10,000 Chicago-Style Pizzas to be Shipped to Overseas Servicemembers

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today partnered with leaders from DHL Express and Pizzas 4 Patriots to send 10,000 Chicago-style deep dish pizzas to servicemembers just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. Pizzas will be delivered to troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Oman.

Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally America's biggest day of the year for eating pizza. Since our troops serving overseas are unable to enjoy the game at home, the not-for-profit organization Pizzas 4 Patriots works to make sure a slice of home comes to them. The idea was originally conceived by former Master Sgt. Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village as a way to show appreciation and bring reminders of home to servicemembers overseas. This is the second year that Governor Quinn has participated in the special send-off event.

"Many of our nation's sons and daughters have sacrificed the comforts of home to join the front lines," Governor Quinn said. "It's up to us to make sure they are not forgotten on Super Bowl Sunday or any day of the year. I'm proud to partner with DHL and Pizzas 4 Patriots to help honor servicemembers by giving them a small reminder of home - the best pizza the country has to offer, from right here in Illinois."

The DHL Express team will be packing and loading all 10,000 ready-to-bake, Chicago-style pizzas from Illinois-based Great Kitchens into DHL cargo jets and shipping them. Once in the Middle East, the pizza delivery will be distributed to Camp Bastion, Baghram Airbase and Kandahar Airfield and then on to various Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Oman. DHL Express will provide door-to-door, final delivery for the distribution, working closely with the U.S. military to ensure the pizzas are delivered fresh and ready to eat. The pizzas are enough to feed every soldier stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Oman.

"Eating a hot slice of pizza while watching the Super Bowl is an American tradition, so it's very special to us that we help make this delivery happen and bring troops a slice of home," CEO of DHL Express U.S. Ian Clough said. "We're delighted to leverage our international expertise and global network to transport this wonderful care package overseas."

Since 2008, Pizzas 4 Patriots has worked with DHL Express to send more than 132,000 pizzas in support of U.S. military personnel overseas, and in 2013 Pizzas 4 Patriots made a Guinness World Record for the world's largest pizza party, with over 30,000 pizzas. For more information about Pizzas 4 Patriots, please visit Pizzas4Patriots.com.

Governor Quinn has made commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families a top priority throughout his career. He led the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program that helps veterans transition back to their daily lives and the Welcome Home Heroes program which helps support Illinois servicemembers seeking home ownership. As Lieutenant Governor, Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who are called to active duty. These grants help servicemembers and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities and other expenses when the wage-earner has left civilian employment for active military duty. The fund has distributed more than $15.1 million to 29,625 Illinois military families to assist with the financial burden at home.

For more information about these and other programs for our veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

Rainfall and Melting Snow Could Combine to Cause Hazardous Flooding

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today reminded people throughout Illinois to stay alert for flood hazards caused by melting snow and rain. In addition, low overnight temperatures could freeze puddles and other wet areas to create dangerous slick spots on roads and sidewalks.

"Everyone should be cautious and look out for slick or flooded roads and sidewalks this weekend," Governor Quinn said. "The melting snow and rainfall, combined with the frozen ground, is a recipe for flooding in many areas. Please travel safely, avoid standing water and watch out for ice."

The increasing temperatures are melting ice on rivers and streams, which could cause ice jams in some areas. People living near rivers and streams are advised to watch the local forecast and to be prepared to follow instructions from local officials in the event of a flood emergency.

If drivers encounter water over a roadway, the National Weather Service advises them to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" (TADD). Many people have been hurt driving over flooded roads that are deceptively deep. The speed and depth of the water is not always obvious and a hidden portion of the road may have been washed out. As little as two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, with drivers having little control over their destination.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway are deploying additional maintenance crews to help clear storm drains to allow any water covering sections of pavement to subside. Patrols will continue until the rain ends. Drivers should dial *999 from a cell phone for assistance if their vehicles become disabled or to report other stranded cars.

For more information about flood safety, visit the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.gov.

Critical State Services Continue; Illinois National Guard Activated to Join Other State Emergency Responders

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by key state emergency officials to provide a comprehensive update on the state's response to the historic winter storm and freeze. As all critical and emergency state services continue, the Governor has also activated the Illinois National Guard to help emergency crews across the state provide assistance during the bitter cold and dangerous weather conditions, which have included a hazardous combination of black ice and snow drifts.

