Illinois quick hits: Nurses reach tentative agreement; fugitive caught after nearly 24 years

Nurses reach tentative agreement

After a year of bargaining, the nurses’ union in Joliet has reached a tentative agreement with Ascension St. Joseph. The Illinois Nurses Association said Monday that the union will review and vote on the new contract over the next two weeks.

According to the union, the new deal ensures that nurses will only be pulled to areas of the hospital outside their specialty on a voluntary basis.

Fugitive caught after nearly 24 years

A manhunt for a Moultrie County man that lasted nearly 24 years has come to an end with his arrest.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced that 72-year-old Herman Carroll was located in Branson, Missouri, after the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force received a lead of his whereabouts.

Carroll was wanted on sexual assault charges that accuse him of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 2000. He posted bail, but never appeared in court to face the charges.

'Map your burn' encouraged

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council are joining forces to encourage all prescribed fire practitioners to “map your burn” and contribute to the annual Illinois Prescribed Fires Accomplished Map.

Officials said prescribed fire, also known as Rx fire or controlled burning, stands as the most effective management practice for maintaining and restoring vital fire-dependent ecosystems. They said controlled burn plays an important role in reducing fuel loads and mitigating the risk of brushfires and wildfires.