News | Thursday, June 21,2012

Jerome officer charged with two felonies

Steven Stirmell accused of filing false paperwork

Former Jerome police officer Steven Stirmell has been charged with official misconduct and obstruction of justice for allegedly filing at least one false report.

News | Thursday, June 14,2012

I’ll have another

With Obed & Isaac’s in full swing, the Conns look ahead

By Bruce Rushton

Court Conn sounds relaxed.He’s sitting at Three Kings, a St. Louis pub, talking via cell phone, as if he had nary a care in the world. It is a Tuesday afternoon. The sun is out. He is, he says,

News | Thursday, June 14,2012

Don’t worry, bee happy

Springfield moves to regulate honeybees

By Bruce Rushton

Sangamon County board member Tim Moore is a Republican who favors government regulation, at least when it comes to honeybees inside Springfield city limits.“The current ordinance is very vague a

News | Thursday, June 7,2012

Jailhouse doctor free to practice

Six months after settlement, no discipline for Peoria physician

By Bruce Rushton

The ill in Oklahoma need not worry about Dr. Stephen Austin Cullinan.The Peoria physician with a history of six-figure lawsuit settlements and a trail of tragedy allowed his license to lapse last mont

News | Thursday, June 7,2012

Crumbling cases

Charges dismissed after a top DUI cop takes the fifth – again

By Bruce Rushton

A second drunken driving case involving former Jerome police officer Steven Stirmell has been dismissed after the officer refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment privilege because he is under

News | Friday, June 1,2012

The ax falls

Secretary of state’s office announces big layoffs

By Bruce Rushton

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is laying off 90 people statewide in response to a 3 percent reduction in its budget.The job eliminations will take effect July 1, said Dave Druker, spok

News | Thursday, May 31,2012

A case of vodka

Innocence Project examines murder conviction

By Bruce Rushton

Vodka isn’t flammable.That basic fact of fire could prove key in the case of William Amor, a DuPage County man serving a 45-year sentence for murder. While not committed to representing Amor, th

News | Thursday, May 24,2012

Leaving homes

Plans to close developmental centers provoke fear

By Bruce Rushton

Judging by a slight smile that stays even as her eyes close and the snoring begins, Kathy likes the feel of sunlight on her face as she stis with her mother in a park near Jacksonville Developmental C

News | Thursday, May 24,2012

Taking the fifth

An officer under investigation refuses to testify

By Bruce Rushton

A Jerome police officer under investigation by the state’s attorney and attorney general last week invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to testify in court. During that proceeding a motorist

Summerguide | Thursday, May 24,2012

Life on the Mississippi

Historic Alton offers something for everyone

By Bruce Rushton

Don’t take the freeway.A drive into yesteryear is best taken on back roads, so skip Interstate 55 and spend an extra half-hour cruising Illinois 111 south to Alton, a great bet for a day trip 90