Communities that are struggling with finances may find that federal grant funds can give them a much-needed boost. But often, the process for completing a grant proposal seems overwhelming.

To help community leaders explore these funding opportunities, a Grant Writing Conference is being held October 1 at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Participants will learn about the tools and skills that are necessary to target valuable grant opportunities,” says Al Zwilling, University of Illinois Extension specialist in project development and sustainability. “Community leaders will learn how to effectively navigate through the federal funding process, and successfully complete and submit high-quality proposals.”

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Ruling to come Monday

After a seven-hour hearing in a packed Johnson County courtroom in Vienna, the case of AFSCME vs. State of Illinois' Department of Central Management and Department of Corrections concluded at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The final ruling will be announced on Monday.

The Honorable Todd Lambert (Saline County) is expected to file his final ruling in the case Monday, Sept. 28.

Watch this website for the latest on the hearing.

An AFSCME rally will be held at 9 am Thursday, Sept. 10 on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn, concerning the injunction hearing to be held at 10 am.
IDOC facilities involved in the rally will be Vienna CC, Shawnee CC, Tamms CC, East Moline CC, Vandalia CC and Logan CC.
The rally will be to support no layoffs statewide and no early release of offenders. 
For more details contact Larry or Joyce Flynn, local 415, at 618-658-8371.

MORE DETAILS IN THIS WEEK'S VIENNA TIMES & GOREVILLE GAZETTE

 A motion hearing that was scheduled for 10 a.m. today, Sept. 10 in Johnson County Court in the case of AFSCME vs. CMS and DOC has been postponed until Sept. 23 at 9:00 a.m.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a Motion for Substitution of Judge on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9.

The hearing on Sept. 23 will be heard by Honorable Todd Lambert in Johnson County.

The hearing is for a "Temporary Restraining Order or a Preliminary Injunction", in an attempt to delay, or completely stop, the layoffs of state employees being performed statewide.