Since last week, the state has deployed nearly 3,700 employees and 1,755 trucks from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) statewide to address the winter weather on state routes, and 200 staff and 182 snow plows from the Illinois Tollway. The Tollway has doubled the number of Zero Weather Road Patrols to assist customers stranded in their cars during the severe weather. Additionally, Conservation Police Officers in snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel-drive trucks are assisting stranded motorists throughout the state and helping find missing persons.

"The state of Illinois has mobilized all resources to keep residents safe while continuing to provide critical state services," Governor Quinn said. "We are facing a dangerous combination of low temperatures, black ice and snow drifts."

"I want to recognize the heroism of our state's first-responders and emergency personnel who have been working throughout the night and day to rescue motorists and provide critical services and assistance in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable," the Governor said.

Update

The Governor has been monitoring weather conditions hour by hour and has directed the state's agencies to take a number of steps in response to the heavy snow and severe cold gripping Illinois.

Yesterday, the Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield to coordinate the state's response to the storm. Representatives from critical safety agencies are staffing the center 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the storm and dangerously low temperatures. As a dangerous combination of black ice and snow drifts developed overnight, Governor Quinn issued a statewide disaster declaration, which activates the state's emergency operations plan and allowed him to activate the Illinois National Guard to help state and local emergency responders with an increasing volume of calls for assistance. As conditions continued to worsen, the Governor implemented the State's Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Plans earlier this morning to ensure continued delivery of critical state response services during the severe winter weather conditions while protecting the state's workforce.

The Governor has also opened the state's more than 100 warming centers, including Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the Illinois Tollway Oases, which are open 24 hours a day. To find a warming center, call (800) 843-6154 or visit keepwarm.illinois.gov.

Heroic Emergency Responders

Stories of heroism by rescuers continue to emerge as emergency responders work around the clock to assist those impacted by the extreme weather.

Personnel from the Illinois National Guard field maintenance shop in Mattoon coordinated with Illinois State Police troopers and Illinois Department of Transportation snow plow crews to assist motorists in approximately 375 vehicles backed up on I-70 and I-57 north of Effingham Sunday evening. The backup was the result of several vehicles and semi-trucks that were stuck in snow drifts, making it impossible for snow plows to clear the route for the cars to proceed. Illinois National Guard personnel used a wrecker to pull the stranded vehicles and trucks from the road, which allowed IDOT crews to clear the road and rescue hundreds of passengers.

"The men and women of the Illinois National Guard are again demonstrating their commitment to the safety and security of Illinois citizens," Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, said. "We train extensively throughout the year to be ready and on the scene to help our neighbors at a moment's notice.  Within two hours of activation, our Soldiers navigated dangerous road conditions in sub-zero temperatures to rescue stranded motorists."

Conservation Police Officer Trent Reeves rescued seven people and two pets that were trapped by snow drifts along Route 47 north of Mahomet. Emergency vehicles could not reach the people, so Officer Reeves traveled by snowmobile and on foot to rescue the stranded individuals and deliver them to nearby emergency vehicles. All of those rescued, including the pets, are fine. Officer Jim Mayes assisted with the rescue, and himself used his truck to rescue six individuals who were stranded on Interstate 74 in east central Illinois.

State officials are advising people to stay safe and take the proper precautions during this weather emergency.

"With the freezing temperatures, black ice is a major concern," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "Black ice forms on roads that appear clear and the unseen ice can be treacherous. We encourage motorists, if they must travel, to take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas - all are prone to black ice. Motorists should use extreme caution, buckle up, avoid distractions and check www.gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest winter road conditions and road closures."

"If you must drive in these dangerous conditions, be sure to stock your vehicle with emergency supplies, such as bottled water, snack foods, a flashlight, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves, boots and other winter weather items," Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken said. "You need to be ready to stay safe and warm if you are stranded along the road for several hours, which is a very real possibility during the current weather conditions."

"Facing such extreme conditions, the Tollway is urging its customers to avoid driving if at all possible," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "For those who must travel, we are asking that you take proper precautions for dangerously cold temperatures and allow extra time for your trips."

