Taxpayers’ dollars being used willy-nilly around the area
SO. ILL.—At a time when the nation, state and local municipalities/counties are more financially-strapped than in anyone’s recent memory, taxpayers’ money is still being thrown around like candy at a fest parade.
Take the most recent boondoggle in Lawrence County—a massive grant being endowed to the city of Lawrenceville for an “industrial park” that’s supposed to “generate $4.7 million in private investment.”
http://www.tristate-media.com/drr/news/local_news/article_589faa42-7ed9-11df-9d84-001cc4c002e0.html
Oh really? How do they KNOW that…unless there’s already someone who stands to benefit from what the grant money will bring in—construction of water, sewer and roadway infrastructure—on standby? Who in Lawrenceville has that kind of money to invest? We can think of only one name: Frank Ladner. Of course with the other boondoggle in the area known as Mid-America Airport under his belt, he’s used to doggles of boon. It’s not like Lawrenceville doesn’t need something like…oh, we dunno…a whole new water treatment facility first before they start slamming in more water infrastructure that, if you use Lawrence’s existing workforce as a gauge, will likely NEVER be used…unless it’s for uncle Frank’s pet projects. Nothing like our ongoing taxpayer dollars going to fund all that.
Then there was this bizarre little tidbit readers in our area were subjected to this week: a ‘mock robbery’ at Citizens National Bank in Albion, outlined dufusly in this article:
http://www.navigatorjournal.com/articles/2010/06/24/news/doc4c2374df822bb181306687.txt
Colby "Cheeseboy" Rigg, in one of his many incarnations
The first thing wrong with this picture is that Wabash EMA second-in-command, Colby “Cheeseboy” Rigg, is playing the villain—AGAIN. We’re beginning to think Cheeseboy has a hidden agenda, a deep dark secret desire to become a criminal IRL. And maybe he is…we just haven’t discovered it yet. Many say the fact that he’s still driving that big white SUV that the county allowed former sheriff Terry McWilliams to squire all his ladyfriends around in for two years is criminal…maybe where he’s driving it to, in the multiple “EMA meetings” he’s called to all over the state, has a criminal element to it. So we hear.
Anyway, Cheese played the bad guy in a scenario where one of the bank employees was shot to death and the bank was robbed. Not a bad idea. However, what might have been a better idea (you know, role-playing and all) might have been to let a bank teller ‘play’ a bank teller. Instead, in this somewhat harebrained practice run, the organizers, whoever they were, had Edwards County Deputy Debbie Judge play the bank teller who gets robbed. WTH?
The whole thing, really, prompts wth reactions…because in order to really know how your staff is going to react in the event of a real bank robbery, you don’t inform the public in advance; instead, you tell your staff that some time during a two-week time frame, within ten minutes of closing each day, there will be a staged bank robbery. Everyone will be in his or her place, the ‘robbers’ will be people familiar to the staff so they don’t pull out a weapon hidden in the recesses someplace, and the “robbery” takes place under somewhat more real, and stressful, circumstances. Nothing like this “pre-announced, pre-planned, we-got-a-buncha-gawkers-standin-around” type ‘exercise’ the likes of which Cheeseboy seems obsessed with (he’s been involved in local “school shootings” scenarios as well, ad nauseum).
The ultimate wth reaction is more along the lines of a WTF…who paid for this? Was this a grant (taxpayers’ money)? Did the various agencies involved pay for the officers to be there (taxpayers’ money)? Or did CNB pay for all of it (private funds)? We’re not told. It’s just one of those glorification-station things local media is so chomping at the bit to cover while they ignore the misdeeds of the local public officials (like a certain police officer who’s threatening to sue the city for some perceived racial slur…si, amigo?)
If you know of a ridiculous use of taxpayers’ money in your community (or even of an incident wherein it simply appears as though it’s a bad use, as in the bank thing), feel free to post it here. We’re sure there are plenty of people out there who are tired of hideously bad roads going unfixed, overpaid ‘emergency management’ people, substandard water systems, not enough police coverage in your city or county, or any other number of poor uses of OUR MONEY that goes on throughout the state of Illinois (readers in other states, feel free to submit yours, too!)
Short URL: http://www.disclosurenewsonline.com/?p=3576
Posted by Chris Beavers
on Jun 24 2010. Filed under Edwards, Lawrence, Wabash.
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WSIL tv had a story about a mock bomb went off in a school in Carbondale,TONIGHTS NEWS}It was funded by a grant from our national security.{TAX $}
As i watched it it looked like nobody knew what the hell they were doing except playing for the camera. What a waste.
I always liked Colby when he worked for me as a dispatcher, he was very good at that job. I have no idea how he does on that Wabash County job but I know that I saw money being wasted big time in Lawrence County and was powerless to do anything about it because my hands were tied by some very crooked individuals on the county board and by committees that they (the county board) gave way too much authority to. If the people actually knew of the waste and theft of their tax dollars, there would be a revolution but fortunately the local papers do not allow the citizens to know what is really going on.
