Judge Scott Drazewski

WOODFORD COUNTY

Judge fails to get nod for retention Nov. 8

An 11th Judicial Circuit judge has an uphill battle for retention in the Nov. 8 general election.

Judge Scott Drazewski, who was sanctioned for violating ethics rules, has not been recommended for retention by his colleagues, according to results of an advisory poll by the Illinois State Bar Association.

Woodford County is in the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Drazewski fell short of the 60 percent score required for a recommendation. He received a 40.15 rating for meeting the requirements of office and 26.72 percent for integrity in the survey. When he faces voters, Drazewski must receive 65 percent approval to remain in office.  

Drazewski returned to work Sept. 1 from a four-month unpaid suspension imposed by the Illinois Courts Commission for violating ethics standards. The discipline relates to Drazewski’s decision to remain as judge in cases involving lawyer Joe Foley. Drazewski and Foley’s wife at the time, Rebecca Foley, who also is a judge, were involved in an undisclosed romantic relationship.  

Drazewski, first appointed associate judge in 1997, received marks above 80 percent for legal ability, court management and health.

EUREKA

Police stop shaving for a good cause

The Eureka Police Department is participating in No Shave November. Started Oct. 24 and ending Dec. 3, some Eureka police officers may look scruffy because they will not be shaving. Each officer participating in this event will donate $10 per week. All funds raised will be donated to the local Boy Scout Troop by fellow Eagle Scout and Eureka Police Officer Andrew Noyes.

Water plant is undergoing maintenance

The Eureka water plant is undergoing maintenance through November. During this process, water color and softness may vary. Water is safe for consumption because it is tested daily per EPA regulations. Any questions or concerns can be directed to water plant personnel at (309) 467-2700.

METAMORA

Halloween story time to be held at library

Germantown Hills Junior Woman’s Club present Halloween Story Hour at the Metamora Library, 208 E. Partridge St., Metamora. The story hour will be held 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 31. Children can wear their Halloween costumes to story hour and afterwards trick-or-treat to the local area businesses on the Metamora Square. Space is limited for the story hour. Call (309) 367-4594 for more information.

Park district starts book club of its own

The Metamora Park District, in cooperation with the Illinois Prairie District Public Library, is offering a book club where adults can gather to discuss books that are on the New York Times bestseller list. Bring your lunch, and the beverage and dessert will be provided.

The Nov. 9 meeting will discuss “The Magicians” by Lev Grossman, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.  at the Park District Office, 717 W. Mt. Vernon St., Metamora.

To get a copy of the book, go to Metamora Library, 208 E. Partridge St., Metamora.

STATE

State jobless rate holds at 5.5 percent

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced that the unemployment rate in September held at 5.5 percent, and nonfarm payrolls increased by 7,400 jobs over the month, based on preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and IDES. Job growth is still below the national average, with Illinois 38,800 jobs short of its peak employment level reached in September 2000.

In September, the three industry sectors with the largest gains in employment were professional and business services (up 5,100); educational and health services (up 1,500); and other services (up 1,200). The three industry sectors with the largest declines in employment were financial activities (down 1,300); manufacturing (down 800); and leisure and hospitality (down 500).

Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 43,400 jobs with the largest gains in two industry sectors: professional and business services (up 23,500) and leisure and hospitality (up 21,600). Industry sectors with the largest over-the-year declines in September include manufacturing (down 12,700) and information services (down 4,000).

–Woodford County News Briefs–