(Springfield)--Legislation to raise electric rates to help pay to modernize the state's power grid is headed to Governor Pat Quinn, who has repeatedly promised to veto it because of the burden it places on consumers. The bill's sponsors predicted Monday they could find enough support to override the Governor if he follows through with this threat.

The bill was sent to the Governor on Monday, nearly three months after lawmakers passed the bill. Senate President John Cullerton used a legislative move to hold the bill in an attempt to block an immediate veto from the Governor.

The energy bill would raise electric rates as part of a three billion dollar plan to give Commonwealth Edison and Ameren money for basic infrastructure and a modern Smart Grid to monitor energy and reduce waste.

- Fillmore trail will be closed from Kinks Corner to School House Road on Tuesday [8/30/11] for road work.
30\11 for road work.

30\11 for street repair.

(Belleville)--The Catholic Dioceses of Belleville is considering closing up to 20 of its 121 parishes because of the loss of population in some areas, and the advanced age of some priests.

Bishop Edward Braxton said in a statement on the diocese's website that parishes will be asked to evaluate their viability. Town hall meetings will also be held to gather input. Decisions on the closings will not be made until after February of 2013.

Reverend John Myler, spokesman for the diocese, says the plan to close some churches are not related to the recent six million dollar settlement of a sexual abuse case against a priest.

The Belleville Diocese covers 28 southern Illinois counties.

Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar has announced that he will not seek another term.

Manar communicated his decision to the County Board members and County Officials in a letter this week.

Manar was first elected to the Bunker Hill City council at age 21 before becoming the youngest Mayor in the County's history four years later. He left the Bunker Hill Mayor's post to fill a vacancy on the County Board in September of 2003 before being elected Chairman of the Macoupin County Board in 2004.

Manar's current term will expire in December 2012 following the General Election.

(Hillsboro)--A new Old Settlers Queen was crowned at ceremonies held Wednesday night in Hillsboro. Miss Kate Ginnard, the daughter of Ray and Angela Ginnard, of Hillsboro was crowned at the new queen.

First runner up was Alexis Moore, the daughter of Louis and Chris Moore. Miss Moore was also named Miss Congeniality.

Second runner up was Autumn Turner, the daughter of Michelle Turner.

Third runner up was Taylor Meyers, the daughter of Shawn and Lisa Meyers, and of the late Tim Meyers. Miss Meyers was also named Miss Photogenic.

Fourth runner up was Amanda Casey, the daughter of Jamie and Neil Province of Panama.

(Vandalia)--Actress and singer Miranda Cosgrove was injured in a tour bus accident near Vandalia. According to spokeswoman Gina Schulman, the star of the Nickelodeon's "iCarly" suffered a broken ankle as a result of the accident that happened Thursday morning on Interstate 70. Schulman says all five passengers on the bus "will be fine."

Cosgrove's "Dancing Crazy Summer Tour" has been postponed as a result of the accident. Cosgrove stars as Carly Shay in the show "iCarly". She has also been featured in the film "The School of Rock", and provided the voice of the character Margo in the film "Despicable Me."

(Raymond)--During the Panhandle Board of Education meeting Monday night, the Board of Education received two requests of interest for consolidation. The first request came from the North Mac School District. The second was from the Nokomis and Morrisonville School Districts. The board agreed to send two representatives to talk with each district.

(Hillsboro)--The Macoupin Montgomery County Crimestoppers is seeking information regarding a theft near Panama. According to Crimestoppers, the theft happened between July 10th and 31st, when a cast iron school bell was stolen from property on Fox Hunt Trail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Macoupin Montgomery County Crimestoppers at 1-800-352-0136, or submit your tip online at macmontcrimestoppers.com.

(Pana)--A 21 year old Pana woman has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident Saturday afternoon on the Raymond-Nokomis blacktop, east of the North Road.

According to Illinois State Police, Amber Beck passed away Monday afternoon. Motocycles driven by 22 year old Zachary Brookshier, and 22 year old Ryan Moore, both of Irving, were eastbound on the blacktop. Brookshier, along with passenger Amber Beck of Pana, were struck by Moore's motorcycle as Brookshier attempted to make a u turn.

All three were ejected from their bikes. Brookshier and Moore were taken to Hillsboro Area Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

(Springfield)--Republican Ron Stephens is resigning from the Illinois House seat he has held for twenty seven years. Stephens has been the senior GOP member of the House. He says he is stepping down for personal reasons.

Stephens represented the 102nd House District, which covers all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, Effingham, Fayette, and Shelby counties. His term would have expired in January of 2013.

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(Benld)--Sixteen fire departments were called to a structure fire at the Coliseum Ballroom Saturday evening in Benld. The fire started just after nine, as the Shadow of Doubt Band was performing in the ballroom.

Three people sustained minor injuries. The building was destroyed as a result of the fire. The Coliseum most recently served as an antique mall. The ballroom in its heyday hosted the likes of Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, and Ike and Tina Turner among others.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.