Not enough police coverage was sure not a problem a few weeks ago in Hardin County. Seemed like there were state police everywhere. I was leaving Hogrock after the stabbing took place (didn’t know what had happened at the time) and passed one ambulance coming in and about 20 police cars.
Yeah, well there’s a story to that too, proudmary. Seems the ISP have a beef going with Hogrock’s owner, York. So they dog him when they can. I’m sure admin knows what I’m talking about.
We do. And we know that people of Hardin are tired of Hogrock, but the fact remains that York owns the property, it is PRIVATE property and he can do what he wants on it, and Hogrock brings in a goodly amount of revenue to the area. And of all the ‘activities’ going on over that weekend, for the stabbing to have been the only disruption is a pretty significant thing, meaning that it could have been worse but it wasn’t. I would be more worried about the friggin Juggaloes. Those people are whacked to begin with to want to follow the Insane Clown Posse. That stuff is just SICK.
I have to agree with admn there,When the insane clown posse go to Hardin CO. Prople die. Drugs by almost everyone are brought in.The people around there have to watch everything they own to make sure it stays with them,Not a lot of money is put out in the county,Tax dollares are wasted for police,emergancy rooms are crowed and services are never paid for.
When hog rock is there ,Money is made in the county and surrounding counties.The police go to Hardin co when hog rock is there just to look for trouble.When the POSSE comes to town the police know there is going to be shit happen!
Its the same way when the Rainbow people come around,Beggers,Thevies and dope heads.Its a lose for the people around the area.Nobody in that group has money except the people in the motor home that come in after the camp is set up.But they dont spend any money in Southern IL.
Im just curious as why you think $ is made in the community with Hogrock and not the Clowns?? I feel a steroype coming on. : )
I believe the dope and car accidents that follow the ICP idiots more than make up for any revenue they might bring in…although because they’re generally a bunch of punk kids, they don’t have much money to begin with, and like most punk kids they sponge more than they give. I’m not saying there’s no dope at Hogrock, but the bikers’ substance of choice is usually alcohol, not dope.
I will say this, as an advance statement to anyone who might take offense to my dislike of the juggaloes: I’ve known a lot of people who frequent Hogrock, the Old Town Bike Rally, Sturgis Rally, etc. I’ve never known anyone who goes to those events who is a dislikable person. But every person I’ve ever know who has called himself a Juggalo or Juggalette, to a one, has been a criminal, a freak, or just an out-and-out loser. This is not to say that there aren’t decent Juggaloes/ettes out there…I just haven’t met em yet.
Hogrock people buy gas,food,beer,clothing,camping supplies,and they ride all over Southern IL while they are here.Giveing all the towns,cities and counties there bussiness.They pay for what they need,Have insurance if they get sick or hurt.There are a lot of good people that goes to Hog Rock just to get out and ride.
Now Madhatter tell what the other 2 groups bring in!
Sure the riders bring a little revenue to neighboring counties, but tell me: why do Hogrockers have to act so nasty and disgusting at this event? You KNOW what I’m talking about…any collections of photos online will show that. There are contests that involve women (obviously desperate for attention) stripping off and doing things even most seasoned coked-out strippers would draw the line at. There is constant multitude of illegal activity going on at this event. Drugs, public sex acts, underage drinking- you name it.Deny it, but anyone can Google it and see proof! :p That is what the problem is!!! You protest that it’s private property until someone gets stabbed or had to much to drink! Then the cops and ambulances are welcomed and Hardin County taxpayers flip the bill! The county has already had to lay off two officers and one dispatcher this year due to the county being broke. Hogrock or anything Tim York holds doesn’t benefit the county in any way…it COSTS the county. I, for one, would love to see that crap shut down.
As long as they keep it on private property let them have at it,Dont go look at GOOGLE unless you want to see the people do what they feel free to do.
A lot of the people i have meet and know are Drs, Lawyers, Mayors, farmers, coal miners. Hard working people who has a chance to fell free to get out and express themselvs.
Dabby you have never been to hog rock but you want too, Dont just go by the pictures someone put on GOOGLE, Go and enjoy! You will probley meet someone you know and do bussiness with…
I would dare say, dabby, that if Diane Hubbard hadn’t had her hand in the till up to the shoulderblade, you guys might not have such desperate financial straits in Hardin….even after all these years.
I don’t think that seasoned, coked-out strippers have a line.
I for one, don’t know why we have any laws or ordinances in Hardin County. We live in Rosiclare, & ask to move a trailer on a lot we own for our daughter. We were told it was city ordinance, that it had to be ten years or newer. Then, Bob Gibson moves any peice of crap trailer, he is our C.R. Barnard of Cave-In-Rock. These trailers he has moved IN SO FAR are older ones, so why have ordinances, a board, or a Mayor. Then, we were at Roc 1 as an arrest was going down by a County cop & a State Trooper, & a DRUNK girl, who could barely stand, was right there with both cops, stumbling like there was no tomorrow, & NOTHING WAS DONE!! I worked at P.J.’s Bar & all the bikers who came in were polite & there was never any trouble.
