rending scenes ever to be beheld in Harrisburg in decades….because we know what YOU want to see, and we’re here to bring it.