September 22, 2015 - Skyline Newspaper

By Skyline Newspaper September 22, 2015 8 years 347 words

Invasive Asian Carp Swept Up During the 10th Annual Redneck Fishing Tournament

For about a decade, boaters have gotten together in Bath, Illinois, to participate in the Redneck Fishing Tournament. This year, the event ran from August 7 to the 8, but it …

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For about a decade, boaters have gotten together in Bath, Illinois, to participate in the Redneck Fishing Tournament. This year, the event ran from August 7 to the 8, but it did a lot more than provide ample fishing opportunities for local enthusiasts.

The main goal of the tournament is to collect the largest amount of carp in the two hour time limit given.

However, there is a catch (pun intended): boaters are not able to use fishing poles. Instead, participants must catch the fish as they jump in the air.

According to Peoria Public Radio, creator Betty DeFord started the tournament in 2005 in an attempt to rid the river running along to town from an invasive species of Asian carp.

“We started this as a little fishing event to rid these rivers of the Asian carp so we could take our grandkids fishing,” says DeFord. “We had 1,000 people show up that first event that we had, and it’s just grown every year since.”

The invasive Asian carp species has been killing off large numbers of native fish that are the most desirable to those who fish for work or sport. The carp also pose a threat to boaters, as the 40-pound fish are known to leap out of the water when startled by boat engines.

And it is that same leaping that makes catching them so easy. The carp are able to feel the vibrations of the boat engine, which can cause them to jump out of the water. Once in the air, the fish can be caught with a net.

Freshwater fishing is the most popular type of fishing, with more than 28 million fishermen and women devoting nearly 467 million days to the sport. This is how DeFord knew the tournament would work.

“We look forward to doing it ever year,” said Albert Johnson, a regular competitor. “The whole family: wife, grandkids, daughters, all of that’s here. The sites, the excitement, the fish flying in the air, it’s just lots of fun.”

During the last tournament, participants cleared nearly 10,000 Asian carp out of the river.

By Skyline Newspaper September 22, 2015 8 years 516 words

Scorned Lottery Winners File Suit Against Illinois

Rhonda Rasche and Danny Chasteen thought their luck had changed, they took a chance and would be rewarded in money. At least that’s what should happen. Rasche and Chasteen are two …

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Rhonda Rasche and Danny Chasteen thought their luck had changed, they took a chance and would be rewarded in money. At least that’s what should happen. Rasche and Chasteen are two of the reportedly dozens of lottery winners in the state of Illinois that are being told they can’t collect their winnings, according to the Chicago Tribune. Usually the government withholds up to a quarter of jackpot winnings, in this case they’re not giving up any of the $50,000 prize Rasche is sitting on, while Chasteen won a $250,000 jackpot.

“How the heck can they do this, and they’re still selling tickets?” Rasche said. “If I was the one selling raffle tickets and I didn’t pay, I would be sued or in jail or both. I laugh, but it’s not funny. This could go on forever. (House Speaker Mike) Madigan and (Gov. Bruce) Rauner will never get along. It could be 2018 before I see my money. I don’t trust the state.”

They have decided to take the matter to court and demand action. The motion, filed Wednesday, seeks class-action status saying that the lottery committed fraud by continuing to market and sell tickets for prizes they knew they couldn’t currently provide. It calls for temporary stoppage of lottery ticket sales until the state is in a position to fulfill all obligations. It also states that lottery officials and administration be barred from receiving salary payments until the issue is resolved.

Smaller winners are still able to obtain their winnings, but for amounts over $25,000 the state comptroller, Leslie Munger, can’t pay out until a new budget is passed for the fiscal year. The budget, which had a July 1 deadline, may not be decided on until late September or October. That isn’t soon enough for winners like Rasche and Chasteen who have already waited over a month only to be told they still can’t have the money they’re entitled to.

State Representative Jack Franks plans to draft legislation that would allow the comptroller’s office to write the checks for the big winners without a budget.

“They’ve got the money, they just don’t have the legal authority to spend it,” Franks said. “My bill will allow them legal authority to do it.”

The only problem with Frank’s plan is that state lawmakers won’t be back in session until September 24, unless the governor calls them back for a special session. Until then Rasche, Chasteen, and the other big money winners are stuck in lottery limbo.

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