This is really, really late, but I just stumbled across this. Dearest admin, I have something to add to this: “But every person I’ve ever know who has called himself a Juggalo or Juggalette, to a one, has been a criminal, a freak, or just an out-and-out loser. This is not to say that there aren’t decent Juggaloes/ettes out there…I just haven’t met em yet.”
Feel free to come to Lawrence County and meet me. I’ll be working at the library, or in the accounting office at Wal-Mart. I’ll be at the Gathering, as well. And FYI, my husband and I spent several hundred dollars in Elizabethtown and Rosiclare last year.
Also, there were no deaths. And I saw ONE fight in the 4 1/2 days we were there. Some stupid kids visited the ER for heat-related illnesses, but you’ll have that anywhere you have people outside in the heat.
I’m not offended by anyone’s statements here; it takes a lot to offend me, but I just thought I would share the fact that there are, indeed, intelligent, educated, (mostly) normal Juggalos and Juggalettes out there.
Also, I would like to say that even though I know a lot of Hardin County hates Hog Rock, and the various events that go on there, my husband and I very much appreciate the polite and respectful treatment we received from MOST of the locals we met in Hardin County.
Well…since I have yet to meet you, my comment stands. If I do indeed meet you, and I find that you have no criminal history, I will change my stance to I have met ONE Juggalette who isn’t a criminal or a loser…if you’re not a loser that is.
I have an opinion on people who enjoy bands whose lyrics are predominately about beating women (excuse me, ‘hoes’ and ‘bitches’), killing people including family members, gang-bangin and getting stoned. I won’t share that here.
I’ve never heard of Juggalettes. Is it a gang ?
@eileen, head down Rt 1 in a week or so, whenever they are coming back, and you will find out quickly what they are. They are the very dedicated followers of the ICP band. Unlike the followers of the Greatful Dead, this bunch seems more bent on mayhem than the Dead Heads communal-like 60ish gatherings. In some parts of the country, the Juggalettes have achieved “gang” status or STG (security threat group)in the eyes of law enforcement based on their very violent and seemingly random criminal acts. To my knowledge nothing serious has happened since the band has been coming here. Hope it’s just not a matter of time before it does. Hang out at the little gas station at the Rt1/13 intersection. You will see quite a show when that bunch blows into the area.
@shunned…boy am I ever out of the loop. ICP is a musical band? And Juggalette makes me thing of a circus act. I was too young to go to WOODSTOCK and now I’m too old & tired to be a DEAD HEAD… Geez…our world is really coming un-done at the seams. I think I’ll pass the gas station. That’s the last place I’d want to be when the circus comes to town. Besides, I’m one of those people who are afraid of clowns. Thanks for the info.
yep, ICP Insane Clown Posse. I’m all for freedom of speech etc. But the message this bunch has preached since they came on the music scene quite some time ago, is unlike anything I have ever heard. Not my cup of tea for sure, but I guess it speaks to some people. I’ll stick with the devil worshiping bands I grew up with you know: Led Zep,AC/DC,Black Sabbath, that genre. They seem very tame compared to some of the lyrics out there now.
Oh yeah, that’s right…somehow Led Zep was tied in to that Satanic/Manson thing one way or another. Wow. Collectively, that band has about the tamest bunch of song lyrics I believe I’ve ever heard…Hell, The Who was more “radical” and “violent” than anything Led Zep ever promoted….
Poor me…do I now need to dump my AC/DC CDs because they might be devil-worshipers?….
OMG…Insane Clown Posse…now I’ve heard it all. Yeah, all the bands you mentioned were tame compared to today’s standard. I think one of the problems today is the music out there that young people listen to. I remember when MTV first came out. To me it was scandalous and I wouldn’t let my children watch it.What children watch and listen to can affect them in ways they don’t realize and from what I’ve just learned this is an example of that. Like the Phil Collins song admin has posted here…The Times, They Are A Changing…and certainly not for the best.
yeah sorry admin…according to a couple of friends parents i had 30 odd years ago, they weren’t allowed at my house because my parents allowed me to listen to “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black”. Guess they are lucky they didn’t have to raise kids today and have deal with bands like ICP and some of their lyrics!! It’s all relative I guess.
No admin…don’t dump them. Give them to me!…lol.
Now I’m humming so many different songs it’s not even funny…HIGWAY TO HELL…dummdmmdadododoo…
see what the music’s done to me already, I can’t even spell HIGHWAY…too many cookies…too many years ago
Not a loser, promise, lol.
Also, the only time I’ve been in a police car in my life was when I had a flat tire.