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal caution residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.  If appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can result. Symptoms may resemble winter flu or food poisoning, particularly in children, and include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lethargy. Higher levels of exposure can cause fainting, marked confusion and collapse. If exposure continues, death can result. If your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, call 911 and leave the area immediately. Affected individuals should be led to fresh air.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time; do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented; do not use gasoline-powered engines in your house, garage or other enclosed spaces; and do not use a charcoal grill, camping stove or Sterno-type fuel for cooking indoors, even in a fireplace.

The Department of Public Health also reminds people to reduce the chance of frostbite or hypothermia by staying dry and wearing several layers of lightweight clothing; covering your head; wearing mittens rather than fingered gloves; wearing warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of lightweight socks; and covering your ears and lower face.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture encourages pet-owners to keep their pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen food and water. To protect people's pets, they also encourage everyone to use pet-friendly salt when clearing sidewalks and driveways.

More information about Winter Storm Preparedness is available from Ready.Illinois.gov.

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced appointments to the state's Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. Today's appointments fill each of the board's seven positions and will continue the state's implementation of the law.

"These appointees to the state's Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board are highly qualified and committed individuals," Governor Quinn said. "They represent communities across Illinois and they will carry out their duties diligently to protect public safety."

The concealed carry law includes a provision that creates the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. The board is tasked with considering any objection to an applicant's eligibility to obtain a license submitted by a law enforcement agency or the Department of State Police.

Each of the seven board members are appointed by the Governor and will serve until Jan. 12, 2015. After that point, terms on this board will last four years. Three board members must reside in the First Judicial District and one must reside in each of the other Judicial Districts. In addition, the board has specific requirements for membership including high-level judicial, legal, investigative and mental health experience.

Appointments made by the Governor include :

Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board

First Judicial District

Chair Robinzina Bryant of Flossmoor spent more than a decade (from 1997 to 2007) as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago and St. Louis, where she investigated counterterrorism, white collar crime, bank fraud, wire and mail fraud and served as Division Recruiter and an instructor at the FBI's Citizens Academy. She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the Christian Legal Society. She currently runs a private law practice that handles probate, estate planning and guardianships for minors and people with disabilities. She holds a J.D. from Drake University Law School, an M.S. in Education from Illinois State University, and a B.A. in Social Work from Illinois State University.

James Lewis Cavanaugh of Winnetka is a Professor of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, behavioral risk analyst with Cavanaugh Associates, and served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1971 to 1973. He has consulted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Police Department to analyze behavioral risk. He has previously served on the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and the Commission to Revise the Mental Health Code. He holds an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and a B.A. from Williams College.

Virginia Wright of Palatine served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 24 years, working in New York, New Haven and Chicago, where she conducted high-level investigations, specializing in white collar crime, bank fraud and financial institution fraud. She received the Award of Excellence from the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency in 2007. She holds a B.A. from Temple University and also studied at Winona State University.

Second Judicial District

Sergio Acosta of Elmhurst is a partner with Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP and a former Chief of the General Crimes Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. He also served as Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Florida, where he was Chief of the Felony Division. He has also served on the City of Chicago's Ethics Reform Task Force and as Administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board. He holds a J.D. from George Washington University School of Law and a B.A. from DePaul University.

Third Judicial District

John Diwik of Naperville is a Criminal Investigator with the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General and former Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he investigated crimes including mortgage fraud, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud and public corruption. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a B.S. from Northeastern University.

Fourth Judicial District

Patrick John Chesley of Springfield is an attorney in private practice and served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of Illinois for almost 30 years where he prosecuted white collar crimes and was antiterrorism coordinator for the Central District of Illinois for six years. He also served in the Illinois Attorney General's Office, specializing in environmental violations. He holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.

Fifth Judicial District

G. Patrick Murphy of Energy is a former U.S. District Court Judge on the Southern District of Illinois, having been appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 and going on to serve as Chief Judge from 2000 to 2007. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. He holds a J.D. from the Southern Illinois University School of Law at Carbondale and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

As a result of Governor Quinn's efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, residents who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, or to apply to serve on a board, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.