Lake Co. coroner's office going union
The first-ever union contract covering employees of the Lake County coroner's office is on its way to the Lake County Board for approval.
Coroner Dr. Richard Keller told the board's law and judicial committee this week that the contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is designed to boost security in the office.
"This contract will allow the deputies to see their job as a profession," Keller said. "They will no longer be at-will employees in danger of losing their job every four years."
He said the three-year pact runs through Nov. 30, 2010 and calls for a 3.75 percent pay increase in the first year and 3.25 percent in each of the last two years.
The seven deputy coroners in the office can also earn up to a 1.5 percent pay increase each year by completing designated education requirements.
The deputy coroners will also receive up to $600 reimbursement each year for clothing or other personal property damaged or destroyed on the job.
The contract has a no-strike clause similar to the one in the contracts with union employees in the Lake County sheriff's office, Keller said, and covers all 12 of the office's employees.
The county board is expected to approve the contract at its next regular meeting.
20th year for grant
Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller has announced his office has received a grant to help pay for drug prosecutions for the 20th straight year.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Authority has agreed to provide $204,858 in federal funds to support the drug prosecution division between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30, 2009.
The total division budget of $702,969 pays for six prosecutors, an investigator and three support personnel.
Waller said the division initiated 529 felony drug prosecutions between last October and June of this year, and also provides police training and other support services.
Waller elected
His fellow state's attornies have elected Waller to the board of governors for the Illinois State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutors.
The group provides prosecutors who argue cases on appeal before the state appellate and supreme courts.
Waller and DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Burkett are the two representatives on the board from the counties within the 2nd Appellate Court District.
Heard in the hallway
In the Christopher Schnider attempted murder and sexual assault trial last week, a DeWalt cordless reciprocating saw was prosecution exhibit No. 17. In the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, DeWalt is the primary sponsor of Matt Kenseth in the No. 17 Ford Fusion.