Time to close the book on the tragedy that was 2008

If 2008 were a book, it would be a tragedy. Wars continue, recession worsens, a New York team wins the Super Bowl and, locally, big utility increases (47 percent for water rates, 11 percent for electric rates and 9 percent for gas rates), worrisome job losses, state budget cuts, Bush administration kills FutureGen, Illini crushed in the Rose Bowl, Cubs have epic collapse in the playoffs, a White Sox fan wins the White House and Rod Blagojevich (the equivalent of the Cubs' family's mortifying uncle) remains on the state payroll.

We should have treated 2008 like a true leap year and just jumped over it.

Also on this date

• Semi collides with train in Danville
• Mahomet passenger killed; driver ticketed for DUI
• Officers put senses to work to spot drunken drivers
• Changes in Illinois' DUI laws take effect on Thursday
• Warrant issued for Rantoul murder suspect
• Local crews patrolling for potholes
• Residents' complaints about trash addressed
• St. Joseph-Ogden board hears about damage to school building
• Pesotum man sentenced to jail for burglary
• Obituaries

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